I don’t know about you, but when December rolls around, I get a serious itch to make my home feel like a cozy, magical holiday escape. And let’s be real, nothing says “festive” quite like the combination of bold greenery paired with warm candlelight. It’s this magnetic, almost timeless appeal that just works. The deep, natural texture of pine, spruce, or eucalyptus mixed with the soft, flickering glow of candles creates an atmosphere that’s both elegant and incredibly inviting.
Think about it: the scent of fresh pine, the subtle shimmer of a floating flame, and the organic shapes of leaves and berries—it’s a whole vibe. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy florist or a huge budget to pull it off. You just need a little creativity and a few materials you probably already have or can snag easily. That’s why I’m so excited to share these 12 DIY Christmas centerpieces with candles and greenery that’ll wow every guest without breaking a sweat.
We’re going to get into a variety of styles, from rustic and traditional to modern and minimalist. Each one is designed to be customizable and, most importantly, super easy to make. Ready to get your holiday craft on?
1. Evergreen Garland with Floating Candles
This is my absolute favorite for its sheer romanticism. A Christmas centerpiece with greenery and candles doesn’t get much simpler or more elegant than this.
Materials: A pre-made evergreen garland, or a few long boughs of pine or spruce; clear cylinder vases or bowls of varying sizes; floating candles; water.
Assembly: Lay your evergreen garland down the center of your table, letting it drape and curve naturally. Place your vases or bowls at intervals along the garland. Fill them with water, drop in a floating candle, and light ’em up.
Time: 15 minutes. Maybe 20 if you get sidetracked by a Hallmark movie.
Styling Tip: This evergreen centerpiece works on any table shape. On a long, rectangular table, let the garland run the entire length. On a round table, arrange it in a loose spiral.
2. Rustic Wood Slice & Pillar Candle Duo
For those of us who love that cozy, cabin-in-the-woods vibe, this one is a winner. It feels so earthy and grounded.
Materials: A large wood slice (you can find these at most craft stores or on Etsy); a thick pillar candle; pinecones; sprigs of fresh rosemary, cedar, or cypress.
Assembly: Place the pillar candle firmly in the center of the wood slice. Arrange your pinecones and greenery around the base of the candle. You can use a hot glue gun to secure things, but I usually just nestle them in for an organic look.
Time: 10 minutes. It’s pretty much foolproof.
Styling Tip: For a more personal touch, mix in some dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks with the pinecones. It’ll make the whole thing smell amazing. This is the ultimate rustic Christmas candle centerpiece!
3. Mason Jar Lanterns Wrapped in Greenery
This one is for all my fellow budget-savvy decorators. You’ve probably got some mason jars lying around anyway, so let’s put them to work.
Materials: Mason jars of various sizes; small LED votives or tealights; twine or thin wire; greenery like boxwood, ivy, or juniper.
Assembly: Place a votive inside each jar. Wrap twine or wire around the neck of the jar. Tuck small sprigs of greenery under the twine or wire, wrapping it around the jar’s mouth. Arrange the jars in a cluster down the center of your table.
Time: 20 minutes for a few jars.
Styling Tip: For a full-on Mason jar Christmas centerpiece, try adding a little faux snow or glitter to the bottom of the jars before you put the candle in. So cute!
4. Lantern Centerpiece with Spruce Boughs
I’m a sucker for a good lantern. It adds a touch of architectural elegance to an otherwise natural-looking design.
Materials: A decorative lantern (or two); a few generous sprigs of spruce or fir; small votives or a battery-operated candle.
Assembly: This is ridiculously simple. Open the door of your lantern and fill the base with your spruce boughs, letting them spill out from the bottom. Place your candle(s) inside, and you’re good to go.
Time: 5 minutes, tops.
Styling Tip: If your lantern has a ring on top, you can tie a festive ribbon or bow to it for an extra pop of color.
5. Crystal Bowl with Evergreen & Floating Candles
This is the glamorous sister of the first centerpiece idea. It’s chic, reflective, and looks way more expensive than it is.
Materials: A large, clear crystal or glass bowl; evergreen clippings; cranberries; floating candles; water.
Assembly: This is IMO the most stunning. Put a handful of fresh evergreen sprigs at the bottom of the bowl. Add a layer of fresh cranberries, then fill the bowl with water. Gently place your floating candles on top.
Time: 10 minutes.
Styling Tip: Play with the light! Place this centerpiece on a mirrored tray to double the sparkle and reflect the glow of the candles.
6. Wreath Ring Base with Clustered Candles
This is one of the most versatile ideas on the list because you can reuse the wreath year after year.
Materials: A small evergreen wreath (real or fake); a cluster of different-sized pillar candles; small embellishments like berries or dried flowers.
Assembly: Place the wreath flat on your table. Arrange your candles in the center of the wreath. If you want, you can tuck in a few extra berries or pinecones around the base of the candles to fill in any gaps.
Time: 10 minutes.
Styling Tip: To give this centerpiece a little more drama, use three different-sized candles. This gives it a more dynamic look and draws the eye inward.
7. Tall Cylinder Vases with Eucalyptus & Floating Candles
I love this one because it adds some much-needed verticality to your table. The height creates a sense of drama without being overpowering.
Materials: Tall, clear cylinder vases of varying heights; fresh eucalyptus stems; floating candles; water.
Assembly: Gently place a few eucalyptus stems inside each vase. Fill with water, then float a candle on top. Arrange the vases in a staggered group down the center of your table.
Time: 15 minutes.
Styling Tip: This is a perfect floating candle centerpiece that works with a variety of greenery. You can swap the eucalyptus for holly or long sprigs of rosemary for a different look.
8. Candelabra Draped in Green Garland
If you’ve got a candelabra collecting dust in your basement, this is its moment to shine. This isn’t for a small table, FYI. This is a grand statement piece.
Materials: A multi-armed candelabra; a long, thin evergreen garland; taper candles.
Assembly: Start by securing the taper candles in their holders. Then, gently drape the evergreen garland around the base and arms of the candelabra, weaving it through to create a natural, flowing effect.
Time: 15-20 minutes.
Styling Tip: Add some small decorative elements, like tiny red berries or glittery ribbon, to the garland to add a bit of sparkle.
9. Red Berries, Pinecones, & Candles Duo
This is the quintessential Christmas look, IMO. It’s a classic for a reason—the red and green color combination just screams holiday.
Materials: Small red berries (faux or real); pinecones; pillar candles in red, green, or white; a low bowl or a decorative tray.
Assembly: Arrange your candles on the tray. Scatter the red berries and pinecones around the base of the candles. It’s that simple.
Time: 5 minutes.
Styling Tip: For a full-on pinecone candle centerpiece, choose pinecones of varying sizes. This adds texture and visual interest.
10. Low Bowl with Greens & Multiple Tealights
This design is fantastic for family-friendly gatherings. It keeps the flame low and spread out, making it safe and creating a beautiful, warm glow.
Materials: A shallow decorative bowl or platter; a variety of greenery clippings (fir, cedar, spruce); small tealight candles.
Assembly: Arrange your greenery to fill the bottom of the bowl. Place the tealights nestled among the greens, making sure they’re stable and have plenty of breathing room.
Time: 10 minutes.
Styling Tip: For an extra festive touch, tuck in a few small ornaments or candy canes among the greenery. It’s a fun surprise for guests.
11. Wooden Box Runner with Candles & Mixed Greenery
I love this one for long, rectangular tables. It creates a continuous, natural-looking centerpiece that can be easily customized.
Materials: A long, shallow wooden box or tray; a variety of greenery (e.g., pine, eucalyptus, juniper); different-sized pillar candles.
Assembly: Lay your greenery in the box to create a lush base. Place your candles at intervals along the length of the box, pushing them into the greenery to secure them.
Time: 20 minutes.
Styling Tip: This is a great way to create a modular centerpiece. You can add extra elements like pinecones, ornaments, or even string lights for a truly spectacular Christmas centerpiece with greenery and candles.
12. Green & White Minimalist Arrangement
If the traditional red and green isn’t your thing, this one is for you. It’s sleek, modern, and incredibly calming.
Materials: White pillar candles; a few simple stems of seeded eucalyptus or dusty miller; a simple ceramic or concrete tray.
Assembly: Place the white candles on the tray. Arrange the greenery around the candles in a simple, intentional way. The key here is less is more.
Time: 5 minutes.
Styling Tip: This green and white Christmas centerpiece looks best with clean lines. Think about a modern white tablecloth or a sleek black runner to make the colors really pop.
Conclusion
So there you have it—12 stunning DIY Christmas candle centerpieces that are not only beautiful but are also surprisingly easy to create. Whether you’re a minimalist, a rustic lover, or a full-on glam enthusiast, there’s an idea on this list for you. The best part is the versatility. You can scale these up or down, adjust them to fit your budget, and totally customize the aesthetic.
Don’t let the stress of holiday decorating get to you. Pick one that matches your table, gather your greenery and candles, and elevate your Christmas gathering in 30 minutes or less! And seriously, when you’re done, I want to see your creations. Tag me in your photos on Pinterest or Instagram—I’m so excited to see what you come up with! Now go get crafting!
