Lessons I’ve Learned From A Tabletop Mini Christmas Tree
7 fun and festive ideas for decorating a mini Christmas tree. Easy inspiration to make your old Christmas tree look like new!
If you’re thinking about down-sizing to a smaller Christmas tree, this is the post for you. It’s a big decision, and chances are your family will have something to say about it! Mine definitely did…but at the end of the day, it was my decision to make.
I decorate our home for Christmas by myself, and it became impossible for me to get our big Christmas tree upstairs from the basement. I honestly switched to the mini Christmas tree because it was either that, or no tree at all.
It took everyone, including me, a few years to get used to the tabletop trees. I enjoyed the challenge of making each mini tree look new and different every year. What follows are the various ways I’ve decorated our mini Christmas trees, seven ways in fact. Tabletop Christmas trees are perfect for any home, and are especially good for small spaces. They can perch on a side table, kitchen island, a large mantel, or they can be the centerpiece of a dining table. Take a look, and I’ll see you at the end.
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Mini Christmas Tree Sources
Grain Sack Ornaments + Willow Bucket
Tiny ornaments made from red striped grain sacks, a grain sack pennant banner, and handmade clay ornaments. A willow bucket container and white string lights. Small gift boxes wrapped in kraft paper.
*Although I tried, I could not find a source for a similar willow bucket.
Buffalo Check + Enamelware
A vintage enamelware basin container with white lights. Red and black buffalo check handmade ornaments along with red balls. White felt stars, and pinecones tucked around the tree base.
See the tree {HERE.}
Cranberry Garland + Willow Basket
The willow basket returns along with the white lights. Traditional red cranberry garland that has moved around our Christmas decor for many years. Pinecones tied on with twine, red balls, and felt stars.
See the tree {HERE.}
Galvanized Ornaments + Burlap Garland
My personal favorite. Red-trimmed burlap ribbon used as tree garland. Assorted galvanized metal ornaments and one of the cutest galvanized star tree toppers ever. Once again the willow basket returns, along with pinecones, and of course, white lights.
*Galvanized ornaments are no longer available.
See the tree {HERE.}
Red Gingham + White Stars
A darling red gingham bucket container, white lights, and a handmade wool felt star garland. Simple but festive. See our Sutton Place home tour, and more of this mini Christmas tree.
*Red gingham bucket set no longer available.
A Trio of Trees
After five years, I decided that new holiday decor was needed. This trio of small trees in red plaid buckets was so fun, it was bright and light, and welcoming.
A Pair of Trees in Ohio Stoneware
The trio of trees was reduced to two, and I placed them in Ohio Stoneware…which I loved. The handmade felt ball garland and white lights added sparkle, texture, and a little magic. We didn’t know it at the time, but this was our last Christmas at the Sutton Place house.
I’d like to share a few final thoughts. I’ve actually learned a lot from these tabletop mini Christmas trees. First of all, in the grand scheme of life, the size of your Christmas tree doesn’t matter. What matters is that you make an effort to provide a festive atmosphere for your family.
Second, it’s OK to let some traditions go. When I finally gave myself permission to give up on a big tree, it was such a relief. If I had enjoyed the whole process, it would have been different…but I didn’t. To me, it was just work. So letting all of that go made my Christmas easier, there was still plenty of holiday spirit, and it was definitely less stressful. (Because remember, if you put a big tree up, you have to take it down.)
Finally, I’ve learned that if we grant ourselves just a little bit of grace when we need it the most, life is better. I admire all the bloggers out there who put up multiple big trees during the holiday season…but you won’t find any of that here. What you will find is a mom and grandma who does the very best she can…and with a great deal of love. That is enough for now.
Will I ever go back to a big tree? I have no idea…because another thing I’ve learned is to never say never.
Update 2022
I’m glad I wrote that last paragraph, and included the part about “never say never.” In November of 2021, we made the life-changing decision to sell our house on Sutton Place, and downsize to a smaller home. You can read about our first Christmas at the Sugar Maple house HERE.
It was a pleasure to put up a big tree, because so many aspects of the process had changed with the move. Our kids and grandkids loved it. But the 7 years we used mini Christmas trees as the center of our Christmas celebrations were wonderful, and there was no shortage of holiday cheer.
Now I’m going to turn the tables and ask: “Will I ever go back to small Christmas trees?” I have no idea…but if I’ve learned anything from this whole experience, it’s to never say never!
Thank you so much for listening and for your friendship. Happy holidays!
