Something t put under the tree?

[itstheyearzero]

I am definitely having a real tree this year. We have a lovely big living room, so space isn't an issue, but we do have varnished floorboards and I don't want to spend 2011 picking up pine needles from the in between the boards. So, what can I put under the tree to 'collect' the needles? Needs to be Christmassy but not naff. Also something that I can gather up and shake outside when it becomes too full of needles. Can only think of an old sheet but that would look naff. Any ideas?

Tartan blanket?

A good quality paper tablecloth? You could have a simple colour like green or as christmassy as you like. Sainsbury's usually have them and you can fold it up/ cut it as small as you like.

Oooh both good ideas! I have an old tartan picnic blanket somewhere, but the tablecloth idea sounds good too, and might look a bit more Christmassy. Why didn't I think of that???

Or just crepe paper? I had a blue sprucey type tree last year and I have it up stupidly early (first Dec weekend) - it hadn't dropped any needles other than those pulled off through bauble mishandling when I took it down after Christmas. They're a little more (about £10 more locally) but so worth it, our family still talks about the Tree of Death that was bald by the big day.

Great Little Trading Co do those white circular material things with Christmas pics on that fit under the tree and cover the base and the floor. Maybe a tad naff

Great ideas but just wanted to add that you might need to be careful not to get paper cloth or crepe paper wet (think trees with roots need watering). I think the dye comes out pretty easily and could stain your floor.

Sorry to be such a killjoy Christmas scrooge!!

Oh that's true about crepe paper, good point. Horrible stuff for staining.
My local charity shops seem to have lots of random christmas fabrics for some reason, you might be able to pick one up.

You can buy tree skirts that go under the tree, which are big fabric circles that cover the stand and would probably catch all the pine needles.
www.shopwiki.co.uk/Christmas+Tree+Skirt
You could probably make one quite easily if you are at all crafty.

Oooh those tree skirts look good! Has anyone used one?

Of course I like the really expensive ones. Doh!

Zero, there's Christmas oilcloth in my local department store (not a chain) for about £6 a metre. Waterproof, resusable and festive, I may recarpet in it

Something stiff that won't ruckle everytime it gets touched. I suggest an off cut of carpet that can be bought cheap. Or lino. If it just so happens to be green, red, gold so much the better!

oooh for those of you that put your tree up at the beginning of december - do you just stand the tree in water or do you add something to the water?

Ours goes manky and smelly a week or som before christmas - fairly convinced it's because DH puts loads of sugar in the water and so the whole thing ferments!

If you're prepared to do a little bit of sewing a cheap red fleece blanket can easily be made into a tree skirt.

www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.757670.cm_scid.KeywordSearch I've bought this,it's lovely and really big.

Warning - pine needles will spread all over your house whatever you do. From the initial bringing in, to the final dragging out, via any time anyone brushes up against it no matter how gently, it will shed.

So you may as well choose just for decorative reasons, not with a real hope of easier clearing up.

Ooh pissedrightoff, I absolutely love that one. It would look fabulous in my living room. What colour did you get? And yes onimolap, I am under no illusions, but I will do my utmost to limit the spread. Wish me luck...

Hi, I got the burgundy option. The stockings are gorgeous too.

i have a tree skirt! it was £2.00 in wilkinsons. its white felt with sparkly bits all over and looks almost like snow.