Once fall arrives, pine cones are everywhere so it's no wonder they continuously pop up in holiday decor. Pine cones don't have to be stuffy or a kindergarten project — they can actually be turned into pretty stunning decorations.
Looking for a way to decorate the mantel can be frustrating, but hanging a string of pine cones can be a simple and attractive option. There are so many creative ways you could take this DIY project — add cranberries, fabric, green apples, ect! Another DIY project is a pine cone wreath — they're actually quite simple and if you take it one step at a time, you won't get overwhelmed.
Even pine cone stamps can be a great way to incorporate fall/holiday cheer without slapping on a fat santa. It seems like there's a pine cone stamp every year! A less obvious way to bring in fall — pine cone coasters. These would be perfect for any holiday party.
• Roundup: Holiday Garlands
• Pine Cone Decor
• Holiday-Themed Stamps
• 10 Etsy Finds for Fall
How do you decorate with pine cones?
Image credit as linked above
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Perfect timing! It's a very windy morning and heaps of pinecones have been knocked off their trees and onto my balcony! I might spray-paint them gold and put them in a bowl :)
This is such a good reminder. I'll have to start having my son gather up some pinecones outside and on our walks/bike rides. I remember my mom used to have me gather them walking home from the bus stop for her, and then she'd put them all around the house, sprinkle them with glitter, etc.
Another really great thing to do with your pinecones is spritz them with a few drops of cinnamon or pine oil diluted in water, it gives your garlands and your whole house that really wonderful holiday smell and isn't too overpowering.
I love love love the twig & thistle garlands! I'm thinking of stringing cranberries with the pine cones...those paper dot garlands look great too though!
I was in Lake tahoe once and they had pine cones up to the size of a football. My wife and I took a few of them and basically filled up our suitcase with them. They come out every year, right about now.
funstraw, i got some of those in that area too--they are MASSIVE.
We eloped in Lake Tahoe. I took home three of the giant pine cones as a souvenir. They fill a large bowl. I have displayed them (year round) ever since.
I love pine cones, anything natural just gives an ease to decorating for the holidays.
And I MUST have those stamps.
I have a giant pinecone that I bought from my old job at the wholesale florist supply, it must be about 15" long not including the stem and about 6 inches in diameter. I think it came from California (East Coaster, here.) It lives pointy side up in an urn on the mantle, like an xmas tree, only it is up year 'round.
I used to tell my kids "You see that really big pine tree in the backyard? One year it only made ONE pine cone, and this is it." They tell theirs friends that same tall tale with a grin when asked about it. I would love someday to be graced by visiting the tree it really did come from.
If you are harvesting pine cones now, watch out for sap! Nasty stuff. I think there are directions online (I never looked but others have told me) for drying them in low-heat ovens or something to make them less sticky, but the sap is combustible, so be cautious!
(I'd wear cheap rubber gloves to gather them.)