DIY Christmas Tree Garland: Natural, Minimal & Sustainable Festive Decor
- Astrid van Essen
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
I love using and combining different materials when decorating, both in my home and in the pieces I create. I work with concrete every day, and I’ve found that its cool, minimal look pairs beautifully with natural elements like wood, greenery, pinecones, and dried fruit.
That’s why I enjoy making my own DIY Christmas Tree Garland each year. It’s a simple project that brings together rustic textures, a touch of fragrance, and a style that feels modern yet warm — perfect alongside my concrete trays, planters, and candle holders.
Why Make Your Own Garland?
Eco-friendly: Skip the plastic tinsel and embrace natural textures.
Budget-friendly: Use foraged pinecones, leftover nuts, or citrus slices from your kitchen.
Unique style: Each garland has its own look; no two will be the same.
A sensory touch: Dried fruit, cinnamon, and star anise add a gentle, festive fragrance.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Natural items: pinecones, cinnamon sticks, walnuts, dried orange slices, star anise (optional sprigs of greenery).
String or twine: jute, hemp or cotton cord works best.
Glue gun + glue sticks: to secure items to the string.
Large needle or skewer: useful for threading nuts or citrus.
Scissors: for trimming twine and neatening ends.
Optional: essential oils (such as orange, clove, or pine) for an extra festive scent.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Christmas Tree Garland
Step 1 – Prepare your items
Bake your orange slices at a low temperature (around 90°C) for 2–3 hours, or until they are fully dried.
Clean and dry the pinecones, then dust them with white paint or fake snow for a frosted look.
Crack walnuts slightly if you want to thread them; otherwise, hot glue works well.
Step 2 – Plan your pattern
Lay out your materials in the order you’d like them to appear. Alternating between pinecones, citrus, and cinnamon sticks creates a balanced, rustic look.
Step 3 – Thread or glue items
For sturdier pieces, such as walnuts or orange slices, thread them directly onto the twine using a large needle.
For pinecones and cinnamon sticks, secure them with a dab of hot glue on the string.
Keep spacing even, leaving 5–10 cm between each item.
Step 4 – Add fragrance
For a natural, festive scent, add a few drops of essential oil (such as orange, pine, clove, or cinnamon) to the pinecones before hanging.
Step 5 – Style your garland
Hang your garland around the Christmas tree, drape it across your mantel, or wind it along a staircase bannister for a warm, rustic look.
Creative Variations
Minimalist look: use only pinecones and plain jute string for a pared-back Nordic style.
Colourful & scented: mix in dried apple slices, cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary.
Modern rustic: alternate pinecones with simple wooden beads for a clean finish.
Styling with Botanical Blueprint
Pair your handmade garland with concrete trays, bowls or candle holders from Botanical Blueprint to create a festive display that feels timeless and modern. Natural garlands look especially striking when draped above a tray of tealights or beside a cluster of concrete planters filled with greenery.
DIY Christmas Tree Garland FAQs
1. How long will a natural Christmas garland last?
If dried properly and stored correctly, it can last the entire festive season and even be reused the following year.
2. Can I make this without a glue gun?
Yes, though it’s easier with one. You can tie some items directly onto the string, but pinecones usually need hot glue to stay in place.
3. Will dried oranges go mouldy?
Not if they’re completely dried in the oven. They should be crisp and moisture-free before use.
4. Can I add artificial pieces for durability?
Absolutely: wooden beads, faux greenery or ceramic ornaments can be mixed in for a longer-lasting garland.
5. How do I store my garland after Christmas?
Wrap it in tissue paper, place it in a cardboard box, and keep it in a cool, dry cupboard until next year.
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