Certain renters still believe that a Christmas tree is an important part of celebrating the holiday. But delivering a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree to your Farr West home can be an expensive purchase – or and even worse decision.
As stated 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. Stats like these summarize just how dangerous Christmas trees they can be, and may prompt you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, picking a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree may provide you a way to get those stylish juices streaming. 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 can have a wall in your living room or other favourable areas in the home, 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 even draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, allowing your inspired side to sparkle 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, contemplate what you can manage with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever seen how a freestanding ladder appears like 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.
For book lovers, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can even add ornaments on top to give it with a true holiday feel. Or you can even craft a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to give it just the feel and texture you desire.
Further creative options to think through involves twine and twigs. It is comprehensible to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These delightful innovations can then be established anywhere you have a spot to showcase your creation. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be affixed in a window or attached to a divider.
Innovative and low-cost, each of these options might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. But if you do have problems with what decorations your landlord will allow, it is critical to ask early and communicate continually with your landlord or Farr West property manager. In the end, they are your greatest asset to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Northern Utah can help, contact us online or call us at 801-546-1770.
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.
