How about a colorful or sparkly white tree skirt & a few brightly wrapped boxes….

Yes! I am planning on putting a tree skirt and will definitely decorate with some wrapped boxes once I get my wrapping done. It just feels so empty without the console table and the small pieces of furniture I've tried don't look right either. Here's an example of the foyer pre-xmas for reference (which could also use some work)

Do you have a footstool or small ottoman or even a small wooden chair? Create a vignette that invites sitting by the tree & presents as guests enter the front door?

Push the tree to the right (closer to the stairs). Then, you can use the wall on the left hand side for the console.