12 rustic Christmas tree ideas
Often characterised by natural materials, homemade additions and timeless design elements, rustic Christmas decorating is more about bringing a warm, inviting charm to any space, rather than focusing on a perfectly-curated festive scheme.
Sprawling garlands and DIY Christmas wreaths can all help to achieve this feel throughout your home – but when it comes to the tree itself, there are a few tricks to achieve this classic country charm.
We've collated all the Christmas tree decorating ideas you'll need – from textural toppers to edible ornaments – and the magic of rustic Christmas decor is that it can effortlessly integrate into all kinds of homes.
Whether it's using organic materials, deploying some artistic flair, or simply drawing inspiration from wintery wildlife, read on for our favourite ideas to enhance the natural beauty of your boughs....
Cook up some edible ornaments
Particularly suited to kitchen countertop trees, edible ornaments will add a homespun charm to a room. The best option for this is citrus fruits: simply bake some orange slices for an hour to dry them out, then display on your tree with cinnamon sticks for a delicious, spiced waft. Alternatively, string the segments along some twine to create a fragrant garland.
Beaded boughs
Tastefully retro, covering your branches with beaded garlands is a kitschy but cool way to honour past traditions – and the best time of the year to do so.
These beautiful crystal tree garlands ooze heritage style and cast magical, dancing lights across the room when positioned near a window.
Try a textural topper
Pair classic touches such as these red baubles and tartan presents with natural materials for that rustic appeal. The rattan tree topper prevents this tree from appearing too fussy and finished. Experiment with wooden decorations and burlap bunting if you want to go all out on tactile textures.
Poppy Munson, product developer at Nkuku, advises: "Blending a curated mix of handcrafted baubles made from natural materials and inspired by organic forms adds a unique quality and rustic aesthetic, while opting for rich and opulent tones such as rust, copper, and burgundy imparts a sense of tradition and adds richness.
"Choosing decorations designed with the utmost care and avoiding fleeting trends will provide you with a layer of treasured festive decor that can be incorporated into your home year after year."
Tiny but mighty
While an extravagantly oversized Christmas tree can be seductive in the season of abundance, this cosy log cabin scene is evidence that size isn't everything.
A short but stout tree like this one adds charm when lovingly styled and surrounded with paper decorations and natural garlands, wreaths and swags.
Create a starry, starry night
A few chunky wooden stars nestled in this tree's branches make an otherwise basic tree feel elevated. Paired with pale furniture and baubles beside exposed brickwork, the effect is that of a stylish farmhouse.
Introduce forest friends
Take a cue from winter woodlands and cover your tree with creatures and foliage that invite the crisp outdoors inside. Pairing Nordic green with metallics will reflect the starry night sky over the forest.
Esme Amberg, head of design at The Roost, says: "Raid the garden for branches and stems, spray them green or gold (there are plenty of foliage sprays out there, especially at this time of year) and simply plug the spaces to add fullness and texture."
Festoon your fir
Generously drape homemade paper chains and bunting over your tree after you've added some lights. After that, the pièce de résistance is hand-drawn decorations and an illustrated topper – don't be afraid to let children lead the way with this one. The more colourful the character, the better.
Let there be (lots of) lights
A twinkly, glowing tree through a window on a crisp winter's night is one of this season's great joys. Load yours with warm white LED cluster lights – they use less power than traditional bulbs and guarantee a long lifespan, making them a durable and sustainable choice.
Less is more
Leaving lots of space between each Christmas tree decoration, can help to create a more rustic look. This will also help accentuate the natural beauty of your tree – especially if it's a real tree such as a spruce, pine or fir.
If you're working with an artificial tree, Roanna Day, founder of Great House Farm Stores, suggests: "There’s nothing to say you can’t decorate your artificial tree with genuine foliage. With just a few sprigs you can add texture and depth to your tree’s design scheme, and introduce the evocative scent of spruce.
"You could order a fresh garland and string it around your tree, or make your own by wiring spruce cuttings onto some craft rope (most Christmas tree sellers will sell cuttings). Or, try making your own mini swags with bits of spruce, ivy, rosemary and eucalyptus. They look beautiful dotted sparsely about your tree especially when finished with a ribbon."
Get crafty
Reusing ribbons from presents is a joyfully crafty way to trim the tree – and even lovelier alongside textural paper honeycomb baubles in a playful palette. These sit well beside traditional glass and ceramic ornaments, but can be displayed on their own for a pared back, rustic feel where the colour does the talking.
Curate eclectically
For many of us, Christmas ornaments are collated and curated over many years, across generations. In fact, it is often the quirkiest and most unconventional pieces that make us smile year upon year, reminding us of our family's eccentricities.
Don't worry about achieving a matching look – the rustic look lends itself to varied decorations in a plethora of colours, textures and styles.
Incorporate an advent tree
A fun and creative alternative to a traditional advent calendar, this tree was crafted by stringing branches together with twine. Hide little gifts, old photos and other treats inside envelopes made from gift wrap and sealed with numbered stickers.
You Might Also Like
