I saw this Christmas Tree in a basket on Southern Living last year and I loved the idea of the basket instead of the traditional stand and tree skirt, but I wondered how sturdy it would be.

This week I was reading the current Country Living magazine I saw a great solution, a basket with the bottom open for the traditional stand! Doh, of course! If you had the right basket, you could probably make one but if you want to buy one ready to go, the basket I saw is for sale here.

I love this little tree in a great old pail, from Better Homes & Gardens.

I also love this tree in a big metal tub seen in Country Living magazine. Another charming and interesting idea for thinking outside of the traditional stand and Christmas tree skirt.

In this same home they put a smaller tree in a white pot and yet another tree in a large bowl! (via Country Living). I love that they used several trees and they all have different containers! The variety of informal trees gives the home a much more laid back, homey feel!

This is a fun tree on a coffee table, from Better Homes & Gardens in a white flower bucket.

This room from Coastal Living also has a tree in a white bucket with a handle. I always put a small tree in my bedroom, I really love that look. The bucket is so cute and is in keeping with the coastal beach theme of the home (find a post on coastal holiday decorating here)!

You’ve got to check out the link to this tree stand left by a reader in the comments, SO FABULOUS!

{post updated from 2009}

What creative ideas do you have for trees?