Homemade Christmas tree - African style

I decided to "make" my own Christmas tree this year, since I don't own a plastic one and fir trees don't grow in South Africa. 

Step one: I went for a walk in a nearby eucalyptus (Australian blue-gum) plantation and found a nice fallen branch. I chose eucalyptus because it has a smooth bark. 

Step two: I painted the branch white with some PVA paint I had lying about. The really fine branches took a while to paint...

Step three: I "planted" the branch in a terracotta flower pot using river stones, and added a few beach pebbles on top to finish it off.

I then added some baubles hung using fine, silver organza ribbon.

And also strung a few white LED lights and there you have it: an environmentally friendly (and free), African Christmas tree.