Ideas for Christmas decorations in the absence of Christmas tree!

[RecursiveMoon]

DS is 15 months old, so we've decided not to have a Christmas tree this year. We'd like to buy some new Christmas decorations though, does anyone have any ideas? So far we have some fab Santa + reindeer etc. window stickers from John Lewis, some white fairy lights, and 3 stockings. We're also planning to get some tinsel for the stairs (galley stairs, if that actually is a phrase!), and some outside fairy lights for a bush/tree in the garden.

TIA!

[girlywhirly]

A garland over a fireplace
A wreath on an internal door or on a wall
A small 2-3ft Christmas tree on a sideboard or table
Christmas bunting

[RecursiveMoon]

Thanks for all of the ideas girlywirly!

I like the garland idea, but the mantelpiece tends to be full of random bits and bobs . And I love the bunting idea, but I haven't found any that I like. Santa DH has bought me a sewing machine for Christmas, so I could always make one for next year!

[VoldemortsNipple]

Do you have a picture rail? I have hung strips of silver ribbon of alternating lengths, then tied baubles to the ribbon at about 6" intervals. It looks very effective and Christmassy.

I agree about garland on the fireplace, could you not clear the mantle piece until January.

[UniS]

So far I have

1 tinsel , bauble and fairy light bedecked window.
1 rope light swagged round inside our conservatory ( back porch)
1 set of start fairy lights on teh cross beam of said conservatory.
Christmas cards blue tacked to side of banisters in the hall.

Still to come

Festoon ( big fairy lights) in a tree in garden,
tinsel round banisters - this may not be a good idea for you with a crawler/ crusier/toddler.
Paper snow flakes inside some windows.
Stars hung inside the window of the front door ( that we never use).
Paper chains round dinning room, depends on how long a string DS and I make.
Wreath on front door

Love the idea of christmas bunting... might pinch that.

[goingmadinthecountry]

I think it's sad not to have a tree when you have little ones. I have 4 kids (older now), cats and a dog and it's never been an issue. Always had a real tree. Where does Santa leave the presents?

[UniS]

We have a tree- in a pot, used it for the last two years just fine, but this year its looks rather worse for wear, has very uneven needle cover and just won't look good.
Father christmas will as usual leave a full stocking on the hearth , next to the stove. Other presents will be put on top of the (closed) toy box on Christmas morning.

[Albrecht]

Ds is 17 months and I've hung some tree decorations from the lights which I've put round the room, along the bookcase, over the curtain rail etc. Also placed other ones on random shelves, in fruitbowl, on vases, dishes, from kitchen cupboards, noticeboard etc. Star is on top of the fishtank!

I'll put the tree up on Christmas eve so we have it for Christmas and see how it goes.

Also candles where they can't reach them but are nice to see and smell. And making pompom and felt decorations and biscuits which will be fine for him to get his hands on.

[droves]

Do this ....get medium size cardboard box.
Cover in wrapping paper tie ribbon around it.
Fix dry oasis with hot glue gun to box
Get silk poinsettia heads and green foliage ( ivy , holly "silks")
Spray some pinecones gold or glue and glitter them.
Cut foliage , push into dry oasis , put poinsettia heads ( 2 or 3 depending on size of box ) into oasis ,secure with hot glue. Glue pinecones in to cover spaces . Add ribbon bow to finish.

Taa-da ! .

[mummymccar]

We have a large vase full of baubles on our window ledge which looks gorgeous

I also have a hurricane lamp which I've filled with candy canes and put in the kitchen window. Looks very pretty - even my neighbour complimented me on it!

Lots of candles (lit after baby is in bed of course)

Aldi have some letters that spell out things like 'Xmas' and 'Noel' at the moment which look quite pretty on the bookcase.

Our dining room table has a stack of cereal boxes which I wrapped in Xmas paper and gold ribbon. Looks fantastic!

Paper chase also have a gorgeous reindeer that I love. He is in my window right now and is one of my favourite decorations. Think he cost about £6.50 too!

[oreocrumbs]

Lakeland wall tree
How about something like this?