There’s something about the holidays that makes me want to slow down, put my phone away, and just soak in the cozy, simple moments. Forget those perfectly manicured, color-coordinated trees you see in magazines—I’m all about the kind of tree that tells a story. The kind that feels lived in, loved, and a little bit imperfect. It’s like a warm hug in evergreen form.
That’s where the magic of a rustic Christmas tree comes in. By leaning into natural materials and a good dose of DIY charm, you can transform your tree into a stunning centerpiece that feels both incredibly homey and effortlessly chic. Think pinecones, dried oranges, and rough-hewn wood—stuff that brings the outdoors in and aligns with that beautiful, grounded aesthetic you see all over Pinterest. Seriously, is there anything better than a holiday look that is both gorgeous and easy? I think not.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the store-bought glitter and embrace a more authentic, earthy vibe, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rounded up 21 of my favorite ideas, all rooted in nature and thrift. Let’s get to it!
Natural Ornament Accents
When you start with your ornaments, think about what you’d find on a walk in the woods. The goal here is texture and subtle color, not sparkle. These pieces are the foundation of your rustic theme.
1. Pinecones & Twig Stars
These are the OGs of rustic decor. Pinecones are a no-brainer, and you can literally go on a treasure hunt in your backyard to find them. If you’re lucky enough to live near a bunch of pine trees, you know what I’m talking about. My personal favorite is to lightly dust them with white craft paint to give them a snow-kissed look.
For twig stars, all you need are some thin twigs, a bit of twine, and a hot glue gun. Just arrange the twigs into a star shape, secure them with glue, and then wrap them with twine. It’s a simple project that makes a huge impact and adds a nice, organic shape to your tree.
2. Dried Orange Slices & Cinnamon Sticks
There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that smells more like Christmas than this combo. Plus, they look so good! To make the orange slices, just cut thin rounds, pat them dry, and bake them on low heat for a few hours until they’re dehydrated and slightly transparent.
The cinnamon sticks are a breeze. Just tie a few together with a bit of twine or ribbon. You can also add a small sprig of fake berries or a star anise to the bundle. These fragrant ornaments add a beautiful pop of color and a scent that will make your whole home feel like a holiday wonderland.
3. DIY Clay or Painted Wood Ornaments
This is where you can really get creative. Craft stores sell plain wooden slices and air-dry clay for next to nothing. You can get a bunch and make a fun afternoon out of it. With the wooden slices, you can hand-paint small designs like snowflakes, reindeers, or simple geometric shapes.
For the clay, you can use cookie cutters to make stars, hearts, or circles. Once they’re dry, you can paint them, stamp them with a design, or leave them as is for a beautifully unfinished look. This is a great project for kids, too!
Pro Tip: For a super cohesive look, use the same twine or thin ribbon to hang all your ornaments. It will tie everything together, literally.
Textured Garland & Ribbon Treatments
Your garland and ribbon are the threads that weave your whole tree together. Don’t just drape them—think of them as adding layers of texture and visual weight. This is where you can make your tree feel extra lush and full.
4. Burlap or Rope Garland
Burlap isn’t just for sacks, you guys. A wide burlap ribbon, woven in and out of the branches, adds a wonderful rustic, farmhouse feel. It’s strong and structured, so it holds its shape really well.
If you want something a bit more understated, try using a thick jute rope. It looks fantastic when woven around the tree, almost like a natural vine. You can also make little bows out of a thinner rope or twine and place them on the ends of branches.
5. Natural-Fiber or Twine Wraps
Instead of a traditional garland, consider wrapping certain sections of your tree with a thinner, more subtle material. You could do this with just a simple twine or a thin, braided raffia. It’s a great way to add an element of surprise without overwhelming the tree.
Pro Tip: If you have an artificial tree that needs a little love, wrapping a few of the branches with twine or a thinner natural-fiber ribbon can help hide any gaps and make it look fuller.
Rustic Tree Bases & Collars
The base of your tree is just as important as what’s on it. Ditch the generic plastic skirt and get creative with a base that’s a decoration in itself. It’s a fun way to complete the look.
6. Stenciled Wooden Crate or Vintage Box
This is one of my favorite ideas because it’s so unexpected and charming. Instead of a skirt, just place your tree stand inside a large wooden crate. You can find these at flea markets or craft stores.
For a personal touch, you can stencil a holiday message on the side, like “Happy Holidays” or your family name. It makes the tree feel incredibly grounded and unique.
7. Galvanized Bucket
For a modern farmhouse twist, use a large galvanized metal bucket as a tree collar. It adds a cool, industrial texture that contrasts nicely with the soft green needles.
8. Wicker Basket Collar
A wicker basket is a classic for a reason. It adds warmth and a wonderful woven texture to the base of your tree. You can find oversized baskets at home goods stores—just make sure your tree stand will fit inside.
9. Vintage Sled or Crate Base
If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage sled sitting around, why not use it as a base? Position your tree on top of the sled to create a cozy, nostalgic holiday display. It immediately evokes a winter wonderland feel. This is a super great way to add a vertical layer to the base of your tree.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a crate or basket, fill any extra space with a cozy blanket or some burlap to hide the stand and make it look even more intentional.
DIY & Upcycled Ornaments
You can make some of the most beautiful ornaments yourself, and the fact that you made them just adds to their charm. These ideas are budget-friendly and give your tree a truly one-of-a-kind feel.
10. Birch-Paper Painted Ornaments
Birch-paper is a great material to work with because it’s so lightweight and easy to cut. You can find sheets of it at most craft stores. Just cut out simple shapes like circles or ovals and paint them with small woodland scenes or rustic patterns. You can even use a fine-tip marker to draw tiny trees or animals.
11. Coffee-Filter Angels
Who would have thought a coffee filter could look so angelic? To make coffee-filter angels, you just need a bit of glue and some imagination. These light, airy ornaments add a touch of whimsy.
12. Driftwood Santas
For the driftwood Santas, find a nice smooth piece of driftwood and paint the top red for a hat and a bit of white for the beard. Seriously, that’s all you need. The natural shape of the wood makes each one unique.
13. Embossed or Etched Clay Shapes
This is where you can get a little fancy with your DIY skills. You can find clay tools at craft stores that allow you to press patterns into the clay before it dries. Think leaves, ferns, or even tiny stamps with words on them. The results are incredibly professional-looking and add beautiful texture to your tree.
Pro Tip: If you’re making your own ornaments, have a special night where the family gets together to do it. It’s a fun tradition and a great way to make memories.
Natural Floral & Greenery Touches
Adding real (or at least realistic-looking) greenery and floral elements can make your tree feel alive and full. It’s a great way to layer in more color and texture without relying on traditional garland.
14. Eucalyptus or Fir Branch Garlands
Instead of a traditional garland, consider draping long stems of eucalyptus or fir branches over the tree. You can secure them with floral wire. Eucalyptus adds a nice, dusty green color and a fantastic scent, while fir branches will make the tree look fuller and more lush. It’s like bringing a little piece of the forest inside.
15. Cotton-Boll Accents
Cotton-bolls, with their soft white fluff, add a wonderful textural element. They look like little puffs of snow scattered throughout the branches. You can find faux cotton-bolls at most craft stores, and they’re so easy to tuck into the tree.
16. Magnolia Leaf Accents
Magnolia leaves have that beautiful, deep green top and a fuzzy brown underside, which adds a great color contrast. They’re super elegant and give the tree a Southern charm.
Pro Tip: Use floral wire to create small bundles of these elements and place them strategically around the tree for a balanced look.
Cozy Add-Ons
These are the final touches that make your tree feel like it belongs in a rustic cabin, even if you live in a city apartment. They are the details that scream “warm and homey.”
17. Chunky Knit Tree Skirts or Blankets
Instead of a stiff tree skirt, consider using a chunky knit blanket or a cozy wool throw. Just drape it around the base of the tree. It adds so much warmth and texture. IMO, it also looks way better than a standard skirt and it’s something you can use all year long.
18. Brown Paper–Wrapped Base for Gifts
Forget fancy wrapping paper. For a truly rustic look, wrap your gifts in simple brown kraft paper and tie them with twine. You can add a sprig of greenery or a small cinnamon stick to each package. It makes the whole area around the tree feel incredibly cohesive and thoughtfully decorated.
19. Natural Woven Basket for Gift Piling
If you’re short on space or just want a different look, consider piling smaller gifts into a large, natural woven basket at the base of your tree. It’s a great way to contain the clutter and it adds another layer of texture to your display.
Pro Tip: If your gifts are wrapped in brown paper, consider using a white pen to write the recipient’s name right on the paper for an extra personal touch.
Personalized Rustic Charm
The best part of any holiday decor is the personal touches. These are the things that make your tree uniquely yours and tell your family’s story.
20. Vintage Ribbon or Yarn Decorations
Head to a vintage store and look for old spools of lace or ribbon. Tying these around the branches or using them to hang ornaments adds a classic, sentimental feel. You can also use different colors of yarn to make small pom-poms or tassels and hang them from the branches.
21. Hand-Painted Stencils on Ornaments
This is a step up from just free-hand painting. You can buy stencils with festive designs and use them on wooden or clay ornaments for a polished, professional look. It gives a sense of uniformity without losing the handcrafted charm.
Conclusion
So there you have it—21 ways to create a rustic Christmas tree that feels warm, personal, and oh-so-cozy. By embracing natural materials and a bit of DIY spirit, you’re not just decorating a tree; you’re creating a heartfelt centerpiece for your holiday season. The best part is that you don’t have to pick just one idea. Imagine a tree with pinecone accents and a burlap ribbon garland, sitting in a vintage wooden crate, topped off with your family’s personal ornaments. Now that’s a tree to remember.
I hope this has inspired you to get a little bit messy, get a little bit creative, and truly make your Christmas tree your own. What are your favorite rustic-natural decorations? I’d love to hear about your ideas or even see photos of your beautiful creations.
