This year I turned my dining room and entryway into a cozy Christmas woodland tree theme. To complete the style, there are lots of wood ornaments, DIY ornaments, and natural elements with a little winter sparkle thrown in!
You probably wouldn’t believe it now, but our house started out as a really nasty foreclosure. I mean, we had no running water the day we closed on the house. Little by little, we are cleaning it up with lots of home repair and improvement projects.
Our foyer splits into 2 rooms, with the dining room being on the left and what I call a parlor room on the right. This is where I put our second tree that faces the street.
What is a woodland Christmas tree? This style is characterized by natural elements such as branches, wood textures, and a light flocking similar to natural trees in winter. You may also find woodland animals, burlap, and classic farmhouse or country Christmas textures.
Winter Woodland Christmas Tree Theme
I got my inspiration originally from my parent’s rustic home in Tennessee. They bring me HUGE pinecones every year and I asked for some other rustic elements from home. I can’t say for sure what it is, but this tree really does remind me of a good ol’ Nashville Christmas.
A few facts:
- You’re looking at a 9 ft thrift store tree that I got for FREE. In case you don’t know, calling me cheap is a compliment and I have a whole post with over 70 Cheap or free Christmas Decorating Ideas.
- I couldn’t find a tree skirt I liked, so an old bed sheet worked great. It even has little wood grain lines on it that perfectly fits the theme.
- Our tree has owls, birdhouses, deer, wolves, foxes, and rabbits on this rustic tree. I ordered these lanterns, but they haven’t arrived yet. Bummer.
- I change up decorations every year as I get better and learn new things, like how to add ribbon to a Christmas tree.
- Trains are sort of important to my husband. They are nostalgic for him, and we put ours under this tree generally.
DIY Rustic Christmas Ornaments
This tree uses a lot of ornaments that I have made as well as new ones. Along with the wood slice ornaments that I show in my simple design transfer tutorial, I made a whole bunch of new ones.
- I painted the tips of large pinecones and glued ribbon to them.
- I also took some curly branches from a walk in the woods and covered them with a light dusting of chunky glitter.
- I took snowflake yard stakes and cut the ends off because they made a great sparkly effect.
I also created this adorable Santa Sack! Using a stencil from this tutorial, I hand “painted” it using a fabric marker (much easier with complete coverage). I got my canvas sack for $4 at Hobby Lobby or you can easily order one for about on etsy.
Cozy Christmas Dining Room
2022 update: This dining room was a bit of a work in progress when these photos were first taken in 2017. Check out our updated Scottish Christmas theme to see it now.
When starting a makeover, I usually like to pick a vibe and since the dining room lends itself to a blue and icy silver color scheme, so I ran with that.
The table is not yet refinished, so I kept it simple with ornament balls as placeholders for the large family we host every year.
Blue Christmas Table Centerpiece
I am not one to put a ton of stuff on the table because we need the room, but I love how these lanterns and magnolia garland turned out!
The centerpiece on my dining room table is actually my year-round centerpiece with this magnolia garland, some silver berries, and these black lanterns that I have had for years.
The silver coated deer tie into the woodland theme, while the rattan mats are neutral enough to work with all kinds of decor.
To be honest, I am not normally fancy enough to put place cards on my table. It is usually friends and family visiting, so they can sit wherever they please. But I felt like the table needed a bit more color and something festive. I just happened to have some leftover ornament balls and I love the pop of color on the mats.
This decorative tray stand is a new crafty touch as well! It is actually a silver serving tray and a cookie stand from my mom’s kitchen. I wrapped a sturdy cardboard roll with ribbon to make a 3-tiered stand.
Happy Holidays to all and I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our winter haven!
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More Christmas Decorating and Celebration Ideas
PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!
Kristy Robb says
So pretty! Love the little blue ornament place cards. Cheers! Kristy
Rachel says
Thank you! I love reusing things I already have one hand.
Morgan says
This is stunning! Would you mind sharing how you were able to get the balls to stay so well on the plates?? We are using Christmas balls for our name cards at our wedding and I am trying to figure out the best way to do so!
Rachel says
Oh, I would love this at a wedding! I didn’t worry too much about the balls rolling around for mine, but I could see the dilemma. If it were me, I would take a 1/4 inch wide strip of paper and tape the ends together to make a ring or loop. Then set the ball on top of the loop so it’s like a nest. That would help keep it from rolling around the plate. You could also try something round and more decorative like a small wreath or decorative chain.
Kristi says
Oh my gosh! First of all that tree was the score of the century! And second, your parlour and dining space look absolutely stunning! Love the woodland animal theme!
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
Holy moly! How in the world did you get the tree for free? Even from a thrift store that’s an accomplishment! I love your winter wonderland theme. Everything is so pretty!
Rachel says
haha! So the whole story is that my neighbor is the thrift store/yard sale queen. She actually found it at the thrift store as the donators were bringing it in. The store didn’t have room for such a large tree so the people donating it gave it to her instead. Unfortunately, she found out that the tree had been in a home with cats and her boys are allergic, so I ended up with it. Score! We washed it with a pressure hose just to be safe and I added the flocking myself. Not too shabby.
Sarah says
I love that you got your tree for FREE!!! Woohooo!! Score!!! Your woodland theme is gorgeous and my boys would be entranced with the train.😉 What a lovely space- Merry Christmas!!😊
Rachel says
Yes, my son is entranced by the train and my husband loves to watch it as well. I wish I had found one that didn’t require batteries though, cause we go through a lot. Thank you for stopping by!
Jeanette CountryDesignStyle says
I love your free tree and compliment! I’ve always wanted to decorate in blue for Christmas. Pinning and sharing.
Rachel says
Thank you so much, Jeanette!
Virginia Fynes says
Your Santa sack looks FAB! Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays
CoCo says
Oh my word, your tree is gorgeous! I can’t believe you got that for free – that is bananas! I love all of the extra special touches you’ve added and how you’ve upcycled and customized so many things to make it your own. It’s all really festive. Hugs, CoCo
Rachel says
Awww, thank you so much Coco! It has taken me a few years to get it right, but I think it is just about right.
Lydi @ Lydi Out Loud says
I love your theme… it is so cozy and welcoming! I love that you said calling you cheap is a compliment, too cute!
Rachel says
Yep, I tell my husband all the time he is lucky to have me since I am cheap and responsible, lol. Except that I make him help me with DIY projects all the time.
Meg Green With Decor says
I just love the train under the tree! And your table looks great!
Rachel says
Awww, thank you Meg!
Tara @ Lehman lane says
Absolutely gorgeous Rachel! Your tree and dining table are fabulous!
Rachel says
Thank you so much Tara! The spaces in this tour, including yours, are so beautiful and inspiring!
Lindsay Eidahl says
I love this! The colors are gorgeous!!!
Roxanne says
Your tree is just stunning Rachel!
Jenn & Vicki @ 2 Bees in a Pod says
Wow this all looks amazing! Absolutely love the woodland themed tree and cannot believe you got it for free! Also, what a great idea with that tiered tray…so creative!
Bliss says
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I hope the most awesome beer fridge is stocked for your party!
Brittany says
You have a beautiful home Rachel! I love your Christmas tree and dining room. Thank you for sharing your place with us!