The holidays are upon us, which means homes everywhere are aglow with the festive spirit of the holiday. String lights twinkle over our decorations, familiar Christmas songs and movies drift through our homes, and the joyful anticipation of celebrating with loved ones warms every room. And for many homes, the sight and scent of a Christmas tree is at the heart of the holiday festivities.
While the Christmas tree is the focal point for many households, it’s not always the most accessible option for everyone. For those living in small spaces or aren’t able to haul a big Christmas tree home, there are plenty of alternatives that bring just as much warmth and cheer to your home.
Here at Mayflowers Floral Studio, we’ve compiled some inspiration for those who’d like a low-maintenance and creative option. Here are our some favorite alternatives to a Christmas tree.
5 Alternatives to a Traditional Christmas Tree
Boxwood Mini Trees: Compact, Classic, and Perfectly Festive
If you love the lush, green look of evergreens but want something smaller and more versatile, boxwood mini trees are a wonderful choice. These dense shrubs have glossy, rich leaves that stay green year-round, making them a natural fit for holiday decorating.
Boxwoods act like a blank canvas. You can:
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Wrap them with twinkling lights
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Tuck in miniature ornaments
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Place them in red, gold, or tartan pots
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Keep them simple for a minimalist display
Their compact size means they fit beautifully on entryway tables, mantles, or dining room sideboards. They bring the traditional holiday look without overwhelming smaller spaces.
If you prefer something ready-made and styled for the season, our Of the Forest Mini Tree brings some cozy-cottage charm of a winter wonderland indoors. It’s polished, petite, and just the right size for a holiday centerpiece or accent. You can also visit our collection of Mini Trees to see all the ways you can bring the holiday spirit home without bringing home a huge tree.
Succulent Displays: Long-Lasting Greenery With a Modern Twist
Succulents have become a staple in home décor, and they’re just as lovely during the holidays. Their sculptural shapes, unique textures, and wide variety of colors make them a stylish alternative to a Christmas tree.
There are endless ways to incorporate them:
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Use succulents as “ornaments.” Because they can survive out of soil and water longer than most plants, you can tuck in succulents into your evergreen wreath or garland for a fun, lush twist on holiday decorating.
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Let succulents be the centerpiece! They can be the focal point of a flower arrangement for the dining table or part of a dish garden with holiday blooms. Group them with blooming Amaryllis or Paper Whites for a striking and unexpected look.
The biggest perk? Succulents thrive long after the holiday season ends. With a little sunlight and occasional watering, they’ll continue to grow beautifully into the new year, giving you décor that lasts far beyond December.
Whether you’re decorating a small apartment, looking for something pet-friendly, or craving a fresh take on greenery, succulents are as practical as they are eye-catching.
Pinecones: A Charming DIY Tree That Brings the Outdoors In
Few natural materials capture the feeling of winter quite like pinecones. With their rustic texture and woodland appeal, pinecones make for a warm, nostalgic holiday craft—especially when used to create a DIY pinecone Christmas tree.
Sculpt or glue a collection of pinecones into the shape of a tabletop tree, or scatter them around your other holiday décor. Paint them silver and gold for an elevated look that will have them stand out as ornaments. Even a festive bowl of pines, sprigs of evergreen, and lights can be a casual and festive accent for a coffee table.
If you don’t have access to pinecones in your yard, feel free to stop by one of our shops in Reston or McLean. We may have some in stock or can point you in the right direction to find some. This DIY option is affordable, customizable, and durable. Store it carefully, and you can bring it out year after year as part of your seasonal tradition.
Decorated Houseplants: Your Everyday Greenery, Holiday-Ready
Perhaps the easiest and most sustainable tree alternative of all is already sitting in your home: your houseplants.
Decorating a houseplant for the holidays—big or small—brings instant festive charm without buying anything new. Simply add:
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A strand of lights
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Mini ornaments
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A few bows
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A felt tree skirt wrapped around the base
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A star, ribbon, or ornament topper
Fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, dracaenas, topiaries, snake plants, and even pothos vines can be transformed into holiday focal points with just a touch of décor.
If you don’t already have a plant big enough to dress up, you can shop for one of the many beautiful options in our stores. These plants can be decorated for December and then continue to thrive in your home well into the new year—making them both festive and functional.
Whether you choose something lush and dramatic or stick to a small tabletop plant, this option brings holiday magic to your space while supporting long-term greenery in your home.
The Florist’s Christmas Tree
One of the most striking alternatives to a traditional Christmas tree (and our personal favorite at Mayflowers) is the florist’s Christmas tree, a vase filled with freshly cut evergreen foliage and branches. This arrangement combines height, texture, and fragrance, creating a dramatic vertical display that feels both elegant and modern.
Here at Mayflowers, our cooler is brimming over with a variety of evergreen foliage, so you don’t have to commit to just one type of greenery. Let us mix the soft fringe of pine with the blue-tinted spruce and even holly foliage for a lush, striking arrangement. And with added branches like curly willow or birch, you’ll feel like you have a winter forest right in your home—plus, it’s ready to decorate with lights and your favorite ornaments.
We recommend a taller vase to better emulate a Christmas tree shape, but if you have a favorite holiday vase you’d like us to use, we’d be happy to create a beautiful design in it for you! Stop by one of our shops and speak with one of our designers!
Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree Alternative
A traditional Christmas tree is beautiful and festive, but it’s just one way to celebrate the season. There are many creative ways to make your home feel warm, sparkling, and in the spirit of the season. Whether you choose a tabletop tree, a simple decoration of pinecones or succulents, or a custom-designed florist’s Christmas tree, you’re creating a holiday tradition that fits your home and your style. It’s your personal touch that makes holiday decorating truly magical.