Try Rustic Decorations for a Cozy, Homespun Christmas Tree
Decking the halls with rustic, homey decorations is a sure way to create a cozy atmosphere for your family holiday celebration. Natural materials, traditional colors and little or no glitter in sight means that you have a homespun holiday decor scheme that is every bit as casual as it is easy to do. When it’s time to shop, look for elements like wood, burlap, pinecones and unbleached fabric to create a decor palette that fits the rustic theme.
Burlap and Rope
Burlap and rope are natural looking materials that are well suited for a rustic Christmas theme. This cute little arrangement, from Experience & Creative Design, is a perfect example. A charming little bird fashioned from burlap sits in a red next that has a touch of glitter. Next to it is a votive holder that is covered with rope and the entire piece is accented with some greens, pinecones and berries. It’s a small decor piece that will add a rustic touch anywhere in the home for the holiday season.
Traditional Rustic Centerpieces
For a centerpiece that is lush yet casual, choose a decor piece that features a candle and plenty of traditional winter elements. This candleholder is bedecked with plenty of red berries and pinecones, along with some greenery. The defining element that gives it a homespun feeling is the natural ribbon that sports red stripes. It’s a casual flourish that enhances the natural materials. It’s also important to remember that pieces like this can adorn any table or console in the house — think outside the dining table!
Farm Animals
There’s nothing like a farm animal to add a country touch to a piece of decor, and this includes at Christmas. In this case, a large hen ornament sits nestled in decorative straw, flanked by pinecones and greenery, along with sprays of bright red berries. A bit of glitz comes from the silver and gold eggs arranged at the front of the display. It’s certainly a festive piece of decor but also — what could possibly be more fun than a Christmas chicken?
A Country Snowman
Any snowman can become countrified if it’s made from unbleached fabric. The off-white material conveys a country feeling and a less-than-formal vibe. This snowman– who also has a halo instead of a tophat– wears a plaid collar and carries a sprig of greenery. The snow clinging to his body, adds a frosty element. Rustic snowmen are also a good DIY project because unbleached muslins and linens are readily available. If you have some basic sewing skills, this could be a really fun holiday craft.
Homespun Tree Ornaments
Sewn from fabrics and embellished with twine and buttons little ornaments like this bell are ideal for a country Christmas tree. They have a homey, handmade feeling — whether they are or not — and pair nicely with natural wood garlands and other rustic elements. With this style of decoration, a traditional green tree is the right choice.
Handmade Toys
It’s quick and easy to elevate a basic table arrangement to a homespun centerpiece by adding a handmade toy, like an old-fashioned stuffed horse. Red pinstriped fabric accented with a green saddle is finished off with neutral buttons, plain yarn and some twine. It’s a charming decor item that is ideal for a rustic, eclectic or country home style. It will also be popular with children who’ll be very tempted to play with it!
Rustic Mini Trees
Even if the living room has the biggest, grandest tree, it’s still fun to decorate with mini trees around the house. These cute little trees, whether they’re made from wood, greenery or something else are fitting elements for an arrangement or tablescape. Mini trees can also be used to add some holiday cheer to rooms that might be too small for larger-scale decorations. Or, group them on a mantel or sideboard as part of the holiday decor scheme. Wherever you put them, they’re a feature addition.
Textile Ornaments
Fabrics with a country feeling, like burlap, linen, knits and other textiles with an earthy feel are ideal for a homespun touch to holiday decor. Little mittens like these, or balls wrapped with casual, raw-edged ribbon or simple bows from country style fabrics are soft and homey additions to the tree or to a holiday arrangement. These types of ornaments go well with wooden ones, as well as more casual garlands and ribbons.
Repurposed Materials
Sometimes, a time-worn finish is all you need to evoke some nostalgia. Using ornaments and other elements that are repurposed or a bit worn and rustic lend an antique or vintage feeling to the decor. This heart is made from repurposed wood and has a worn look that is ideal with its skewed, irregular shape. The whole tree doesn’t need to be decorated with this kind of ornament, because as you can see, it pairs well with shiny new wooden ornaments as well as all the other homey decorations.
Fun Tabletop Decor
Adding small rustic elements made from wood like these reindeer to any tabletop is a fun thing to do. Small pieces like this can be used in a table arrangement, substituted for placecards, or simply used to decorate each place setting. Simply constructed figures can be easy DIY projects or easily purchased for those who are a little less crafty.
There are so many ways to transform a fir tree into a homey, Christmasey wonderland full of charming decor. Try mixing some of the elements we found with your own pieces, or plan some additions to a current tree. An old-fashioned homespun holiday tree can be a refreshing change from the gliyz and shine of the typical tree.