For various renters, placing a Christmas tree is a significant piece of celebrating the holiday. But putting a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree into your Richmond home can be a high-priced bother – or worse.
As shown by 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. Insights like these reveal just how dangerous Christmas trees can be and may drive you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, wanting to go for a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree may inspire those artistic juices that you have. 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.
Let’s say you have found a great place in your living room or other suitable location; you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. For the more adventurous ones, consider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could also draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, letting your innovative side to radiate 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 renters looking for a more 3-dimensional option, see what you can create with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever notice how a freestanding ladder looks like a triangle from the side? 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 rest of the year.
For the book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. You can later add ornaments on top to give it the true holiday feel. On the other hand, you can try crafting a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to give it just the appearance and feel you want.
Additional creative options to consider include twine and twigs. It is not complicated to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These incredible pieces can then be displayed anywhere you have space to exhibit your creation. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be dangled in a window or attached on a wall.
Creative and low-cost, every one of these prospects might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. Be that as it may, if you do have inquiries about what decorations your landlord will allow, it is crucial to talk early and regularly with your landlord or Richmond property manager. Eventually, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Preferred can help, contact us online or call us at 281-894-9111.
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