Tabletop Christmas trees are one of my favorite kinds of holiday decorations. While I certainly appreciate a big tree full of ornaments and lights, I’m always drawn more towards a smaller version. Whether it’s the “mini” aspect that wins me over (because I *DO* love anything mini) or just the ease of dealing with a smaller tree, they’re simply easy to love. Plus, there are all sorts of ways to create your own tabletop tree using any number of things from the thrift store.
Wine Rack Christmas Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Not all wine racks are triangle-shaped. But if you thrift one that is, well…it’s bound to become a funky little Christmas tree, right? Not only is it an easy makeover, but it’s also a great way to display some of your favorite or most unique ornaments, too.
Tabletop Christmas Trees from Corner Shelves
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Any number of us might have completely passed up this very unexciting corner shelf. But not the blogger behind Organized Clutter, because she saw its festive potential as a tabletop Christmas tree. Isn’t it absolutely perfect repurposed like this as rustic holiday decor?
Charlie Brown Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The Charlie Brown Christmas tree is iconic, isn’t it? And this version is not only easy to make, but started as a most unexpected thing: A banana holder from the thrift store! Such a great way to upcycle one of those things and a conversation piece in your holiday decor, for sure.
Folded Book Pages
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
Since there are no shortage of books on thrift store shelves, this upcycled Christmas tree is a no brainer. Folding the book pages into a tree shape is fun and a great way to focus on something other than the holiday chaos all around you. Plus, this version of a folded book tree allows you to create a background design on the inside of the book covers, too.
Thread Cones as Tabletop Christmas Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Old thread cones in the right colors (hello, green and red) are the perfect thing to upcycle into darling little tabletop tress this Christmas season. And they’re SO easy to make with your kids- all you need is pretty sequins and glue!
Reclaimed Door Slats
Image credit: The Interior Frugalista.
There are lots of upcycle ideas out there for reclaimed wood Christmas trees, but this one might be my new favorite. The tree “branches” were created from the slats of an old louvered door, if you can believe it. Isn’t that a great way to put the pieces to great reuse?
Torn Paper Christmas Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These recycled paper trees are fun Christmas craft ideas to make with all sorts of paper. Book pages, sheet music, old Christmas cards- you name it. These secret to their cuteness is the torn edges and the vintage receipt spikes that you use to make them.
Tabletop Christmas Trees as Lanterns
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You might not guess it by looking at it, but this tabletop Christmas tree is also a lantern that looks stunning at night. But the most amazing thing is what it started out as originally! Not the most common thrift store find ever, but definitely worth keeping an eye out during your next thrifting adventure.
Festive Crafts with Pinecones
Image credit: Charleston Crafted.
Nature crafts are one of the most inexpensive ways to express your creativity. Especially if the craft supplies can be found in your own backyard! In this case, pinecones were used to make a wonderful tabletop tree that can be decorated for Christmas or even left plain for winter decor.
Upcycled Stands for Tabletop Christmas Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Chambersticks- those candlesticks you can carry like Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”- aren’t exactly trendy home decor these days. But they are absolutely perfect for upcycling into a base for a tabletop Christmas tree…which you can then fill with candy like these.
Junky Strainer Tree
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
An old conical strainer or sieve is something you might find in a dusty antiques mall. But think outside the kitchen and you might just have to grab it while you’re there. Because look how fun it is as an upcycled Christmas tree! Easy to decorate- painted or natural; all you need to add is a similarly junky base and a few pretty ornaments.
Stacking Ornament Boxes Like a Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once your vintage ornaments are hung on the tree, the empty boxes might be festive enough to use as Christmas decor, as well. Stacked like a Christmas tree so you can appreciate the graphics printed on the sides, it’s a fun and unexpected way to decorate for the holidays.
Nordic-Inspired Tabletop Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With the popularity of all things Hygge and Nordic at Christmastime, I had to try my hand at creating a likeminded tree. And a coffee mug tree from the thrift store (that was missing an arm!) was the perfect thing. Doesn’t it work wonderfully as a tabletop tree?
Glass Versions of Tabletop Christmas Trees
Image credit: Salvage Sister and Mister.
You know how Habitat ReStores always have tons of glass light shades on their shelves? Well, they’re usually only a dollar or two and they’re perfect for creating tabletop Christmas trees like this! The clear glass shades give this version of a mini tree a wintery, icy look, too.
Unexpected Tabletop Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
Talk about making mini Christmas trees from unusual things. This wooden version started out as a fence post cap from Habitat ReStore. And before it was a tabletop tree, it had actually been upcycled into a fun cactus plant! So, technically, this is a festive re-repurpose…
Nesting Baskets as Mini Christmas Trees
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Nesting baskets in the shape of pine trees was an unexpected but delightful thrift store find. Because not only could I upcycle them into tabletop Christmas trees like this, but I can also use them in January and February as winter decor. Gotta love double duty upcycle projects like that, right?
Vintage Flower Frogs as Trees
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
Most vintage enthusiasts have a few old flower frogs in their stashes. Whether they’re the basket version or the super spiky kind, they can be stacked into tabletop trees at Christmas time.
Tabletop Christmas Trees from Thrift Store Finds
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It really is true: the thrift store is full of items that can become tabletop Christmas trees. These ideas have definitely proven that, and hopefully provided you some much needed inspiration for your own Christmas decorations. Big or small, I hope your heart and home is full of Tannenbaum delight this holiday season!
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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