A Simple and Charming Pinecone Christmas Garland
Learn how to make a simple and rustic pinecone Christmas garland with white-painted pinecones, red check ribbons, and cottage-style charm. The perfect DIY holiday table decoration.
Time seems to fly faster than ever once the twinkle lights go up, doesn’t it? If you’re anything like me, you love a good holiday project that’s easy, budget-friendly, and just a little bit nostalgic.
Today’s DIY is exactly that — a pinecone Christmas garland that looks like it stepped straight out of a cozy cottage. It’s a touch rustic, a little old-fashioned, and completely handmade.
Save this idea for your holiday table or pin it now for later — because this simple garland will steal the show at your next Christmas gathering.
How to Make a Painted Pinecone Garland
There’s something magical about turning a handful of pinecones into a charming holiday decoration. The best part? You probably already have most of the supplies at home.
You’ll need:
- Natural pinecones (gathered from the yard or a nearby walk)
- White paint (I used leftover wall paint)
- Red and white checkered ribbon
- Small red and white mushroom ornaments
- Twine or jute string
- A few silver or red glass ornaments for accent
Step One: Paint the Pinecones
I started by dipping the pinecones in a bit of leftover white paint. You could also brush or spray them for a neater finish — the goal is that soft, snow-dusted look. Let the natural brown peek through to keep that rustic charm.
Once dry, the pinecones look like they’ve been touched by the first snow of winter.
Step Two: Add the Details
Next, I tied lengths of red and white checkered ribbon between the pinecones for a cozy, country feel. Then I tucked in a few little mushroom ornaments — the kind that look like they belong in a fairytale forest.
To finish, I added a few red Christmas balls and scattered them around the garland for a bit of sparkle.
Step Three: Style Your Garland
Lay your painted pinecone garland along the center of your table for an easy, natural centerpiece. I paired mine with white candles on silver candlesticks, and the glow made everything feel warm and timeless.
Or try hanging it across your mantel, along a staircase banister, or even shaping it into a simple wreath. Wherever it lands, this garland adds that perfect handmade touch that makes Christmas feel like home.
The Imperfectly Perfect Details
I’ll be honest — my first batch of pinecones didn’t turn out perfectly. The paint was too thick and started to flake, but that just made me love them more. The mix of natural and painted tones gives them a vintage, timeworn look — like something passed down through generations.
And that’s what this season is about for me: creating simple, heartfelt moments with our own two hands.
So, go gather some pinecones and start crafting your own pinecone Christmas garland today. It’s rustic, charming, and guaranteed to make your home feel merry and bright.
Pin this project now so you’ll have it ready for your next cozy craft day!
heel mooi prachtige kerstsfeer fijne dagen lieve groet rosita
So pretty, Marianne.
We have tons of pinecones out in our yard, thank you for the decorating idea.
Happy Holidays from California!
love this idea! i am going to try it and add a little shimmer to them as well. I just found your blog today 🙂
Love this, and so timeless… hugs ~lynne~
Love this, and so timeless… hugs ~lynne~
Love this, and so timeless… hugs ~lynne~
Love this, and so timeless… hugs ~lynne~
Marianne, I love your pinecone garland and it looks so nice as a centerpiece on your table. I love you lace runner too.
I use lots of pinecones in my decorating but have never made a garland. Will have to try that sometime.
Barb
Marianne I love your garland! I made one like it about 15 years ago and it's been in my Christmas box not being used… I'm going to paint it white thanks to your great inspiration and enjoy it all over again!
Susan
You rock, Dr. Marianne, happy holidays!
xo
Sandy
What a beautiful garland you've created. I have not yet begun decorating but will tomorrow – Dec 1.
I am working on gifts, though. Stitch, stitch, stitch.
Oh wow… gorgeous! Really really stunning outcome!
Donna
You had me confused at first. I read your article three times and looked at your pictures and still couldn't find any pineapples.Then I realized you meant pine cones. lol Great idea very pretty.
These are darling! I love the ribbon, but what are toadstools? I think they would look wonderful as a garland or just as you have them!
I haven't started decorating but I have been shopping, shopping and more shopping! And wrapping gifts of course!
Happy Holidays, Marianne!
XO,
Jane
I love decorating with pinecones. We have them all over the yard. Love them painted white with the touches of red.
This decoration is so lovely!! Yeah I have some pine trees on my backyard so I have the raw material already :D.
@Lady Scarlette
Oeps faulty translation they are called 'denneappels' here as in pine (=den) apples. Pineapples are called 'annanas' here. I corrected my mistake. Thanks for letting me know.
@Blondie's Journal
I looked it up, toadstool is another word for mushroom usually referring to the poisonous kind. When I looked for images of my traditional red and white mushroom they were called toadstool all the time, so I went with that.
Zo mooi! Ik heb al mijn denneappels gewoon in mandjes gestopt, een voor binnen en een voor buiten. De laatste is nu ondergesneeuwd. Ken je trouwens dit blog: http://sjarmerendejul.blogspot.com/? Mijn Noors is niet meer wat het (nooit) geweest is maar de plaatjes spreken voor zich. Ze doet me aan jou denken.
En ik ben blij dat ik niet de enige ben die pine cones pineapples noemt…
Hanneke
This is so great! I did the same thing, but hung the garland under our mantle. Love how you incorporated the red, too!
Hele leuke kerstslinger echt mooie kleuren… mag het ook in het Nederlands haha…..groetjes Marjon
This looks awesome; a very nice idea.
I haven't found pinecones myself, but lots of other things (nuts too).
Yes, I've also started a bit with the Christmas decoration and I'll be happy when Sinterklaas has gone back to Spain, haha, so I can concentrate fully on X-mas!
Marianne this is so pretty and unique. I love the red and white.
I wish the pinecones I have in my yard were this style. Mine look more like fat cigars! Not very cool looking for crafting. Love your pinecone garland. Did you apply the paint with a brush or just dip the cones in?
This is so fresh and pretty! I just found you via A Thoughtful Place. If I wasn't in the middle of a remodel I might try it this year! I LOVE it!!!