For a lot of renters, acquiring a Christmas tree is an essential piece of celebrating the holiday. However getting a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree in your Toledo home can be an extravagant inconvenience – or worse.
As per 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. Data such as these explain just how dangerous Christmas trees are, and may encourage you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, choosing a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree may present you an opportunity to get those imaginative 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.
For instance, if you have an available area in your living room or another suitable spot, you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. If you want to be more daring, consider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You can even draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, allowing your creative aspect beam 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 tenants looking for a more 3-dimensional option, consider what you can achieve with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever considered how a freestanding ladder seems like a triangle from a certain viewpoint? Wrap a string of lights around it and add a few decorative touches, and you have created a “Christmas tree” that you can utilize for home maintenance tasks the entire year.
Then for the book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can then add ornaments on top to give it the true holiday feel. Or you may craft a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard attached to each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to give it just the feel and decoration you desire.
Alternative creative options to consider comprise of twine and twigs. It is easy to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These gorgeous productions can then be shown anyplace you have to show off your creation. For a more rustic approach, consider tying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be suspended in a window or affixed on a wall.
Imaginative and economical, every single one of these selections could just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. If you do have issues regarding what decorations your landlord will allow, it is crucial to disclose it promptly and repeatedly with your landlord or Toledo property manager. Eventually, they are your best way to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more details about how the team at Real Property Management Clarity Team can aid, contact us online or call us at 567-200-2320.
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