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DIY: Basket Christmas Tree Collar

December 1, 2013 · By Diane Henkler · 49 Comments

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How to make a Christmas Tree Collar to hide the tree stand using a Dollar Store find.

How-to-make-a-Christmas-tree-stand-cover-out-of-a-basket

Remember this huge basket I found at the thrift store a few months ago?

I had you try to guess what I was going to do with it.

Well…  it is finally time to show you.

How to turn a basket into a Christmas Tree skirt

I transformed it into a Christmas tree collar.

Christmas tree collar. Christmas-Tree-Skirt-made-using-a-basket

I have always wanted a basket collar, but they can be pricey and it was not a necessity to decorate for Christmas, so I did without.

Thrift-Store-Finds

Until I saw the big basket at the thrift store for a whopping $6.90, I was beyond excited.

I could not use it as is – it needed a few tweaks, but nothing a hack saw, wire cutters, and some stain couldn’t take care of.

How to Transform a Big Basket into a Christmas Tree Skirt

supplies needed:

  • large basket – with or without a handle. The measurements of mine: 12″ high. Diameter: 20″ wide at the top, 24″ at the bottom.
  • hack saw
  • wire cutters

Optional:  Rustoleum Weathered Grey stain and a paint brush

How-to-make-a-basket-Christmas-Tree-Skirt

1. Use a hack saw to remove the handle.   After handle is removed, remove any small reeds that were used to hold the handle in.  They will slip right out.

Tutorial-on-how-to-make-a-basket-Christmas-Tree-skirt

2.  My tree stand is wide, so I needed to flip the basket upside down so the wider section of the basket was at the bottom.

Christmas-Tree-skirt-ideas

3.  To remove the bottom of the basket, look for the area where the smaller weave ends. This is where you want to cut.  Use wire cutters to cut the reeds that connect to the basket’s side.  Make sure you are not cutting the side  horizontal reeds – you only want to cut the vertical reeds.

DIY-Christmas-Tree-skirt-make-using-a-basket

4.  Carefully remove the bottom.  It will look like this.

Christmas-Tree-Collar idea DIY

5. Use the wire cutters to trim any rough reeds that may be sticking out along the top edge.

Christmas-Tree-collar-made-using-a-large-basket

6.  You could leave your basket the color it is, but I wanted my basket to look a bit weathered. I used Rustoleum Weathered Gray stain. I applied it with a brush and then quickly wiped it away to expose some of the original color.  Let dry. Here are some more tips for painting baskets.

Christmas-Tree-Stand-and cover Ideas

7.  Place on floor around tree stand, then place your tree in the stand. I always place plastic under my stand just to make sure no water gets on the floor.  I bring the ends of it up and around the stand.   You don’t see it when it is in the basket.

How to turn a basket into a Christmas Tree skirt or Christmas Tree collar

Now I have to get the tree decorated this week.

How to DIY a Christmas tree collar using a basket. #Christmas #Christmastree #christmastreecollar #ChristmasDIYdecor

For more ideas on Christmas collars, skirts and stand covers from my blog archives, click on the links below —>

Christmas Tree Stand Cover Using Frames

Metal Christmas Tree Skirt

Christmas mantel decorating idea that repurposes an old window sash to create a frosted window pane holiday mantel. #Christmasdecorations #ChristmasDIY, #ChristmasRepurposedDecor #TraditionalChristmasDecorationsChristmas Mantel Decorating: Frosted Window Panes
Plaid Fabric Christmas tree collar using a staple gunChristmas Tree Stand Cover Using Photo Frames
Monogrammed-and-personalized-Christmas-stockingsHanging Christmas Stockings

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Filed Under: Christmas Ideas, Christmas Tree Decorating, Decorating and Craft Ideas, Holiday Decorating Projects

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Comments

  1. Pat Vincent says

    11/21/2020 at 9:35 am

    Really like your tree collar ideas.

    Reply
  2. Lainie says

    12/04/2017 at 9:47 am

    Thank you so much for the instruction! I have been looking online for a collar to fit our stand but haven’t had much luck, so your tutorial is very helpful. Like Harmony, I’d love to know how hard it was to adjust the tree once it was placed on the stand. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/04/2017 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Lainie – I found my basket in the summer when I wasn’t even looking for it. You may find one when you least expect it. It is not hard to adjust the tree after the stand is in the basket. I do have to get down on my hands and knees and put my hand over the basket and feel for the knobs that turn the screws into the tree to hold it up. I had to do the same thing with a previous tree stand cover I had. There is one thing I do have to do though. I have to place the stand on the floor and then the basket over it. If I place the basket on the floor first, the bottom diameter of the stand doesn’t fit over the top dimension of the basket. I hope you find one that fits your stand. Happy Holidays.

      Reply
  3. Harmony says

    12/03/2017 at 6:04 pm

    Was it difficult to screw the tree into the tree stand with the basket around the tree stand? I would imagine it doesn’t make it easy?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/04/2017 at 1:21 pm

      Hi Harmony –

      It is not hard to adjust the tree after the stand is in the basket. I do have to get down on my hands and knees and put my hand over the basket and feel for the knobs that turn the screws into the tree to hold it up. I had to do the same thing with a previous tree stand cover I had. There is one thing I do have to do though. I have to place the stand on the floor first and then the basket over it. If I place the basket on the floor first, the bottom diameter of the stand doesn’t fit over the top dimension of the basket. Happy Holidays.

      Reply
  4. Jenn says

    11/20/2017 at 2:57 pm

    What kind of a tree is that?

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/20/2017 at 3:02 pm

      Hi Jenn – It is a Douglas Fir. If you can’t find one of them, Fraser Firs have nice shapes, also.

      Reply
      • Jenn says

        11/20/2017 at 3:04 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
  5. Tracey Hewison says

    11/06/2017 at 8:11 pm

    Brilliant idea and if I can find the right basket, I’ll save myself about $50!! Could you tell me, what is the diameter and height of your finished collar?? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/06/2017 at 8:38 pm

      Hi Tracey – The basket collar is 12″ high. Diameter: 20″ wide at the top, 24″ at the bottom.

      What is most important though is getting exact measurements of your tree stand so that the widest part of the basket (top or bottom) fits over your tree stand. For the height, you want to make sure it hides your stand.

      Reply
    • Tracey Hewison says

      11/06/2017 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you for the tips, Diane, it’s funny because right after I had the very same thought….measure our base! I will be going to a cabin this weekend with my sister and I will be on the hunt in the thrift/antique stores for the perfect basket! :-) I also noted that I had a pretty good basket that’s currently holding a bunch of stuffies but I don’t think it’s tall enough. Darn!

      Reply
  6. Emy says

    10/25/2017 at 9:15 am

    Good idea!! IT’S class and rustic! I love thanks

    Reply
  7. Lisa McWilliams says

    11/19/2016 at 4:39 pm

    GREAT idea!! I wanted to use a basket but worried how to water a real tree…this solves the problem!!?

    Reply
  8. Desiree @ Christmas Trees London says

    11/10/2015 at 9:02 am

    Such a simple, yet brilliant idea! Why didn’t I ever think of this. Each year we are stuck with the ugly tree skirt and I cringe every time I look at it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea, definitely will try it out this Christmas!

    Reply
  9. Ruth says

    11/08/2015 at 12:45 am

    Can you please advise the circumference and height of the basket that you used. Thanks

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      11/09/2015 at 11:12 pm

      Hi Ruth – I am in the process of moving. The basket is on a moving truck so I can’t get the measurements. It is approx 10″ high and diameter at bottom 24″.

      What is most important then getting exact measurements is that the widest part of the basket (top or bottom) fits over your tree stand. For the height, you want to make sure it hides your stand.

      Reply
  10. Brenda Dumont says

    12/12/2014 at 8:10 am

    That is so fantastic!!! Thank you! I am totally following you everywhere!!

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    11/30/2014 at 11:08 pm

    I absolutely love this idea.
    Beautiful job!!

    Reply
  12. Melissa says

    10/22/2014 at 3:02 pm

    What’s the diameter of your tree stand? Just want to make sure I get a big enough basket…

    Reply
  13. Chris says

    10/11/2014 at 3:20 pm

    I love this idea! I even have a willow basket almost exactly like yours that keeps floating around the house. Now it will get a special purpose! Also, I love your decorating and tutorials! You have an incredible talent for decorating!

    Reply
  14. Victoria Ross says

    12/16/2013 at 6:38 pm

    Great work! Wouldn’t have guessed the basket would be used for that haha! I’m going to look into doing this next year cause the tree skirt we have right now just seems to take up so much room but the basket makes it look roomier!

    Thanks for sharing
    Victoria

    Reply
  15. Marianne Songbird says

    12/15/2013 at 6:31 am

    I love this idea. Now I have got to go out hunting for a basket like that, because I love how it looks as a tree stand.
    Thanks for linking up to my 12 days linky party.

    Reply
  16. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    12/13/2013 at 12:41 pm

    What a pretty use of the basket for the holidays, Diane–this is great!

    Reply
  17. Desiree @ The36thAvenue says

    12/12/2013 at 3:12 am

    This is brilliant! I am pinning :)

    Reply
  18. Carla says

    12/09/2013 at 11:02 am

    Well that was cleaver and cute. Thanks for sharing that nifty idea.

    Reply
  19. Denise says

    12/08/2013 at 3:32 pm

    Love this! I love how your creative mind works! You should write a book on how to tap into your inner creativity. Our consumer culture tells us that we have to go out and buy, brand new, whatever the stores are pushing this season. So many people have never been taught or challenged to be creative. Thanks you for ALL of your awesome ideas over the years Diane. You are simply the absolute QUEEN of Creativity!!!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/09/2013 at 8:55 am

      Hi Denise – Thanks XO I would like to write a book or produce some sort of magazine about creating. That is my goal for 2014. I am still swirling ideas for it around in my mind. I do enjoy transforming and giving old things new life. Buying new is fun, but does not give me the same pleasure as making something unique or completely making it mine. :) Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.

      Reply
  20. Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says

    12/06/2013 at 1:01 pm

    This is such a great idea! I featured it in my Friday Favorites post today :)

    Reply
  21. Sheryll & Critters. says

    12/05/2013 at 1:11 am

    Are you a total genius or what? You ARE a total genius!!! I would have never thought of taking the bottom off, much less had the nerve or know how. I might have taken the handle off, but the bottom….. how very smart you are.

    Amazing!!! And ever so gorgeous!

    Reply
  22. Faye says

    12/04/2013 at 10:35 pm

    I love this! The wicker suggests a woodland theme to me, but it is a cleaner
    finish than the “fussier” skirts I’ve used before. Now to find a large basket…

    Reply
  23. Ruth Anne says

    12/03/2013 at 9:26 pm

    I’ve never seen a basket tree skirt before and just love this one! Thanks for all your very creative ideas and thanks for the great pictures showing how you made it.

    Reply
  24. Marm says

    12/03/2013 at 11:18 am

    Pretty awesome. I’ll keep my eyes out for such a basket.

    Reply
  25. Jennifer says

    12/03/2013 at 10:30 am

    That’s a great idea! We normally use a tree skirt but this year we used a basket I bought from Target over the summer.

    Reply
  26. Judy M. says

    12/02/2013 at 4:59 pm

    Diane you are very creative and clever. I just love this one!

    Reply
  27. Ellen says

    12/02/2013 at 12:48 pm

    Looks fantastic! Wonderful & decorative idea. How do you get water in the pan without making a mess though? You can’t see where you are pouring.

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/02/2013 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Ellen – For years I have found the easiest method for getting water into the tree stand is to use a squirt bottle that dish detergent comes in. It keeps the water in a contained stream and does not get all over the place. Every year I find the least dense section of tree and put the bottle through that and then squirt the water into the water well of the stand. If it is drinking up a lot of water, I do need to refill the bottle a few times.

      Reply
  28. Runt says

    12/02/2013 at 11:31 am

    What a great idea! That looks really cool.

    Reply
  29. Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says

    12/02/2013 at 10:00 am

    Very clever idea! I’ve never seen a basket tree skirt before. Love it!

    Reply
  30. Barbara @ DIY Home Staging Tips says

    12/02/2013 at 8:02 am

    You are so clever. Lovely pics, too. This is so much better than the pathetic cloth wrap I usually throw together. Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Patti says

    12/02/2013 at 7:22 am

    What a great idea. I have never seen this before. That’s why I keep coming back to your blog. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  32. Jodie @JBMaryn says

    12/02/2013 at 7:10 am

    This is a really great use for old baskets from gifts or from the thrift store. Looks great! Thanks for the decorating inspiration.

    Reply
  33. Anne Boykin says

    12/02/2013 at 5:39 am

    That is so cool! Love your tree and your new skirt.

    Reply
  34. [email protected] says

    12/02/2013 at 2:48 am

    Funny, I was thinking to use my laudry basket as my tree skirt this year…

    Reply
  35. Laura Ontiveros says

    12/02/2013 at 2:46 am

    Lovely!!…You always gets great ideas. The weathered stain makes it perfect. I has been waiting to see what was going to happen to that basket now I can”t wait to see the the Christmas tree all decorated.
    Best regards.

    Reply
  36. Stephanie Hobson says

    12/02/2013 at 1:08 am

    This really is genius. I love the natural look of the basket, and yes, your tree is perfect!

    Reply
  37. Barbara Freitas says

    12/01/2013 at 11:43 pm

    you never cease to amaze me with your cleverness and unique ideas!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/02/2013 at 12:31 am

      Thanks Barbara – I love to create. Having worked in retail display for years with no budget and super creative types helped hone my skills to be resourceful and look at everything with new eyes.

      Reply
  38. Debbie says

    12/01/2013 at 11:18 pm

    That is very good!!!! I have never seen anything like it before. Beautiful tree, also. Perfect shape!

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      12/02/2013 at 12:22 am

      Hi Debbie – Thanks XO Both my daughters were home over the weekend and we went to pick out the tree on Friday. It usually takes us awhile since we all like different trees, but we saw this one right away and brought it home. It is one of the best shaped trees we have ever gotten. It is from Corkum Tree Farm in Creamery, PA

      Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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