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Friday 4 December 2009

The timeless tradition of the tree

As they turned on the lights on the Christmas tree in London’s Trafalgar Square last night, I had my own little ceremony – switching on the twinklers that adorn my alternative Trithrinax Brasiliensis (Brazilian Needle Palm).

Traditional Christmas trees cause me a great deal of stress. Firstly, finding a tree that fits the height of the room – preferably one with branches in all the right places, is not always a simple task. Then locating the Christmas decorations can be somewhat bothersome, as I’m never quite sure where I put them after last year’s festivities. I know some people love decorating their tree, but I personally find this rather an annual chore. The biggest challenge of all, is keeping the damned thing alive until after the event - by which time, almost all the tree's needles are deposited over the floor, leaving a huge mess to be cleared up (don't even think of going away!) Oh, and there’s the added awkwardness of disposing of an enormous tree trunk from a seventh floor apartment…



It's hardly surprising that others seem to share my mixed feelings - as illustrated by these photos of even more unconventional Christmas trees posted on the internet (click on the pics to enlarge):

I’m not sure this inflatable tree (left) has quite the aesthetic appeal of a real one – and those kitty Santas are a decidedly odd addition... even the cat looks curious.







However, this multi-functional tree of beer bottles solves the problem of where to store your Christmas booze… and you can consume the contents over the Xmas break, hmmm.







An upside down tree is certainly an original idea, but what about the effect of gravity on the needles? This one’s probably best reserved for the artificial variety.








Talking of which, I also spotted some high-tech, designer versions that are most unusual. How about a spinning tree?






Or what about this flat-packed, eco-friendly affair by Australian design team, Buro North? I'm not certain this is quite so timeless in its appeal - and minimalism doesn't come cheap - apparently, this costs nigh on two thousand dollars.









A less costly solution might be to grab a few blocks of wood and add some household candles for decoration (see right).





Or better still, omit the wood and invest in some exquisitiely scented curiosity candles by Mad et Len, from ShopCurious - to ensure that your home smells simply divine over the festive break. By the way, these make affordably luxurious Christmas gifts too.















In any event, although I’m impressed with the innovative array of curious Christmas trees featured on the net, I tend to agree with Amy Jorgensen that, “no matter how a tree is decorated it still symboliszes the timeless Christmas tradition of families gathered together exchanging presents and love”.

Do you?

7 comments:

Devon Dudgeon said...

That beer bottle tree is fantastic!

abril en paris said...

What so special photos and what so sloventy trees..They are spectacular.
I congratulate you on the post.
Besos desde España

abril en paris said...

Sorry what I mean no sloventy, eccentric trees
A kiss

Susan said...

Thanks abril, I thought something had got lost in translation. Sounded curiously eccentric though x

Make Do Style said...

I saw the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square last night so pretty! I tried to sell your tree picks to petit garcon but he had none of it.

My other blog is called Fashion and Film - I've linked it on the post now but I still have posted my review!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

The beer bottles are quite witty, as long as we don't live in earthquake country! Great weekend~
xo*

❤✿PaintHead™ said...

Those trees are cool. My dream tree is one made out of coke cans. I am saving them now so i can make my tree for next year!