Pine Cone Decor: An Easy Centerpiece Idea
Pine cone decor transitions perfectly from fall to Christmas. Make this sweet pine cone & rag ball table centerpiece in no time at all!
Recently, I have been bouncing back and forth between Thanksgiving and Christmas decor…but today’s post requires no bouncing at all. The pine cone decor project I’m sharing today can be used for either holiday!
Supplies Needed
- large platter, tray, low bowl, or basket
- small pine cones
- fresh or faux greenery
- rag balls (or other colorful accents)
Assembly Instructions
This pine cone decor idea goes together with just a few steps.
Step 1: Begin with a platter, tray, low bowl, or basket with low sides. It can be any size and any shape, as long as it fits your table.
Step 2: gather some pine cones, small snips of greenery, and another element that will add interest and color. I chose to make rag balls with some vintage fabric I had on hand. Other ideas for the third element are:
- small apples
- small cloved oranges (like clementines)
- moss balls
- round ornaments
- small votive candles in glass containers
- leaves
- string of beads
- red berries
- feathers
- pom poms
- pre-made pine cone ornaments
- tiny wrapped gifts
Step 3: Arrange the pine cones, greenery, and rag balls on the tray. Stagger everything so the elements are mixed up. Let some of the greenery extend out over the sides of your base. Place your pine cone decor on your dining table and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Rag balls are perfect for this centerpiece idea because you can customize them to match your decor or tablescape theme.
- The evergreens can be whatever you have in your yard, or whatever you can get easily at your grocery. The boxwood worked great, but other good fresh greenery choices are short needle pine or eucalyptus. Faux greenery works great as well.
- Add interest to the pine cones by applying glitter or lightly spray-paint them.
- This pine cone decor idea can also be used on a mantel. Just use a long, narrow tray that will fit your mantel width.
- This little project is so easy that you can involve your kids in the assembly.
- GET THE RAG BALL TUTORIAL HERE!
There are so many things to like about this centerpiece. First, it’s somewhat simple, and can be assembled in less than 20 minutes. Second, it sits low enough so your guests can see each other across the table.
Third, you can use elements you already have on hand, or that are easily obtained at a grocery or discount store. Fourth, it can be made well in advance of your event. Last, but certainly not least, it’s cozy, charming, and full of holiday cheer.
Shop + Source
Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement.
Large white platter | large round wood tray | round metal tray with handles | burlap table runner | small craft pine cones | 2 inch craft pine cones | diy rag balls | blue plaid fabric (similar) | frayed linen ribbon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use real pine cones as decor?
Yes! If you have pine trees in your yard, or access to pine trees, definitely gather them and use them inside.
How do you clean and prepare pine cones for crafts?
If you are using natural pine cones that you’ve gathered outside, make sure to kill any small bugs before you bring them in the house. Place the pine cones in a resealable bag, and place the bag in the freezer for a few days. The bugs won’t survive the cold and lack of air.
Can you decorate with pine cones all year?
Pine cones are generally part of home decor during the fall, Christmas, and winter seasons.
