For a lot of renters, owning a Christmas tree is an indispensable part of celebrating the holiday. But bringing a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree into your Brooklyn home can be a costly inconvenience – or worse.
As per 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. Statistics like these show just how dangerous Christmas trees can be and may urge you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, choosing to go for a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree may allow you to get those artistic juices flowing. 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.
For instance, in the event that you have an open wall 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 daring, ponder upon making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could likewise draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, letting your artistic side shine 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, dwell on what you can accomplish 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 then add ornaments on top to give it the true holiday feel. Or you could 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 look and feel you want.
Other creative options to consider include twine and twigs. It is simple to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These good-looking creations can then be exhibited anywhere you have space to show off your achievement. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be suspended in a window or mounted on a wall.
Creative and low-cost, each of these options might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. But if you do have questions about what decorations your landlord will allow, it is vital to communicate early and frequently with your landlord or Brooklyn property manager. In the end, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management New York Gold can help, contact us online or call us at 347-905-5770.
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