While decorating a green fir tree (real or fake) with an array of mismatching baubles is pleasingly kitsch, the traditional Christmas tree commands a level of maximalism I don’t naturally reach towards — and one that can jar with the rest of my more minimal home. So while I will indeed be hauling a natural spruce into my living room at the start of December, you can rest assured I won’t be putting up more than one classic Christmas tree this year.
I also don’t want the festivities to end in the living room. That’s why I started looking at other faux trees on the market this festive season, and the easy breezy 4ft Honeycomb Folding Paper Tree from Amazon, made from paper, ticks all of my boxes.
Paper Christmas decorations are statement yet minimalist pieces that can be put up and packed (read: folded) away quickly, easily, and with no mess (days of sweeping up tree needles, be gone). Made with durable cotton paper, it's a super stylish alternative Christmas tree that resembles a traditional festive spruce without any of the fuss.
It's certainly not the cheapest option on the market (though the price is currently slightly reduced). The warm white colorway means it works with any interior style and decorations. It's delivered flat, and is easy to assemble thanks to built-in magnets that snap together.
If something a little shorter will do the trick, there are a few other styles on the market. Perhaps a smaller tabletop tree? But be warned — these styles are selling out faster than I can type, so if your kindred minimalist spirit is feeling inspired, I’ve found more showstopping alternatives to shop below. Why not get yourself a whole forest?
This honeycomb paper tree sits at 69cm high and will add plenty of sculptural flair to your Christmas tabletop. At just £7.50 each, get a few to line down your table setting (but just be sure to keep clear of any candles!) It would also look great on hallway consoles or a side table in the kids' room.
Standing at 20cm tall, this paper Christmas tree from H&M Home is just as chic as I've come to expect from the brand. It was available in four different colors, but they've since sold out. My favorite detail has to be the subtle shimmering gold edging.
At 44cm tall, this paper Christmas tree from ARKET has a slim silhouette that somehow feels remarkably modern. It would look great styled along your table setting (just keep clear of any candles!), fireplace mantel, or hallway consoles. You could even consider it as a small festive touch to put on your guests' side tables.
Another table top option, but this tree is more traditional. Its brown base and bright green tree bring a merry feel to this festive period. Easy to pop up and just as easy to pop away and store until next year, it's also currently on sale, so if you like it — act fast.
Available in small (3ft), medium (4ft), and large (just over 5ft) and in black, purple, or a festive red, Brown + Ginger’s Oversized Paper Christmas Trees are the perfect choice if you're looking to make a statement with less effort. Storing away flat, unfolding like a concertina, and secured with a magnet, these curvaceous, modern trees are finished with gold edges that shine in the light for an understated, festive touch.
Available in two shapes (skinny or more traditional with a mock trunk), West Elm’s collection of elegantly concertinaed festive paper trees is a Christmas miracle for minimalists. Available in forest green or a creamy ivory, they start at 90cm and rise to a towering 213cm (that’s just shy of 7ft), with mini tabletop versions available, too. Mix and match the shapes, sizes, and colors for a layered yet still simple and stylish Christmas scheme.
From bold colors and gilded edges to pure white marvels, these festive paper trees prove a minimalist Christmas doesn't have to be boring — it's stylish and intentional (and much less stressful). Not into the folded style? Try these cone-shaped paper Christmas trees from Next instead.