I’m Making the Cutest Christmas Tree for Literally $0 (It’s Sooo Easy!)

published Nov 24, 2024

Page URL

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Bookshelf overflowing with books. — Credit: Selena Kirchhoff

For me, the holiday season starts the moment it begins getting dark at 4 p.m. (No hard feelings, Thanksgiving.) Rather than feeling sad about being stuck inside, I’ve decided to lean hard into cozy season and cover my room in cheery and festive decor.

But because I travel to my hometown to be with family for most of December — and have quite a few gifts to buy — I’m not exactly trying to empty my wallet on decor. Thankfully, TikTok always comes through with ideas that can be DIYed for cheap. First there was Bow Girl Christmas, then there was gingerbread girls’ night, and now there’s the viral book tree.

Kylea Paige (@kyleaa.xo) got over 1 million TikTok views after posting this easy decor idea using some already-well-loved books (and advised not to use some of your favorites if you’re worried about the spines).

You could grab some books from the thrift store for just a few dollars if you don’t want to use your personal collection (or if you want to coordinate the colors like TikToker @undoubtedlyreading, who went with a green theme, did).

It wouldn’t be 2024 unless this viral tree was topped off with a bow, but the decor options are endless. One commenter on Paige’s video suggested adding tassel bookmarks for an ornament effect, and Kelsey and Ryan of @newbuild_newlyweds decided to amp up the ambiance with fairy lights.

Now, excuse me while I deck my bookshelves with lots of tiny book trees.

This post was a collaboration between Dorm Therapy and Apartment Therapy and originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: I’m Making the Cutest Christmas Tree for Literally $0 (It’s Sooo Easy!)

Rachel Otero

Contributor

With 10 years of experience in social and content creation, and a lifetime passion for storied vintage and architectural charm, I spend my time at AT Media running the social media department. I joined the Apartment Therapy team in 2019 to manage their social media, expanding to The Kitchn soon after, and Cubby and Dorm Therapy social in the years to follow. Previously, I served as the social media editor at InStyle Magazine. When I'm not on social media, you can find me at my local antique market hunting for new treasures to bring home. I'm passionate in my belief that every piece in your home should ignite a conversation, whether that's a memory, its history, or why it's so special to you. It's the personalized touches that really turn a space into a home.

Follow Rachel

Get to know Rachel Otero