According to a legend, the original Christmas tree was used as a symbol of religious devotion by Christian missionaries who used the evergreen branches to explain a basic religious tenet of the Trinity – God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.[1] Originally, they hung trees upside down in houses to make sure anyone who saw a tree in the house knew it was not just a floral decoration. Nowadays, Christmas trees are mounted on a base right side up. However, upside down Christmas tree decorating ideas look innovative and interesting, adding a contemporary (or unique vintage) charm to your holiday decor. Upside down Christmas trees are definitely catching on, especially in urban areas.[2] Many city dwellers prefer to hang a Christmas tree upside down instead of rearranging the furniture in small rooms during the holidays.This could be a great project to make for someone who can’t have a Christmas tree because of pets or small children, or for the couple that’s just starting out. It may seem impossible, but with a few easy steps, you too can have your very own upside down Christmas tree!
EditSteps
- Buy a lightweight, artificial tree. Though it is possible to use a real tree, it will be very heavy and much harder to hang, and it won't last long as you can't water it. Select a tree of the appropriate height and fullness to fill your space. Look for one that is lightweight and that has fairly full, evenly spaced branches and a stand that attaches securely to the base of the tree. A wire tree stand or one with pre-drilled holes in the base is a bonus that will make the tree easier to hang.
- Discard the stand that comes with your tree. Check to see whether the trunk has parts that might come loose when you hang the tree upside down; if it does, toss those too. It is necessary to have a solid 'trunk', nothing more.
- Wrap wire or string around the trunk to create a loop by which to hook the tree from your ceiling. If your tree has a little loop on the bottom, great. Hook the string through that. If not, take the lowest 'branches' and tie the string around there, so it's up by the branches and doesn't slip down. Next, bring the string around and tie it into a loop.
- Drill or stick a hook to your ceiling. This will be what you loop the string onto. If you choose to get a suction cup or adhesive hook, make sure to get the heavy duty type (20+ pounds). However, this method is not recommended if you have bumpy, stucco-like ceilings, as it will be hard for the hook to adhere. If you drill, realize you may have to consult with your landlord (if you rent).
- When you drill, drill a pilot hole in the ceiling at the joist mark and screw a sturdy eye bolt into the joist. Clip a quick link to the eye bolt. Screw a hook or eye hook into the corner nearest the tree at the ceiling to drape a light cord to later.
- Wrap lights, garland, ribbon or any other ribbon like object you wish to use for decorating around your tree.
- If you use lights, keep in mind that you need an outlet, so you may want to invest in an extension cord.
- Loop the string onto the hook. With the help of another person, invert the Christmas tree and place the loop in the hook, securing the tree. Cautiously let go, and if all seems okay, proceed to the next step.
- Decorate the tree. Tighten the ornament hangers around each branch to hold them in place. Run an extension cord from the tree base -- at the ceiling -- to a hook in the nearest corner and down to a baseboard power outlet. Decorating the Christmas tree after successfully hanging it is quite similar to decorating an upright tree. However, weight concerns may play a role here as well. While many modern ornaments consist of aluminum or other lightweight metals, heavier vintage ornaments should be evenly spaced out to distribute the added weight properly.
- Stick a tree skirt to the ceiling. Tie the skirt around the 'trunk' then secure the edges to the ceiling. This step is entirely optional.
EditTips
- Squeeze wire ornament hangers tightly closed around the branches to keep baubles from slipping off the tree.
- Swirl a length of shiny fabric around the tree base at the ceiling to disguise it.
- Test your tree lights before stringing them up to ensure they are all working.
- This is a good tree option if you have young children or pets; it keeps the decorations safely out of reach.
EditThings You'll Need
- Artificial tree
- Hook
- Adhesive
- Wire or string
- Decorations such as tinsel, ribbon, lights, etc.
- Other hooks for tidying cords (optional)
- Tree skirt (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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