If you’ve ever strolled through your local park during the holiday season and thought, “Wow, nature is basically handing me free holiday decorations,” you’re onto something. Crafting your own natural holiday decorations isn’t just a great way to save some cash. It’s also a simple way to add a personal touch to your home. Plus, it gives you an excuse to stock up on hot glue gun sticks. (Don’t worry. We won’t judge you.)

Whether you’re already pretty crafty, looking to explore your artsy side this holiday season, or just need a few activity ideas to do with the kids, we’ve created a guide to turning everyday natural materials into stunning decorations. 

 

Why Choose Natural Holiday Decorations?

There’s something magical about making your own decor with outdoor elements during the holiday season. For one, natural holiday decorations are a great way to celebrate the beauty of nature! Here are some other reasons why swapping glittery plastic for pine cones and evergreen branches might just be the best decision you make this Christmas season:

Sustainability Feels Good

Using natural materials like fresh greenery, wood slices, and citrus fruit reduces your reliance on mass-produced decorations. Unlike plastic ornaments that might end up in a landfill, natural items decompose gracefully. Or better yet, you can even use the for compost or mulch once the season is over.

It’s Budget-Friendly

Why spend a small fortune at the craft store when the perfect place for inspiration is your own backyard? Gather orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and evergreen branches for free (or nearly free) DIY christmas ornaments and table centerpieces. A little creativity goes a long way when you work with what nature provides.

It Adds a Personal Touch 

Natural holiday decorations have a warm, handmade feel that store-bought baubles just can’t replicate. Whether it’s a natural wreath made with your favorite tree branches or homemade ornaments crafted from birch bark, these pieces add a personal story to your home.

The Nostalgic and Cozy Vibes

There’s something about the scent of fresh greenery and star anise that instantly makes your home feel festive. Unlike artificial decorations, natural elements engage all your senses, turning your space into a nostalgic haven of holiday cheer.

With that being said, here are some…

 

DIY Natural Decor Ideas

Pine Cones: The MVP of Natural Decor

First thing to do: grab some pine cones. You can find these little wonders almost anywhere, and they’re basically the original Christmas baubles. Clean them up, spray paint them with a bit of metallic gold or white for a frosty look (or keep them natural), and you’ve got yourself some homemade natural Christmas decorations. Glue dots make them perfect for stringing into garlands or attaching to evergreen branches for natural ornaments.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a little cinnamon on them for some holiday aroma.

DIY Wreaths with Evergreen Branches

A natural wreath made from evergreen branches is as classic as it gets. Gather some tree branches, bend them into a circle (or use embroidery hoops as a base), and secure them with twine or a hot glue gun. Add red berries, star anise, and maybe a few dried orange slices for color.

Bonus Points: Add seed pods, birch bark, or even small wood slices for a rustic vibe. It’s a fun way to use materials from your own backyard.

Citrus Fruit Ornaments

Dried citrus fruit, like orange slices, are a simple beauty hack for your tree or table centerpieces. Slice thinly, bake them at a low temperature to dry, and string them up with twine. These natural elements pop against the greenery of Christmas tree ornaments or in a homemade centerpiece.

Salt Dough Ornaments: Nostalgia with a Twist

Nothing says DIY Christmas ornaments like salt dough. Mix up some dough (flour, salt, water—easy peasy), roll it out with a rolling pin, and use cookie cutters to create different shapes. Poke a small hole for hanging, bake, and decorate with acrylic paint for colorful ornaments that are both cute and durable.

Fun Idea: Try pressing fresh greenery or star anise into the dough before baking for added texture. (Be sure to remove these element before baking so they don’t burn. You just want the imprints!)

Fresh Greenery for the Table

The Christmas table deserves some natural holiday decorations too! Lay a flat surface of fresh greenery like cedar or fir across the table. Sprinkle in cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and small wreaths made from flexible branches. Voilà! You’ve got a centerpiece that’s as simple as it is stunning.

Nature-Inspired Tree Baubles

If you’ve got fake trees but still want a touch of nature, try creating handmade ornaments out of wood slices or birch bark. Use a bit of acrylic paint to add patterns, or glue on fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant touch.

Pine-Wrapped Pillar Candles

Take your plain pillar candles from “meh” to “magnificent” with a simple yet stunning pine wrap. Grab a few sprigs of fresh greenery (evergreen branches or pine needles work beautifully) and secure them around the base of the candle using twine or a festive ribbon. Add a cinnamon stick or a few red berries for extra flair.

Safety Tip: Make sure the greenery stays below the flame to avoid any holiday mishaps. Place your decorated candles on a flat surface like a coffee table or mantle for a cozy, nature-inspired glow. 

Bringing the Outdoors In: Decorating Small Spaces

Don’t have room for a big tree? No problem. Use tree branches in a vase on your coffee table, decorate embroidery hoops as small wreaths, or hang natural christmas ornaments along your wall or windows.

 

Tip: Use What You Already Have

No need for a craft store haul! Repurpose cardboard borders, old rolling pins, or even last year’s christmas décor by incorporating natural elements like fresh herbs, birch bark, or evergreen branches. It’s an easy way to blend old and new, keep it cheap, and recycle!

 

Take a Nature Walk

The beauty of using natural elements is that it offers endless inspiration, and you can find it anywhere. In fact, we encourage you to take a natural walk to see what you can find and get those wheels turnin’. This is also a great activity to do with kids when you want to spark curiosity and creativity. 

Whether you’re crafting a natural wreath, assembling easy ideas for your Christmas crafting arsenal, or figuring out a way to use that birch bark you found last year, this time of year is the perfect place to get creative.

What do you plan on making this year? What natural elements are closest to your home? Let’s get creative in the comments and inspire each other. Share your finds, projects, and ideas with us below!