With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are getting into the spirit of the season by sprucing up our homes with a little festive décor. Before you shell out for that live evergreen however, you may want to check whether your building will allow it. Many condo boards don’t permit live trees to be used due to the fire hazards they can pose, and the mess they can cause in common areas (if you’ve ever tried to transport even one live pine tree, let alone say, 200 in a condo building, then you can probably picture the foliage rug that would result – not a pretty sight!)
While there’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh pine, artificial trees have come a long way over the years and there are some great alternatives for condo dwellers who want to have their Christmas tree (and put it up, too.)
Details after the jump...
- If you’re looking for a no-fuss, no-muss solution and have the luxury of a little extra space, there’s been a lot of buzz about the Pre-Lit 7-ft Perfectree™ (reg.$329.99.) Aesthetically speaking, this is a pretty close alternative to having a live tree with the benefits of being pre-lit, pre-shaped and a claim that set-up takes only a minute.
- For smaller spaces, the Noma Pre-Lit 7-ft Bavarian Half Tree (reg.$129.99) provides a clever, practical solution to an all-too-common problem in condos and other small spaces by cutting down half the space taken up by conventional trees.
- This Set of 2 Pre-Lit 4-ft Christmas Trees (reg.$99.99) is an elegant alternative to a larger tree, suitable for your front foyer, alongside a doorway or perhaps beside a fireplace if you’re so lucky!
- And for those who are seriously spatially-challenged, something similar to the minimalist Mini 16” Tinsel Tree with Ornaments (reg.$12.99) conserves prime real estate while adding a touch of holiday flair to your tabletop.
- If you can’t imagine Christmas without the fragrance of pine throughout your home, a fresh holly wreath or pine-scented air freshener are good alternatives in lieu of a live pine tree.
- For a holiday party, lighting a few simple tealights or candles on plates is an easy way to set a festive mood. Setting the candles on a mirrored surface really takes this to the next level!
- Place ornaments or pinecones in a glass vase or bowl to dress up a coffee table.
- If you find yourself the lucky recipient of many holiday cards, clear the clutter by slipping them all into a Metal Card Holder (reg.$9.99) – and proudly display your collection at the same time!
We’d love to hear your handy holiday tips for condo dwellers! Please share your ideas in the Comments
