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Sunday 4 December 2011

Christmas tree skirt - explain it to me

Sooooo I see people writing about their new Christmas tree skirts and I'm not sure if I need one or not.
I have an artificial tree which sits on three legs. My cunning plan is to pile gifts under and around it so the legs are not seen. But I am a sewing lady so I could sew one. If I could see that I needed it. And tbh I'm not sure that I do.

They are sold in Marks and Spencer (a British Institution heh heh) so probably are a required item.

11 comments:

Jenni said...

Well, I do possess such a thing. And I did sew it. However, I can't say that its exactly a necessity and can be annoying to install onto the tree trunk, depending on style. I think they are best suited to keeping the pine needles of real trees off the carpet and are much less necessary for artificial trees which tend not to moult all over the place.

BeeBee said...

I dunno, Ruthie, they're just required. Like candles that smell like a pine tree or a wreath on the door or fake snow. I have an artificial tree, also, but I made a new one this year and am quite pleased with it. Not making a fruit cake, though.

Debbie Cook said...

I'm lazy. I have a "skirt" but it's really just a length of antique gold metallic fabric I puddle around the tree stand. Works for me.

BetsyV said...

If you don't care about what your tree stand looks like, then by all means, forgo the skirt.

Meanwhile, I think I'll finish mine this year. I better find it. I'f better get off the computer, first!

SewRuthie said...

I do have a wreath on the front door. Bought it at the Food Fayre from a local farmer - all made from hedgerow natural materials (and some wire) love it.

KC said...

I always put a tablecloth or a length of Christmas fabric or something under the tree to catch needles. We still get a real tree--not the smartest thing to do in Los Angeles during Santa Ana season. 3 weeks of 30% humidity loosens a lot of pine needles!

Jane M said...

I did sew a new tree skirt to coordinate with my new winter home, mostly because all of the fabric was in my stash. I have a Santa collection that I display on top of a length of green fabric....no sew, just throw it down and rearrange the folds to my taste, just like Debbie described.

Jen said...

I had the same question today after decorating mine. I also have a fake tree with legs. I grew up putting the prezzies under the tree a few weeks before as you got them, but that would not work with the kids. Santa is supposed to deliver them on Christmas eve. So I think I'll just bunch up some pretty gold organza around to hide the legs.

Nothing but Blue Skies said...

I have several tree skirts, some made and some bought. I like having them because it gives the tree a finished festive look!

You don't always have to pile all of the gifts under the tree before Christmas Eve. Another option is to put up a Christmas village (the ones with small 2-3" buildings) under the tree on the Christmas tree skirt, and run a train around the bottom of the tree just beyond the tree skirt. Usually people add to their Christmas village collection (people, trees, animals, lamp posts, benches, in addition to the buildings) every year.

Different tree skirts come in handy for people who decorate differently every year. A Victorian style tree skirt goes with Victorian ornaments. A traditional Santa tree skirt goes with a traditionally decorated tree. Etc.

Em

Lisa Laree said...

Since I don't see the main reason I use a tree skirt listed yet, I'll share too...it hides the extension cords to the lights. I hadn't even thought about keeping the needles out of the carpet, but that would be a good reason, too; even our artificial tree sheds a bit.

And it provides a nice sort of back drop for the presents. ;-)

Seraphinalina said...

We have a tree skirt that was a gift from my MIL. Pretty sure she made it or bought it hand made. My issue is that it is a bit like a circle skirt but the opening is only maybe 6" across. It isn't functional because sure I could get the tree trunk through it, but I still need to get water into the stand. A slit up the back would have made it more flexible for positioning or even just as Debbie and others suggested, a bit of fabric. Mostly I think it's just there to look pretty.