Decorating the Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition, and a Christmas tree skirt is the finishing touch that brings it all together. Not only does it cover the tree stand, but it also adds a layer of warmth, style, and elegance to your festive display. With a wide range of materials, sizes, colors, and designs available, choosing the ideal Christmas tree skirt can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you find the perfect tree skirt to match your holiday decor.
What Is a Christmas Tree Skirt and Why Do You Need One?
A Christmas tree skirt is a decorative piece of fabric placed around the base of a Christmas tree. It serves several purposes:
- Hides the Tree Stand: Whether you have a live or artificial tree, the stand can look unsightly. A Christmas tree skirt covers it beautifully, creating a polished look.
- Protects Your Floor: For live trees, a skirt can help catch any falling needles, sap, or water drips, protecting your flooring and making cleanup easier.
- Adds a Festive Touch: A well-chosen Christmas tree skirt ties together your holiday decor, creating a harmonious, festive display that’s ready for presents to be placed on top.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Christmas Tree Skirt
The size of your Christmas tree skirt is important for achieving the right look. Here’s how to choose the best size:
- Measure Your Tree Stand: The tree skirt should fully cover the stand but extend beyond it by several inches to create a balanced look.
- Consider the Tree Height: As a rule of thumb, for smaller trees (up to 4 feet), a 36-inch diameter skirt is suitable. For standard trees (5 to 6 feet), choose a 48-inch skirt. For large trees over 7 feet, a 56-inch or even 60-inch Christmas tree skirt will provide ample coverage.
Materials for Christmas Tree Skirts
Christmas tree skirts come in a variety of materials, each offering a unique look and feel:
- Felt: Felt is a popular choice for Christmas tree skirts because it’s durable and affordable. It’s available in many colors and designs, and it works well for homes with children or pets.
- Velvet: For a touch of luxury, velvet tree skirts offer a plush, elegant appearance that pairs beautifully with classic or formal holiday decor.
- Burlap: Burlap tree skirts provide a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look that works well with natural, woodsy Christmas themes.
- Quilted Cotton: Quilted cotton skirts are soft and cozy, ideal for traditional or vintage decor. These skirts are also machine-washable, making them a practical option for families.
- Faux Fur: Faux fur Christmas tree skirts add a winter wonderland vibe to your decor. They’re soft, luxurious, and create a beautiful snowy effect under your tree.
Popular Styles and Designs for Christmas Tree Skirts
Christmas tree skirts come in a range of designs to match different holiday aesthetics:
- Classic Red and White: A traditional choice, red and white Christmas tree skirts bring a timeless look that pairs well with green trees and multicolored ornaments.
- Plaid and Tartan: Plaid tree skirts evoke a cozy, country Christmas feeling. These skirts are ideal for rustic, farmhouse, or traditional themes.
- Personalized Skirts: Customizing your Christmas tree skirt with family names, initials, or a holiday message adds a personal touch that makes it unique to your home.
- Rustic Burlap: For a minimalist, natural look, a burlap Christmas tree skirt fits in perfectly with rustic and farmhouse themes.
- Metallic Accents: Gold, silver, and metallic Christmas tree skirts add a touch of glamor, reflecting the lights from your tree and enhancing the festive sparkle.
- Faux Snow Fur: This style is popular for those who want a whimsical, snowy base. A white faux fur Christmas tree skirt gives the appearance of freshly fallen snow, perfect for a winter wonderland theme.
- Crocheted and Knit Skirts: Soft, knitted tree skirts bring a warm, handmade look to your holiday decor. These are ideal for traditional and Scandinavian-inspired themes.
How to Style Your Christmas Tree Skirt
Once you’ve selected the perfect Christmas tree skirt, it’s time to arrange it in a way that complements your tree. Here are some styling tips:
- Smooth It Out: After placing your tree skirt, smooth out any wrinkles and ensure it lies flat on the floor.
- Add a Tree Collar: Some people like to pair a tree skirt with a tree collar, which wraps around the base for a layered, elegant look. A tree collar can be made of metal, wood, or wicker, adding texture and interest to your tree’s base.
- Place Presents on Top: The tree skirt also serves as a decorative stage for Christmas presents. When placing gifts, try to keep the skirt visible for a balanced look. Stack presents in varying heights for an appealing arrangement.
- Consider Additional Decorations: You can enhance your Christmas tree skirt by adding small decor items like artificial snow, pinecones, or small ornaments around the base, creating a mini winter scene.
Caring for Your Christmas Tree Skirt
To ensure your Christmas tree skirt lasts for many holiday seasons, follow these care tips:
- Check the Washing Instructions: Some Christmas tree skirts, particularly those made of cotton or felt, can be machine washed. For skirts with delicate materials like velvet or faux fur, spot-cleaning is recommended.
- Store Properly: After the holidays, fold your tree skirt neatly and store it in a dry, cool place. Consider using a storage bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Repair Any Damage: If your Christmas tree skirt develops small tears or stains, repair or clean it promptly to prevent further damage.
DIY Christmas Tree Skirts
If you’re feeling crafty, consider making your own Christmas tree skirt! Here are a few ideas for DIY tree skirts:
- No-Sew Felt Skirt: Use layers of felt and fabric glue to create a custom Christmas tree skirt in any color or shape you like. You can add embellishments like pom-poms or sequins for a festive touch.
- Crocheted Skirt: For those with crochet skills, a handmade tree skirt can add a warm, homespun feel to your holiday decor. There are many free patterns online to help you get started.
- Repurpose an Old Blanket or Quilt: An old, cozy quilt or blanket can be transformed into a unique Christmas tree skirt. Simply cut it to the desired size, add any finishing touches, and you’ll have a beautiful, eco-friendly decoration.
- Burlap Wrap: Burlap fabric, some ribbon, and hot glue can be turned into a charming, rustic tree skirt. For added flair, stencil a holiday design onto the burlap.
Where to Buy Christmas Tree Skirts
Whether you prefer in-store shopping or online browsing, there are plenty of places to find beautiful Christmas tree skirts. Popular retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and specialty holiday stores carry a wide selection. You can also explore artisan markets or Etsy for unique, handmade tree skirts that add a one-of-a-kind touch to your decor.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas tree skirt is a simple yet impactful addition to your holiday decorations. It completes the look of your Christmas tree, provides a soft landing for presents, and adds warmth to your holiday setup. With so many styles, materials, and designs to choose from, there’s a Christmas tree skirt for every taste and decor style.
Choosing the right Christmas tree skirt can elevate your holiday decor and help you create cherished memories for years to come.