How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Collar

DIY Galvanized Tree Collar

1. Get the Right Tub

   First, choose your round galvanized tub and make sure that its diameter is large enough to accommodate the tree stand you will be using. Once it's being used as the collar, the tub will essentially sit upside down, so you want the diameter of the wider part of it to be at least an inch or two larger than the diameter of the tree stand.

2. Cut a Hole

   Next, flip the tub upside down so that its base is on top. Using gloves and protective eyewear, cut a hole into the metal (close to the edge), which will give you a starting place for the reciprocating saw.

   Warning

   Whenever you are cutting metal, make sure that you are wearing gloves and protective eyewear such as goggles to reduce the risk of cutting yourself and pieces of metal getting into your eyes.

3. Cut out the Base

   Using a reciprocating saw, cut out the whole base of the galvanized tub. Be very careful, as the cut edges may be sharp. If they are, take some heavy-duty sandpaper that's designed for metal and sand them down (still wearing gloves, of course!) until they're no longer sharp to the touch.

4. Set up the Tree

   Now that the collar is done, it's time to start decorating! Place the tree stand inside the galvanized collar and set up your Christmas tree. If you're using a real tree, watering it will be super easy: no need to mess with a tree skirt that needs to be fixed again and again every time the tree is watered. (You'll also be able to skip cleaning your tree skirt from year to year.)

DIY Wicker Tree Collar

1. Pick a Basket

   First, measure your tree stand and choose a wicker basket that will accommodate its size. You want a basket that's wide enough to fit the diameter of the stand, with an extra inch or so on either side so that the stand fits comfortably. While a round basket will work well, you can certainly go with a square-shaped one if you want to give your tree a little bit more of a modern touch.

2. Cut the Wicker

   Next, it's time to cut the basket. It may seem like a daunting task, but don't worry, you have the horizontal line of the wicker to guide you and help you make a level cut. Take your basket and flip it upside down so that the base is on top. Decide how tall your collar is going to be, then using a box cutter (or clippers if you find those easier to use), gently begin to cut across, following the line of the wicker until you've taken the whole "lid" off.

3. Secure It and Set It Up

   This is an optional step, but if it feels like some of the wicker weaving at the top may unravel, simply secure it with a little bit of hot glue. Now that your wicker collar is ready, it's time to place your Christmas tree stand inside, set up the tree, and get decorating!