The Christmas tree skirt serves as the perfect backdrop to not only the tree, but to the piles of presents jumbled upon it. But not just any old tree skirt will do! You’ll want one that goes perfectly with your home. Whether you want to buy it or make it, we’ve got some tips to ensure you’ll get the right skirt for you and your tree.

”Wow” skirt or a simple one? - If you want your Christmas tree skirt to be the center of attention, choose one made of a lush fabric, bright colors, or with shiny metallic thread. If you want it to be a background for other things, choose a simple or plain fabric in a neutral color.

Decorating and design - A Christmas tree skirt offers another opportunity to enhance your room's color scheme and decorating theme. A period Victorian living room could use a lush, red velvet Christmas tree skirt. A simple cotton patchwork or appliquéd tree skirt would be perfect for a country or causal look.

Trends in Christmas tree skirts - If you go shopping for a tree skirt, you'll find many styles available. Current trend is toward more elegant Christmas tree skirts. Look for gorgeous satin-banded velvet skirts, designs with embroidered sheers over colored linings, and sumptuously beaded styles. You can choose cottons, patchwork quilts and appliquéd fleece if you prefer a casual look.

Felt Tree skirts – Wide, felt fabric is perfect for a Christmas tree skirt, and you can make your own too! Choose your favorite color in the widest and heaviest felt available. Cut the largest circle from the felt that you can, then cut a slit straight from the outer edge to the center of the circle. You can either leave the fabric plain or add decorations of felt cutouts, beads, fringe, or appliqués.

Draping Fabrics - Just about any fabric can be draped around a tree. You'll save lots of time and money using about 4 to 5 yards of any type of fabric. Tuck in the selvage and unfinished edges so they don't show, or sew in a simple casing along one long side and gather it up tightly with cording to tighten at the tree trunk.

Inspiration is everywhere – As we’ve discussed, you won't even need a pattern to make a Christmas tree skirt! But you may want to look for inspiration and ideas for decorating in holiday stores, catalogs, under your friends’ trees, or on the internet. Allow your everyday surroundings to inspire you.

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