Figure C--Feeling patriotic? Use lots of red, white and blue materials, along with ornaments rich with Americana, and guests will be wondering whether you're celebrating Christmas or the Fourth of July.

Figure D--Another great alternative tree idea is the garden tree. Decorate the tree with a French garden rake, real birch branches, ornaments shaped like fruits and a bumblebee garland. Use a large garden urn instead of a traditional tree stand.

Figure E--Make a bold statement by substituting a metal framework in place of a real or artificial tree. Have a frame fabricated that maintains the basic Christmas-tree shape, and decorate it by winding green garland around the length of the frame. Decorate with silver, blue and white ornaments.