For several tenants, obtaining a Christmas tree is a significant part of celebrating the holiday. However, delivering a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree straight to your Shelby Carter Township home can be a problem – or worse.
As attested by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas trees are responsible for causing an average of 170 residential fires every year, causing an average of 15 injuries, 4 deaths, and $12 million in property damage. Numbers like these demonstrate just how dangerous Christmas trees can be, and may motivate you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, electing for a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree just might provide you a turn to get those innovative juices flowing. A substitute Christmas tree can be constructed out of just about any material you can think of, giving you a creative new take on the traditional tree.
Perhaps if you have an open area in your living room or another good spot, you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. For the more adventurous, consider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could also draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, letting your artistic side shine through. By using removable tape or other materials, you can easily create an affordable “tree” on your wall that can then be quickly removed.
For renters looking for a more 3-dimensional option, think about what you can accomplish using a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever notice how a freestanding ladder resembles a triangle from the side? Wrap a string of lights around it and add a few decorative touches, and you have created a “Christmas tree” that you can use for home maintenance tasks the rest of the year.
If you’re a book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can also add ornaments on top to furnish it for a true holiday feel. Or you can also seek to craft a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can also be painted or ornamented to give it just the look and impression you imagined.
Alternative creative options to consider involve twine and twigs. It is simple to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These exquisite designs can then be spread out anywhere you have the area to display your design. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be hung in a window or mounted on a wall.
Innovative and inexpensive, each of these replacements can be your new go-to Christmas decoration. If you have questions regarding what decorations your landlord will allow, it is important to inform early and habitually with your landlord or Shelby Carter Township property manager. Ultimately, they are your greatest support to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the group at Real Property Management Silverstone can help, contact us online or call us at 586-992-6419.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
