Anyone who's known me for more than five minutes knows that I'm a Christmas girl to my core. I adore decorating for the holidays and finding ways to incorporate beautiful lights everywhere.
That's exactly why the Beckhams' festive potted olive tree from last year has been living rent-free in my mind for the last few weeks. It's such a simple, elegant, and unique alternative to a traditional tree – a stunning example of 'less is more' when it comes to elevating a space for the holidays.
This inspired me to go down a rabbit hole, reaching out to a couple of plant pros for more non-traditional tree ideas that would look just as gorgeous. Here's what the experts came up with, as well as exactly why Sir David and Victoria's olive tree worked so incredibly well. (Perhaps this is the year my artificial one will remain in storage).
Why Are Olive Trees Ideal for Festive Decorating?
Olive trees tick all the boxes when it comes to looking for a beautiful tree to decorate: they're sturdy, have branches that aren't too spaced apart, their foliage is evergreen, and their leaves have a tinted hue that a pair of string lights would further bring out.
As Siobhan Shaw of Growing to Give perfectly explained to me: "Olive trees work especially well for festive decorating for a whole cluster of reasons. They have a strong branching pattern, evergreen foliage, and silvery leaves that catch and reflect the light. They look elegant without trying too hard.
"Indoors, a small container olive tree feels simple and natural. Or outdoors, a mature olive wrapped in lights instantly becomes a showstopper during holiday light tours of neighborhoods. "You can't go wrong with an olive tree as an alternative holiday tree choice!"
More Alternative Trees That Experts Love
Olive trees may seem like the clear winner, but there are so many showstopping trees out there that would look incredible decked to the hilt. Here are four of the top picks, according to plant experts.
1. Citrus Tree
Never in my life have I considered having a festive tree filled with real lemons or limes. But after Siobhan explained to me why it would work amazingly, I'm now jealous I don't live in a warmer climate.
"Citrus trees are definitely a fun option to decorate for the holidays," says Siobhan. "Lemon, lime, or orange trees already come with glossy green leaves and bright fruit, so nature has started the decorating for you. Plus, they smell wonderful when they are in bloom."
For extra charm, you can add decorative solar stakes in the planters. "Snowmen, Santa figures, and other festive characters all look playful alongside the citrus leaves and fruit."
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle-leaf fig is already a sculptural, 'it' plant in the design world. Its large, dramatic leaves and strong, upright form make it a perfect, modern 'alternative' tree. As the expert says, less is definitely more.
"Indoors, I recommend using a fiddle-leaf fig tree for decorating because they have a strong upright form and can handle small, lightweight lights," says Siobhan. "Their large leaves and sculptural branching look beautifully dramatic with simple string lights."
3. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
If you'd prefer to not stray too far from a traditional Christmas tree, opting for a small tabletop variety can provide the best of both worlds: something a bit different without being too different.
Chris Link of Plant Addicts finds these plants to be incredibly popular in his shop around the holidays, and believes they are perfect for decorating.
"These dwarf spruces are tidy and structured, ideal for adorning with small amounts of decor. They're also fab to give as gifts!
"The dense needles and a naturally conical shape make Dwarf Alberta Spruce a super easy ‘decorate-and-done’ tree. It holds mini ornaments without sagging and brings that crisp, outdoorsy look to an entry table – festive without feeling fussy."
4. Gold Cone Juniper
Gold Cone trees also don't stray too far from the shape of a traditional Christmas tree, but they vary slightly in style from a more typical spruce.
Their branches are more dainty and tightly packed, and their foliage has a beautiful hue that would become illuminated under a set of string lights.
"The new growth of a Gold Cone Juniper has a golden cast that appears slightly luminous under fairy lights – think ‘subtle sparkle’ without glitter. One of these would look stunning decorated for Christmas!"
Shop Holiday Plant Decor
Wire Christmas lights are perfectly dainty as well as super flexible to wrap around a tree's branches. Plus, these ones are available in nine different colours!
This charming Dwarf Alberta Spruce adds instant cheer to planters or tabletops – and lasts long after the season ends.
Tiny neutral baubles like these are perfect if you're looking to do some simple decorating. They're super lightweight too, and won't strain the branches of any tree you put them on.
