The Beauty of Natural Christmas Tree Decorations

I understand wanting to decorate a christmas tree in a more sustainable, natural way.

After trying to find eco-friendly decorations that still capture the magic of the season, i kept seeing the same mass-produced plastic ornaments everywhere. But there’s a better approach.

I’ll show you how to transform your christmas tree into a stunning seasonal display using materials from nature – like pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and more.

Not only are these decorations better for the environment, but they’ll fill your home with wonderful holiday scents, too.

In this guide, i’ll share simple techniques for creating and arranging natural ornaments, plus tips for preserving them so they last through the season and beyond.

Why to Choose Natural Christmas Tree Decorations

Natural christmas tree decorations add a special touch to holiday celebrations that go beyond just looks. When you opt for natural elements, you’re bringing authentic seasonal charm right into your living room.

The raw beauty of items like pine cones, dried fruit, and wooden ornaments creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that plastic decorations simply can’t match.

Here’s why natural decorations make such a meaningful choice:

• Natural materials fill your home with real seasonal scents like dried oranges and cinnamon, making artificial fresheners unnecessary. Their fragrance grows stronger when warmed by tree lights.
• Each natural item has its own character – from uniquely shaped pine cones to perfectly imperfect dried fruit slices. These small variations give your tree an authentic, handcrafted look.
• Creating decorations from nature can become a special family activity. Kids love collecting pine cones and helping prep materials, making memories while learning about sustainability.

How Do Natural Decorations Compare to Artificial Ones?

Top Natural Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas

1. Pine Cone Ornaments

To create pine cone ornaments, collect pine cones from your yard or a local park.

Clean them gently to remove any dirt, and then add a touch of sparkle with white or silver spray paint.

You can attach a ribbon or twine to hang them on the tree. For added flair, glue small beads or glitter on the edges of the pine cones. These ornaments bring a rustic, natural touch to your tree.

• Estimated budget: $5-$10
• DIY level: Easy

2. Dried Citrus Slices

Dried citrus slices, like oranges and lemons, make stunning, fragrant tree decorations.

Slice the fruit thinly and bake at a low temperature (about 200°f) for 4-6 hours, flipping occasionally.

Once dry, string them with twine or ribbon and hang them on your tree.

The bright colors will add a warm and festive feel to your holiday decor.

• Estimated budget: $10-$15
• DIY level: Medium

3. Wooden Bead Garlands

Wooden bead garlands offer a minimalist yet graceful look.

You can find beads in natural wood or paint them with gold or white accents for a more festive vibe. Simply string the beads on twine or string and drape them loosely on your tree.

This decoration is perfect for complementing the earthy tones of your other ornaments.

• Estimated budget: $15-$20
• DIY level: Easy

4. Fresh Eucalyptus Branches

Eucalyptus branches bring a beautiful natural scent to your tree.

Cut small stems of eucalyptus, and use floral wire to attach them to your tree’s branches.

You can also combine them with other greenery like fir or pine.

Their soft green color and aromatic scent create a calming, fresh vibe.

• Estimated budget: $15-$25
• DIY level: Medium

5. Cinnamon Stick Bundles

Cinnamon sticks make for a simple yet aromatic addition to your tree.

Bundle 3-4 sticks together and tie them with twine or ribbon.

You can also add small dried orange slices or a sprig of greenery to improvise the rustic look. Hang these bundles on the tree for a festive and fragrant decoration.

• Estimated budget: $5-$10
• DIY level: Easy

6. Twisted Twig Stars

For a unique star-shaped tree topper or ornament, collect twigs from your yard. Cut them to a uniform size and twist them into star shapes, securing them with hot glue or floral wire.

You can leave the natural wood finish or spray them with gold or silver paint for a more festive look. These will add a handcrafted, rustic charm to your tree.

• Estimated budget: $5-$12
• DIY level: Medium

7. Felted Wool Ornaments

Create cozy, handmade wool ornaments by felting wool balls or shapes.

You can make simple round ornaments or create miniature animals, hearts, or stars.

Use a felting needle and some wool roving to shape them, and then thread them with ribbon to hang them on the tree.

These soft, textured ornaments offer a handmade touch that feels warm and inviting.

• Estimated budget: $10-$20
• DIY level: Medium

8. Wooden Slice Tree Tags

For a personalized touch, cut small slices of wood and use a permanent marker or wood-burning tool to write names or holiday messages on them.

These can double as both ornaments and personalized gifts. Hang them on the tree with twine for a natural, charming decoration.

• Estimated budget: $5-$15
• DIY level: Easy

9. Paper Snowflakes

Create beautiful snowflakes from white or cream-colored paper.

Fold the paper into a triangle, cut out shapes along the edges, and unfold to reveal the intricate design.

Hang them on your tree using thread or ribbon. You can even add a sprinkle of glitter for a bit of sparkle.

These delicate decorations add a whimsical and light touch to your holiday tree.

• Estimated budget: $1-$5
• DIY level: Easy

10. Mini Jute Burlap Banners

To make mini banners, cut small triangles from burlap or jute fabric and string them together with twine.

You can add festive touches by painting the triangles with simple designs like stars, trees, or reindeer using fabric paint.

Hang the banners across the branches of your tree to create a rustic, country-inspired decoration.

• Estimated budget: $5-$10
• DIY level: Medium

11. Dried Flowers and Herbs

Dried flowers, such as lavender, rosemary, or baby’s breath, make graceful, natural ornaments.

Bundle them into small bouquets and tie them together with twine or ribbon. Hang them on the branches for a fragrant, earthy look. These delicate flowers bring a subtle beauty and organic feel to your christmas tree.

• Estimated budget: $10-$20
• DIY level: Medium

12. Acorn and Nut Garland

Collect acorns and small nuts like walnuts or almonds to create a charming garland.

String them together using twine, placing them with small gaps in between, or string them tightly for a more clustered look.

You can also paint them in metallic or white for a festive touch. This natural garland will bring an earthy, woodland vibe to your tree.

• Estimated budget: $5-$10
• DIY level: Easy

Natural Christmas Decor: Pro Tips for A Perfect Tree

• Start early: Collect pine cones and acorns weeks before decorating to give them time to dry properly and avoid unwanted surprises.
• Safety first: Inspect natural items for insects or mold before bringing them indoors – a quick vinegar wash can help sanitize them.
• Think seasonally: Focus on materials that are naturally available during winter, like holly berries, pine cones, and evergreen sprigs.
• Test for freshness: Gently squeeze greenery – if it’s fresh, it shouldn’t crumble or shed excessively in your hands.
• Consider scent combinations: Mix fragrant elements thoughtfully – pair cinnamon sticks with dried oranges, but avoid combining too many strong scents.
• Check for stability: Make sure each item is sturdy enough to hang – reinforce natural elements with wire or strong twine if needed.
• Plan your color scheme: Stick to 2-3 natural colors that complement each other, like deep greens with warm browns and touches of red.
• Size matters: Mix different sizes of natural elements – use larger items near the bottom and smaller ones toward the top for visual balance.
• Stay practical: Choose items that won’t shed or drop pieces onto gifts or floors – avoid brittle leaves or crumbly bark.
• Think long-term: Select elements that can be preserved and stored for next year – properly dried materials can last several seasons.

The Bottom Line

Natural christmas decorations offer a beautiful way to honor holiday traditions while being mindful of our environment.

By choosing elements like pine cones, dried fruits, and handmade ornaments, you can create a tree that’s uniquely yours and tells a meaningful story.

These sustainable choices not only reduce plastic waste but also bring authentic seasonal charm to your home.

Ready to start your natural decorating adventure? Begin small – maybe try the simple pine cone ornaments or dried orange slices first.

As you get more comfortable, experiment with different natural elements and techniques. Your tree will become more special each year as you add new handcrafted touches.