The easiest way to make a Christmas tree basket in place of a classic tree skirt. It's a simple DIY project and so adorable! There are also great basket tree collars if you'd rather not make anything.
I recently went hunting for a basket-style Christmas tree collar because I love the look, but I came up empty locally. Readers kept asking where to find them, and I think it was a happy accident that I couldn't, because I ended up making my own and love it even more!
Two Types of Basket-Style Christmas Tree Skirt Options
1. Christmas Tree Baskets
The first Christmas tree baskets appeared about a decade ago, when trendy home decorators set their trees into an ordinary basket from the store. I love this look, but it was hard to find a basket large enough to fit the stand on my artificial tree.
2. Christmas Tree Collars
The second basket option came when stores caught on and started making basket-style tree collars, like this one. (I'm sharing my favorite basket tree collars at the end of the post in case the DIY route isn't for you.)
I decided to make one of the basket tree stands using a basket I found at the store. It was the perfect size for my tree, but too small to fit the stand for my flocked artificial tree.
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) Pick a size that fits snugly around your Christmas tree pole. Mine has a little wiggle room in the 1-1/4 inch pipe, but it's fine.
- 1-1/4 inch PVC pipe cap – or whatever size matches your PVC pipe
- Multi-purpose, quick-drying cement
- Large, round basket (like this one)
- Christmas Tree (I used this one, but use any tree you have!)
- Level
- Other: paint stirrer, water to mix your cement, measuring cups.
5 Steps to DIY your Christmas Tree Basket
1. Cut the PVC Pipe
Cut the PVC pipe to fit your tree. I measured from the floor to where the branches start, and it came to 10 inches. I used my miter saw, but I'm sure a hand saw would work just as well!
2. Cap the Bottom of the PVC Pipe
Place the PVC pipe cap on one end of the pipe you just cut.
3. Mix the Cement
Mix the cement following the directions on the box, in the 2-gallon bucket. You'll need enough to fill the bucket at least 4-6 inches, and preferably more.
I was using up cement I already had, so I didn't have much. I ended up with enough to set the pipe, but I needed some large rocks to weigh down the bucket.
4. Cement the Pipe in the Bucket
Before the cement sets (right after mixing), push the PVC pipe, cap end down, into the mixture. Keep it straight (check with your level) until the cement firms up enough to hold it. The cement I used took about 10-15 minutes to set enough for me to leave it. Let it dry for several hours before you use it with the tree.
Note: I only had about 6 cups of cement mix on hand and didn't want to buy more at the store. It was enough to hold my pipe straight up, but with a full box of cement I would have filled the bucket about three-quarters of the way. Instead I used rocks to weigh down the bucket and left it as is.
5. Place the Tree in the Pipe
Slide your Christmas tree pole into the PVC pipe, then step back and admire your beautiful Christmas tree basket!!
I made this Christmas tree basket for my new flocked tree in my bedroom. We had never had a Christmas tree in our bedroom before, and I absolutely LOVE it! We now put this tree in our bedroom every year, see it here.
In our old house, we could see the tree from the main living area when we looked down the hall, so it was visible from every direction. The glow in the bedroom is so cozy, too!
This year I'm planning to leave it bare. I thought about adding some frosted red berry picks, but for now I'm enjoying the simplicity of the tree with the lights in the bedroom.
Let me know if you have any questions about the process in the comments, and I'll be happy to answer them!
Christmas Tree Stands to Purchase
See my full post all about my favorite Christmas tree collars HERE.
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