For those who celebrate Christmas, a tree is a big part of the holiday. However, not everyone has enough space to display and store a large, artificial tree. People living in seniors' housing, for instance, may only have a small room or apartment where space is at a premium. Then there are those who just want to live lighter and prefer to celebrate the season in a pared-down fashion. Perhaps you're a renter and need to pack light. In these instances, a small tabletop Christmas tree might be the answer to a space or lifestyle dilemma.
That doesn't mean you have to purchase a tabletop tree. You can make one for yourself or a loved one with items you probably have around the house or can purchase inexpensively at a dollar store or thrift shop.
This simple project makes a nice gift for a senior, as a hostess gift or for a second tree for another room in the home.
All you need is:
Five wire coat hangers of similar size.
About six metres of garland of your desired colour.
One set of mini-lights.
Miniature decorations (if desired).
Electrician's tape.
Hot glue gun.
Start by snipping off the hook part of each hanger. You can do this simply by grabbing the base of the hook with pliers and bending the wire back and forth until it snaps off. Removing the hook section will make putting the base of the tree together a little easier but is not absolutely necessary.
Make the base by taping the hangers in a pyramid shape using electrician's tape. You are trying to create a five-pointed star base. Be sure to space the 'legs' evenly so that the base stands straight. At this point, the tree isn't very attractive but that's okay because the base will not be visible once the project is complete.
The next step is to attach the lights. Plug them in to test them before you begin. Unplug the lights and tape the mini-lights evenly spaced around the outside of the base starting from the bottom, being sure to leave enough of the cord end so that the tree will be able to be plugged in.
Using a hot glue gun, glue the end of the garland starting at the top of the tree and wind it around the tree, gluing it periodically, until the garland is used up and the tree is full. Plug in the lights again and adjust them so they are visible and balanced visually. Unplug the lights.
Use hot glue to attach whatever decorations you can find as desired. I made simple plaid bows from a length of plaid lacing I found at a thrift store and some mini-ornaments, but you can use small balls, beads, pine cones, small-framed photographs, vintage jewelry or whatever suits your tastes. You can customize a tree for everyone from a seamstress to a teacher simply by the ornaments you decide to use.
Voila! Your tabletop tree is complete and will make a great gift for you or someone you love this holiday season. The trees are simple to store because they are light and small and easy to set up again next season. Simply plug in and enjoy.
Wishing you and yours the best of the holidays from my home to yours.
Connieoliver2015@gmail.com
