You know that moment when you spot something brilliant on Pinterest and think, “Why didn’t I come up with that?” Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I discovered tomato cage Christmas trees.
Seriously, who looked at their garden supplies in November and thought, “Hey, that rusty old tomato cage would make a killer Christmas tree”? Whoever you are, you’re a genius, and I owe you a coffee.
Last year, I transformed three forgotten tomato cages from my garage into stunning holiday decorations that cost me less than twenty bucks total.
My mother-in-law actually asked where I bought them – talk about a win! Now I’m here to share 15 incredible tomato cage tree ideas that’ll have your neighbors doing double-takes and asking for your secret.
The Twinkling Light Tomato Cage Tree
This classic beauty remains my all-time favorite tomato cage transformation. I start by flipping the cage upside down (pointy side up, obviously) and wrapping 100-200 mini LED lights around it in a spiral pattern. The key here? Start from the bottom and work your way up – trust me on this one.
What makes this design particularly stunning is how the lights create depth and dimension. You don’t need fancy materials or complicated techniques. Just grab your lights, put on some holiday music, and start wrapping. I usually go for warm white lights because they give off that cozy, magical glow that screams Christmas comfort.
Pro tip: Use zip ties to secure the light strands at key points. Nothing ruins the magic faster than lights sliding down into a sad pile at the bottom :/
Making It Extra Special
Want to level up your twinkling light tree? Here’s what I do:
- Add a battery-powered star topper for portability
- Mix different light sizes for texture
- Include some twinkle or fade settings for movement
- Place it on a timer so it lights up automatically each evening
Rustic Burlap Wrapped Cage Tree
Speaking of trendy, can we talk about how burlap makes everything look Pinterest-worthy? This rustic approach transforms a basic tomato cage into farmhouse Christmas perfection. I discovered this style when I had leftover burlap from a wedding project, and now it’s become my go-to for outdoor decorations.
Start by wrapping strips of burlap around the cage, leaving some wire exposed for that industrial-meets-rustic vibe. The texture alone adds so much character! I like to secure the burlap with hot glue every few inches – it holds better than you’d think, even in winter weather.
The best part about burlap trees? They complement literally any decor style. Place them on your porch with some pine branches tucked in, and boom – instant curb appeal that looks like you hired a decorator.
Mini Ornament Hanging Cage Tree
Remember those boxes of ornaments you bought on clearance last January? Time to put them to work! This design transforms your tomato cage into a suspended ornament display that catches light beautifully.
I use fishing line or thin wire to hang ornaments at varying heights throughout the cage structure. Mix sizes, colors, and finishes for visual interest. Shatterproof ornaments work best here – learned that lesson the hard way when my cat decided to investigate my first attempt.
Ornament Selection Tips:
- Combine matte and glossy finishes for depth
- Stick to 2-3 colors maximum for cohesion
- Include some clear or mercury glass ornaments for sparkle
- Add a few unexpected elements like mini disco balls or vintage finds
Also Read: 15 Gorgeous Christmas Console Table Decor Ideas for Holidays
Candy Cane Striped Tomato Cage Tree
Want something that screams “Christmas” from a mile away? The candy cane striped version delivers that festive punch you’re looking for. I wrap red and white ribbon or fabric strips diagonally around the cage, creating those iconic candy cane stripes.
This design works especially well for families with kids – they absolutely love the whimsical, larger-than-life candy cane effect. Plus, it photographs beautifully for those holiday card photos you keep meaning to take.
FYI, weather-resistant ribbon is worth the extra few dollars if you’re placing these outside. Nobody wants sad, soggy stripes by mid-December.
Snowy Spray Painted Cage Tree
Sometimes the simplest ideas pack the biggest punch. Spray painting your tomato cage white and adding artificial snow creates an elegant winter wonderland vibe that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
I flip my cage upside down, give it two good coats of white spray paint, then go crazy with the fake snow spray while it’s still slightly tacky. The result? A frosted masterpiece that looks like Jack Frost himself crafted it.
Want to add some magic? Dust it with iridescent glitter while the snow spray is wet. Your tree will sparkle like fresh snow in the sunlight – absolutely gorgeous for daytime displays.
Outdoor Pinecone Decor Cage Tree
Nature lovers, this one’s for you! I collect pinecones throughout fall (free decorations, anyone?) and transform them into a rustic outdoor Christmas tree that withstands weather like a champ.
Here’s my method:
- Wire or hot glue pinecones all over the cage structure
- Spray some with gold or silver paint for variety
- Add battery-operated fairy lights woven through
- Top with a large pinecone cluster or rustic star
The natural texture creates incredible visual interest, and birds actually love checking these out – consider it wildlife-friendly decorating!
Also Read: 15 Simple Christmas Office Decorations Ideas and Bright Ideas
Hanging Garland Cage Tree
Ever wonder what to do with all that clearance garland? This design drapes multiple garland strands from top to bottom, creating a full, lush tree appearance.
I secure the garland at the top point and let it cascade down naturally. Mix different garland types – tinsel with traditional green, or berry garland with metallic – for a custom look. The key is using enough garland to hide most of the cage structure while maintaining that cone shape.
Bold move: Try using unexpected garland materials like feather boas or paper chains for a unique twist.
Ribbon Wrapped Festive Cage Tree
Ribbon trees offer endless customization possibilities. I wrap 2-3 coordinating ribbons around the cage in overlapping spirals, creating patterns and texture that catch everyone’s eye.
Choose ribbons in different widths and patterns but the same color family for a sophisticated look. Wired ribbon works best because you can shape and fluff it for extra dimension. My personal favorite combo? Burgundy velvet with gold mesh and cream lace – pure elegance!
Ribbon Wrapping Techniques:
- Start with the widest ribbon as your base layer
- Overlap narrower ribbons for depth
- Leave some loose ends to curl decoratively
- Add ribbon roses or bows at intersection points
Mini String Light Spiral Cage Tree
This variation takes the light game up a notch. Instead of random wrapping, I create perfect spirals with mini string lights, turning the tomato cage into a glowing geometric sculpture.
The trick is maintaining consistent spacing between spiral rows. I mark my cage with chalk every 3 inches as guides – totally worth the extra effort. Choose color-changing LEDs for parties or stick with classic warm white for everyday elegance.
IMO, this style looks incredible in multiples. Line three down your driveway or cluster them in corners for maximum impact.
Also Read: 15 Joyful Red and Gold Christmas Decor Ideas for Festive Vibes
Mason Jar Lantern Cage Tree
Combining two DIY favorites – mason jars and tomato cages – creates pure magic! I hang small mason jars filled with battery tea lights throughout the cage structure using wire or twine.
Each jar becomes a tiny lantern, casting beautiful shadows and creating ambient lighting that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Add some fake snow or glitter inside the jars for extra sparkle. Sand or Epsom salts work great as jar fillers too.
Genius hack: Use different sized baby food jars and mason jars for variety without breaking the bank.
Frosted Twig and Berry Cage Tree
This design brings winter forest vibes straight to your living room. I weave frosted artificial twigs and berry branches throughout the cage, creating a nature-inspired masterpiece.
Start with larger branches as your foundation, then layer in smaller twigs and berry clusters. The frosted elements catch light beautifully, especially when you add some hidden LED strands. Red berries pop against the white frost, but don’t overlook alternatives like silver, gold, or even blue berries for something different.
Hanging Star Cage Tree
Stars make everything feel magical, don’t they? This design features multiple star ornaments hanging at various heights throughout your tomato cage frame.
I mix star sizes and materials – metal, wood, glitter-covered, and even origami paper stars. The varying heights create movement and visual interest that draws the eye upward. Battery-operated light-up stars add an extra special touch for evening displays.
Star Selection Strategy:
- Include at least three different star sizes
- Mix materials for textural variety
- Add a show-stopping star topper
- Consider painting some stars with glow-in-the-dark paint
Colorful Ball Ornament Cage Tree
Who says Christmas trees need to be green? This vibrant option uses colorful ball ornaments attached directly to the cage structure for a modern, playful look.
I hot glue ornaments all over the cage, overlapping them slightly for fullness. Pick a color scheme that matches your decor – maybe teal and silver for a winter wonderland feel, or hot pink and gold if you’re feeling bold. The result looks like a designer piece that cost hundreds, not the $15 you actually spent.
Don’t forget to include different sizes and finishes within your color scheme. Mixing matte, glitter, and metallic balls creates depth that flat color can’t achieve.
Vintage Bell Decor Cage Tree
Nothing says old-fashioned Christmas quite like bells! This nostalgic design incorporates vintage bells or bell ornaments throughout the tomato cage structure.
I hunt for bells at thrift stores and estate sales year-round (yes, I’m that person). Wire them to the cage at different heights so they actually jingle when touched. Mix brass, silver, and copper tones for an antique look that feels collected over time.
Fun addition: Include some ribbon strips between bells – they’ll move in the breeze and create gentle tinkling sounds.
Natural Greenery and Holly Cage Tree
Last but definitely not least, the natural greenery approach brings authentic Christmas forest feels using real or high-quality artificial greenery.
I weave holly branches, pine boughs, and eucalyptus throughout the cage, building from bottom to top. The natural materials smell amazing if you go real, but quality artificials last forever and look nearly identical. Add some red berries (real or fake) for traditional Christmas colors.
Greenery Application Tips:
- Soak real greenery stems in water before assembling
- Wire branches securely to prevent drooping
- Mist real greenery daily to maintain freshness
- Mix textures with different evergreen varieties
Making Your Tomato Cage Trees Last
After creating dozens of these trees over the years, I’ve learned what makes them last beyond one season. Store them carefully by wrapping in old sheets or large garbage bags. Keep any electronic components in a climate-controlled space. Most importantly, take photos of your favorites so you can recreate them next year!
Consider making these trees a new family tradition. My kids now look forward to our annual “cage tree creation day” more than cookie decorating. We make hot chocolate, blast Christmas music, and everyone designs their own tree. The memories we’re creating matter way more than having perfectly styled decorations.
Final Thoughts
Creating tomato cage Christmas trees changed how I approach holiday decorating. These projects prove you don’t need a massive budget or professional skills to create stunning seasonal displays.
Every single one of these designs costs less than a restaurant meal but delivers weeks of joy.
Whether you choose twinkling lights or rustic burlap, vintage bells or modern ornaments, your tomato cage tree will reflect your personal style while impressing everyone who sees it.
The best part? When someone asks where you bought such unique decorations, you get to say those magic words: “Actually, I made it myself!”
So grab those forgotten tomato cages from your garage, raid your craft supplies, and start creating.
Your wallet will thank you, your home will look amazing, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you turned garden supplies into Christmas magic. Now that’s what I call a holiday win!
