Crafting Festive Accents for Your Faux Evergreen
As the holiday season approaches, the time has come to start planning and preparing your home for the most wonderful time of the year. For many, an artificial Christmas tree has become the convenient choice, offering the timeless look of a real evergreen without the hassle of constant maintenance. But just because your tree isn’t freshly cut doesn’t mean it can’t be equally as magical.
By incorporating a few simple DIY ornament projects, you can transform your artificial tree into a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece that truly shines. From natural, aromatic accents to upcycled decorations, the options are endless when it comes to elevating your faux evergreen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of creative DIY ideas to help you deck the halls in style – no matter if your tree is tall and grand or perfectly petite.
Embrace the Scents of the Season
One of the most iconic elements of a real Christmas tree is its fragrance – that fresh, woodsy aroma that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. While an artificial tree may lack that natural scent, you can easily replicate it with a few homemade touches.
DIY Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
As suggested in this article, creating your own cinnamon stick ornaments is a simple yet impactful way to infuse your tree with a warm, inviting scent. All you need are cinnamon sticks, a few drops of pine essential oil, and some twine or ribbon to transform these basic pantry staples into festive accents.
Simply add 5-6 drops of pine oil to each cinnamon stick, letting them soak in the aroma for a few minutes before tying a loop at the top. Arrange these scented sticks throughout your artificial tree, tucking them among the branches for a gorgeous, fragrant display. The cinnamon-pine blend provides a classic Christmas scent that will have your whole home feeling merry and bright.
Pinecone Potpourri
Another natural option for adding seasonal fragrance is to create a pinecone potpourri that can be hung or tucked into your artificial tree. Follow a similar process as the cinnamon sticks, applying a few drops of essential oils like fir, cedarwood, or peppermint to pinecones and allowing them to sit for a bit before incorporating them into your tree design.
The beauty of this approach is that the pinecones will continue to release their delightful aroma over time, keeping your space smelling festive long after the initial decorating is done. Plus, their organic, woodland-inspired appearance pairs beautifully with the artificial greenery.
Upcycle with Hardware and Household Items
While traditional glass ornaments and shiny tinsel have their place, incorporating unexpected, repurposed elements can give your artificial tree a unique, elevated look. Surprisingly, many everyday household items and even basic hardware supplies can be transformed into whimsical, one-of-a-kind decorations.
Nuts, Bolts, and Washers
As showcased in this creative DIY, ordinary nuts, bolts, and washers can be turned into charming, rustic ornaments with just a bit of paint and some twine or string. These industrial-inspired accents add an unexpected touch of holiday style, complementing the sleek artificial branches.
For a cohesive look, stick to a metallic color palette, painting the hardware in shades of gold, silver, or bronze. Or, embrace a more eclectic, mixed-metal aesthetic by using a variety of finishes. Simply drill a small hole in each piece, thread through some string, and voila – instant tree-worthy decorations.
Clothespins and Twine
Another ingenious upcycling idea is to transform basic clothespins into whimsical, farmhouse-inspired ornaments. This Reddit thread offers inspiration, showcasing how simple clothespins can be dressed up with a touch of paint, twine, and other embellishments.
For a cohesive look, use natural twine or jute to tie a loop at the top of each clothespin, then get creative with additional finishing touches. Try painting the clothespins in festive colors, adding glitter or ribbon accents, or even stenciling on holiday-themed designs. These charming, rustic ornaments will add warmth and character to your artificial tree.
Incorporate Natural Elements
While artificial trees offer convenience and consistency, bringing in natural elements can help them feel more organic and timeless. Embrace the beauty of the outdoors by incorporating natural materials and textures into your DIY ornament projects.
Dried Citrus Slices
Dried citrus slices make for a gorgeous, fragrant addition to any artificial tree. This guide from A House We Built highlights the benefits of using natural decorations like dried orange or lemon slices, which not only look beautiful but also provide a subtle, fresh aroma.
To create these ornaments, simply slice fresh citrus fruits and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake at a low temperature (around 200°F) for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally, until the slices are completely dried out. Once cooled, use twine or ribbon to hang them throughout your artificial tree, allowing the natural hues and scents to complement the faux greenery.
Twig and Pinecone Garland
For a rustic, woodland-inspired look, consider crafting a twig and pinecone garland to drape along the branches of your artificial tree. Gather various sizes of twigs, pinecones, and other natural elements, then use wire or twine to bind them together into a cohesive, garland-style decoration.
This organic, earthy accent adds beautiful, textural contrast to the smooth, uniform branches of an artificial tree. Plus, the natural materials pair perfectly with the greenery, creating a harmonious, nature-inspired display. Weave the garland throughout your tree, letting the pinecones and twigs cascade elegantly down the sides.
Elevate Your Tree’s Presentation
Beyond the ornaments themselves, the way you present and display your artificial tree can make all the difference in its overall look and feel. Experiment with creative ways to elevate your tree, both literally and figuratively, to achieve a truly showstopping holiday centerpiece.
Raised Tree Stand
If you have limited floor space or simply want to make a bold statement with your artificial tree, consider investing in a raised tree stand or platform. As mentioned in this article, building a custom box or using a large barrel can be an effective way to elevate your tree, making it the focal point of the room.
Not only does this technique help keep curious pets at bay, but it also allows you to maximize the available floor space around the tree for presents, decor, and other holiday accents. When selecting a stand, focus on designs with a sturdy, wide base to ensure stability and prevent tipping.
Lighting and Topper Choices
In addition to the ornaments and accents you choose, the lighting and tree topper can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your artificial tree. Opt for warm, inviting LED string lights that complement the tones of your ornaments and tree. And consider a unique, statement-making topper, such as a decorative finial, oversized bow, or even a sculptural tree-topping piece.
These finishing touches help elevate your artificial tree, transforming it into a true holiday showpiece. Experiment with different lighting styles and topper designs until you find the perfect combination that suits your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your space.
Elevate Your Artificial Tree This Season
With a little creativity and a few simple DIY projects, you can transform an ordinary artificial Christmas tree into a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece that truly shines. From fragrant, natural accents to unexpected upcycled ornaments, the options are endless when it comes to adding a personal touch to your faux evergreen.
By embracing the convenience of an artificial tree while incorporating festive, handmade elements, you can create a holiday display that radiates warmth, character, and holiday cheer. So this season, let your creativity shine as you deck the halls and elevate your artificial tree to new heights of holiday splendor. Happy decorating!
