I’ve never been a fan of Christmas tree skirts.
I mean, they’re perfectly fine for some people. (Ladies mostly) but I prefer the illusion of a potted tree, maybe resting inside of a bucket, or a basket, or crate, or even a whiskey barrel.…
Like we’ve done for the past 7 years.
But, this year; New Christmas tree = new container = new idea.
I started in my slightly hoarded garage. With a stack of wood scraps.
I cut a pine 1X10 into 4 equal sides of 20″ and used a brad nailer to attach them overlapping like so. My tree stand is about 18 inches wide. So 19 inches inside my box should be exactly enough to hide it, and all the ugly extension cords, quite nicely
Once the basic box was made, I found a handful of 1X2 to use a trim. I cut 8 of them at 22 1/4″, with a 45 degree beveled angle.
I used a brad nailer to attach the trim pieces to the bottom edge of my box with the beveled corners lining up over the sems.
I repeated the process along the top edge with the 4 other 22 1/4″ trim pieces.
I wanted a lip on the top of my box, and since I had a 1X3 board……1X3 it is. These 4 pieces I cut to 24 1/4″. Again, I mitered all the edges at 45 degree angles….like so.
And then attached them to the top edge with that handy brad nailer like so.
Looking down on my box, this trim gives it a nice clean finish. I know that you’re thinking; “That thing needs a bottom.” But it doesn’t. Trust me….that’s just extra work.
I used a wood filler to fill all the holes from the brads. This isn’t really necessary, especially if your finished box will look aged. But I would recommend this if you’re going to paint it a solid color. Your choice.
Speaking of painting, Jamie had suggested that it would look really cool if the tree was coming from a stack of old Coke crates…..like these,
Well, it just so happens that I had a quart of what I would consider “Coca-Cola” red……Ralph Lauren “Stateroom Red” actually. In flat latex.
If you’ve never dry-brushed something before, I think the technique is pretty self-explanatory. You simply apply as little paint as humanly possible to the surface with a brush. I want the finished box to look weathered and rough, so this is pretty close to perfect for me.
Well, almost perfect. Just to make it look even more aged, I roughed it up more with some 80 grit sandpaper.
The sandpaper really exposed all the edges to the natural pine underneath, kinda like on my inspiration Coke crates.
And there you have it, a finished box for the bottom of our Christmas tree.
Way more, much better.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Love it!
So glad Susie!!! Of course I wasted a couple valuable decorating hours to make that box. But I’m so glad that I did!
that is so cute! love it and all your beautiful ornaments….Merry Christmas!
Just perfect! Wish I had your vision! Always look forward to your Christmas posts. Hoping you show your beautiful tree in full!
I always love all your ideas!!! Thanks for always sharing all the detailed instructions!!!
Now that you have us all dangling in suspense, can we see the whole🎄 tree now!😉
I know Liv, it is a big carrot just dangling there, didn’t mean to go that. We’re feverishly working on the decorating. More to come, I promise!
I love it!
Perfecto! I enjoy reading and viewing your “How To’s”. I do get tired of the tree skirts. Love the box container! Merry Christmas to you and Jamie.
Your creativity is displayed beautifully once again. Thanks for sharing a great solution ! Merry Christmas, hope you enjoy good health and good times in the new year!
Thank you Teresa! Wishing a joy filled new year back at you too!!!
I’m going to try this next year! It’s beautiful and your instructions are clear, your tree and stand and all the decorations are fabulous, like everything you guys do. Love your blog! Merry Chrustmas and Happy New Year to you both!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you too Patricia!
Love, love, love it!
Awww, Thanks Debra!
Way more! Now…will you build me one? 😄
Love this! I was actually wanting to make one for our tree so I am so thankful you put a tutorial on here! Love how it turned out!
Thanks Dawn. We love it too……now if I can just convince myself to toss the old whiskey barrel……ha!
Omigosh, for a minute there, I thought you’d be stenciling the Coke logo on your tree box. No need, though — it’s very attractive! I’d love to do woodworking, but I’m so clumsy, I fear half of my digits would be sawn off. Love all your ornaments! Who sez less is more? 😉
I Almost did stencil it!!!!! Swear to Blog!! It would have been adorable, but who would see it? The new one is already hidden behind packages and old toys!!!!
Yep! Pretty close to PERFECT! Merry Christmas, guys!!
Perfect for us for sure!!!! Thanks Vickie!!!
Love your Come Red tree box!!!!! Pure class!!! Merry Christmas!🎄🎄🎄
Awww thanks Kathleen!!! Merry Christmas back at ya!!!!
I couldn’t love it more!! I love your Christmas Posts!! My only complaint…I want MORE! I want to see your whole house! Your master bedroom! Your mantle etc… :0)
Thanks Nancy, you won’t believe it but we’re still working on everything. We’re hosting Supper Club this Saturday night, so everything should be done by then. Fingers crossed,
Looks so cheerful and friendly! Beautiful job as usual. I just wish I could get my look as coordinated as yours…..
Awww thanks Michele, still haven’t wrapped our gifts and I can still see it under the tree…….