How to Put a Christmas Tree Skirt On a Tree

The tree is up, the baubles are hung, the fairy lights are twinkling, and the star sits proudly on top! But the best-dressed Christmas trees still need a little something extra: a tree skirt!

You’d be forgiven for forgetting about this accessory in the chaos of Christmas preparations, but a tree skirt can make your centrepiece look fantastic and provide some practical benefits. 

If you’re considering introducing one to your festive decor this holiday season, perhaps you’ll need a few pointers; that’s where we come in! 

In this guide, we explore what Christmas tree skirts are and share our top tips for choosing, measuring, and fitting a tree skirt onto your tree. 

After reading this guide, your Christmas tree will be dressed to impress!

Keep reading to discover: 

What is a Christmas tree skirt?

A Christmas tree skirt is a decorative wooden object or piece of fabric that wraps around the base of the tree. 

Originally, tree skirts’ main function was to catch falling needles from real trees. Today, they’re also used with artificial trees as a decorative layer to hide the tree stand, protect it from prying fingers and paws, and create a scenic spot for presents. 

These accessories come in a range of styles, shapes, and materials, from traditional red fabric skirts to rustic Brushed White Gold Wooden skirts, so there’s something to suit every Christmas grotto. 

How to measure for a Christmas tree skirt

Just like picking clothes for yourself, you’ll need to choose the right size Christmas tree skirt. Whilst a fabric tree skirt can be adjusted, a wooden skirt will need to be the perfect fit. 

But how big should a Christmas tree skirt be? And how do you measure for a Christmas tree skirt? Here’s a four-step guide:

  1. Using a measuring tape, measure the diameter (the length from one side of the stand to the other) of your tree stand.
  2. Add about 10-15 cm to this number. This will ensure that the skirt can comfortably fit around the stand. For example, if your tree stand is 50 cm wide, opt for a tree skirt that’s about 60-65 cm wide. 
  3. Think about your tree's proportions and choose a tree skirt size that suits them. The best skirts are less wide than or the same width as the lowest branches but don’t extend beyond them.

Top tips for measuring up:

  • Consider the fit of your tree skirt. Tight-fitting skirts suit tree stands with smaller bases, while square-fitting skirts are better suited for trees with a large diameter at the bottom. 
  • As a rule of thumb, a 45 cm (18-inch) diameter skirt is ideal for smaller trees under 4 feet. For medium trees around 6 feet, go for 60 cm (24 inches). Larger trees (6–8 feet) may need a skirt with a 75 cm (30-inch) diameter or more.
  • Fabric skirts offer more flexibility in size since they can drape around the base and be adjusted easily. Follow the same guidelines, but feel free to go a few inches wider, especially if you want extra coverage for presents or a fuller look.

How to put a Christmas tree skirt on a tree: Step-by-step

Now you’ve found the perfect skirt for your Christmas tree, it’s time to get it dressed! Whilst some skirts can just be slipped onto tree stands, some are designed to assemble around them. 

Wooden skirts, like the styles on our site, usually come in four pieces which you’ll need to assemble around your stand. Here’s how:

  1. Set up your tree and make sure it is stable. 
  2. Lay the panels on the ground near the tree and connect three of the pieces according to the instructions. Make sure each piece is securely in place.
  3. Wrap the skirt around your tree and then connect the fourth and final panel. Check that all the pieces feel sturdy and secure. 
  4. Adjust the tree skirt so the tree stand sits right in the middle of it, making sure your tree looks balanced and symmetrical from all sides. 

Tree skirts made from more flexible materials like fabric can simply be wrapped around the base, closed up with ties or Velcro attachments, and adjusted to adjust the folds for a natural, cosy look. Fabric skirts may need occasional straightening, especially in high-traffic areas.

Why use a Christmas tree skirt?

Thinking of investing in a Christmas tree skirt? We think that’s a great idea! Here are three key benefits of using a tree skirt:

1 - They hide the tree stand

Let’s be honest, a tree stand isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing! A Christmas tree skirt hides the tree stand and can fit in seamlessly with the rest of your decor. Whilst a wine-red tree skirt is the perfect finishing touch for a traditional tree, a white or brown tree skirt looks excellent with Scandi Christmas decorations. 

2 - They catch needles and keep the floor clean

Real Christmas trees can shed needles and leak sap, dirtying and potentially damaging your floor. A Christmas tree skirt catches this debris and keeps your floor clean. 

3 - They protect your tree from pets

Pets are less likely to take interest in a wooden skirt, and your dog will steer clear of marking your tree’s trunk if they can’t see it! Plus, if you have a real tree, a skirt can hide the tree water from your pet and reduce the chances of them ingesting toxic substances. 

4 - They’re easy to store

Christmas Tree World skirts are easy to store, making them easy to use year after year. They’re specifically designed to be flat packed but still high quality, so they’re easy to assemble and simple to store, meaning you can get them shipped in the same box as your tree!

Read our guides on how to protect your Christmas tree from your cat and how to dog proof your Christmas tree for more pet-proofing tips!

Find Christmas tree skirts and more at Christmas Tree World!

Ready to have the best-dressed tree at the party and say goodbye to ugly tree stands for good? Shop Christmas tree skirts at Christmas Tree World!

From rustic brushed white gold styles to natural brown and wine red shades, we’ve got a tree skirt to suit every tree! Our high-quality wooden tree skirts are available in tight and square fits, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your centrepiece. 

And the Christmas cheer spreads much farther than that! Find an artificial tree to let your skirt shine, decorations to make your space sparkle, and Christmas lights to get your grotto glowing. 

Got a question about Christmas tree skirts or something else? Our elves are always happy to help; don’t hesitate to get in touch via the customer helpdesk!

FAQs about Christmas tree skirts

How do Christmas tree skirts work?

Christmas tree skirts cover the tree stand, hiding it from view and adding a decorative touch to the base. Originally, they were used to catch falling needles and protect floors, but today, they mainly add style and create a cosy spot for presents.

How do I keep my Christmas tree skirt clean?

Wooden tree skirts are low-maintenance; a simple dusting and spot-cleaning any marks is usually enough. Fabric skirts may attract dust, pet hair, or fallen needles – vacuum, lint roll, and gently wash the skirt as required. 

Christmas tree skirt vs Christmas tree collar: What’s the difference?

A tree skirt is a fabric or wooden cover that lies on the floor or around the base of the tree. A tree collar is a rigid ring that encircles the base but doesn’t spread out on the floor. Both hide the tree stand and add style, why not try using both?

What can I use instead of a Christmas tree skirt?

A fluffy or festive blanket, a wicker basket, or a wooden crate all make great DIY alternatives to a Christmas tree skirt. Each option hides the stand while adding a unique look to your tree! However, a high-quality Christmas tree skirt can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment that’ll become a staple of your Christmas decor.