The easiest way to create a basket-style Christmas tree base instead of the traditional tree skirt. This simple DIY project is adorable, affordable, and makes a polished finish under your tree. Below you’ll also find recommended ready-made basket tree collars if you prefer to skip the DIY route.
I recently wanted a basket-style tree collar for a more natural, cozy look, but couldn’t find one locally that fit my artificial flocked tree. After hunting for options and getting a few suggestions, I decided to make my own—and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It’s a fast, practical solution that blends the look of a basket with a secure tree stand inside.
Two Types of Basket-Style Christmas Tree Skirt Options
1. Christmas Tree Baskets
The first trend was placing a tree directly into a large decorative basket. That look is charming and organic, but it can be tricky to find a basket big and sturdy enough to hold the tree stand or base, especially for artificial trees with bulkier stands.
2. Christmas Tree Collars
The second option is a basket-style tree collar: a manufactured ring or collar made to hide the stand while giving the appearance of a basket. These collars come in many sizes and materials and are a neat, fuss-free option if you don’t want to build a stand yourself.
I chose to create a basket-style stand using a store-bought basket combined with a simple internal stand made of PVC, a capped pipe, and cement. This approach gives the best of both worlds: the cozy look of a basket with the stability of a proper tree stand.
Supplies needed for the DIY Christmas Tree Basket
- Heavy-duty 2-gallon bucket
- 1-1/4 inch PVC pipe (cut to the length you need for your tree—choose a diameter that fits snugly around your tree pole)
- 1-1/4 inch PVC pipe cap (or matching size to your pipe)
- Multi-purpose, quick-drying cement
- Large, round basket — wide and deep enough to hold the bucket and hide the base
- Christmas tree (artificial or a cut tree with a central pole)
- Level to ensure the tree is upright
- Other: paint stirrer or mixing stick, water to mix cement, measuring cup, and a few large rocks (optional for extra weight)
5 Steps to DIY your Christmas Tree Basket
1. Cut the PVC Pipe
Measure from the floor up to where you want the base of the tree to sit inside the basket—usually where the lowest branches begin. Cut the PVC pipe to that length. A miter saw or a handsaw both work fine; just make sure the end is even so the tree pole sits straight.
2. Cap the Bottom of the PVC Pipe
Attach a PVC cap to one end of the pipe to create a closed bottom. This keeps cement from leaking through and provides a flat surface for the pipe to stand on inside the bucket.
3. Mix the Cement
Follow the instructions on your cement package and mix in the 2-gallon bucket. You’ll want enough cement to fill the bucket at least 4–6 inches deep; deeper is better for stability. If your cement supply is limited, you can combine cement with large stones to add weight.
4. Cement the Pipe in the Bucket
While the cement is still workable, set the capped end of the PVC pipe into the center of the bucket. Use a level to hold the pipe perfectly vertical until the cement sets enough to support it. Quick-setting cement often holds in 10–15 minutes, but allow several hours for full cure before relying on it to support the tree.
Tip: If you don’t have enough cement to fill the bucket completely, add large clean rocks or sand after the cement cures to increase weight and stability. Be sure the PVC pipe remains centered and vertical while adding any additional filler.
5. Place the Tree in the Pipe
Slide the tree pole into the PVC pipe. Because the pipe is fixed in a weighted bucket and capped at the bottom, your tree will stand upright and be centered inside the basket. Arrange the basket around the bucket so it conceals the stand, then step back and enjoy the finished look.
I made this basket stand for a flocked Christmas tree in my bedroom. We hadn’t had a tree in that room before, and the soft glow of the lights makes the space feel extra cozy. For now I’m enjoying the simple, almost minimalist look with just lights and the basket collar. A few frosted berry picks could be added later if I decide to accessorize.
If you prefer to buy instead of build, many pre-made basket-style tree collars are available in various sizes and materials. Look for collars sized to fit your tree trunk and rated for the weight and width of your tree stand.
If you have questions about the process, measurements, or choosing the right basket for your tree, leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.
Christmas Tree Stands to Purchase
See my full post about favorite basket-style tree collars on the blog for ready-made options and sizing tips.
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