alternative christmas trees ~ ideas for those who think outside the box

I have a special treat for all of you.  We have a special guest post today...

Hi there Blissful readers, Susan Hazel here from Under the Cottonwood.  When Colleen asked me to do a holiday themed guest post, I jumped at the chance to share a fun new holiday decorating idea: alternative Christmas trees.  As a little girl, we always had a fresh cut fir tree.  It made the whole house smell of pine and the memories I have of picking out the tree are priceless.  But, having a live tree is not always practical.  For example, this year, I am living in an apartment and my boyfriend and I will be spending the holiday with his parents (who undoubtedly have a lush fresh pine, tree, aptly decorated).  I love decorating for Christmas, but I didn't want to buy a tree since we wouldn't be at our home for the holiday.   I wanted to have the essence of a Christmas tree without the actual tree, so I went for a small faux silver tree, with a few delicate ornaments.  I love the silver tree, but there are a whole slew of other ideas out there too.  Take a look:

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Photo Credits: 1. Simply Grove 2. Apartment Therapy 3. MarthaStewart.com 4. Pinterest 5. Not Martha 6. I Need Nice Things 7. West Elm  8. Decor8