15 Rustic Christmas Tree Decorations Trending in 2025 (DIY and Farmhouse Ideas)

Rustic Christmas tree decorations never go out of style, but in 2025 they are taking on fresh meaning. This year’s rustic trend leans into natural textures, vintage nostalgia, and sustainability. Families are rediscovering the joy of handmade crafts, eco friendly materials, and cozy farmhouse accents. A rustic tree tells a story through every ornament and garland. It feels personal, timeless, and warm, whether you live in a countryside farmhouse or a modern apartment.

Rustic Christmas tree decorated with dried orange slices, popcorn and cranberry garlands, wooden ornaments, felt owl, plaid bow, and a twig star topper.

If you want a Christmas tree that looks festive but also carries a sense of tradition and homeliness, rustic decorations are the way to go. Below are fifteen ideas that are trending this year. They combine do it yourself projects, natural foraged finds, and farmhouse inspired pieces that can be bought online or in stores. These ideas will help you design a tree that feels unique and welcoming while capturing the spirit of the season.

DIY and Handmade Rustic Christmas Tree Ideas

Dried Citrus Garlands with Spices

One of the most charming ways to decorate a rustic Christmas tree is by using dried citrus slices. Thin slices of oranges or lemons, dried slowly in the oven, turn into translucent ornaments that catch the glow of twinkle lights. When paired with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise, these garlands not only look beautiful but also fill the room with a subtle holiday fragrance. This decoration works especially well if you want your tree to look natural and handmade. The slight imperfections of the dried fruit make it even more authentic. Children can join in the process of stringing the slices together, turning this into a memory making holiday activity.

Handmade Christmas garland with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise hanging on a rustic twine against a lit Christmas tree

Wood Slice Ornaments

Rustic décor often celebrates the beauty of raw wood. Wood slice ornaments have become popular because they are easy to personalize and timeless in their simplicity. You can cut slices from fallen branches or buy pre sanded rounds online. With a bit of creativity, you can wood burn initials, paint snowflakes, or stencil country style designs onto them. Tied with twine, they bring warmth and a natural touch to the tree. Some families add a new personalized slice every year, turning their tree into a growing scrapbook of Christmas memories.

Rustic Christmas tree decorated with handmade wood slice ornaments featuring engraved designs of a letter K, heart, snowflake, pine tree, and cabin, tied with twine.

Popcorn and Cranberry Garlands

This nostalgic decoration has returned as families look for sustainable and budget friendly ways to decorate. Popcorn and cranberry garlands have an old fashioned country charm that fits perfectly into a primitive rustic theme. Stringing the pieces together is a simple craft that older children can help with, making it both fun and affordable. The red of the cranberries adds a festive pop of color while the popcorn keeps it rustic and homey. These garlands also work beautifully alongside burlap ribbons or plaid bows, enhancing the farmhouse feel.

DIY popcorn and cranberry garland hanging on a Christmas tree with warm holiday lights.

Felt Woodland Ornaments

Soft felt ornaments shaped like deer, owls, mushrooms, or little gnomes are a trend that continues to grow. They bring a whimsical woodland touch to rustic Christmas trees. Felt ornaments can be handmade at home or bought in ready made kits. Their texture adds warmth and their designs add personality. They are lightweight, safe for children, and can even be scented with a drop of essential oil to bring another cozy layer to your tree. Combined with pinecones and wood accents, these felt creations make the tree feel like it belongs in a storybook cabin.

Felt woodland Christmas ornaments including deer, owl, mushroom, and gnome hanging on a decorated Christmas tree

Burlap and Twine Gift Tags as Ornaments

Gift tags are no longer just for presents under the tree. Many rustic decorators are turning them into ornaments themselves. Simple burlap squares or kraft paper tags tied with twine can be written on with family names, favorite Christmas quotes, or even the year. Hanging them on the tree adds a personal touch that looks both homemade and stylish. These tags can be mixed with other rustic elements like wooden beads or plaid bows to create layers of texture and meaning.

"Rustic burlap and kraft paper Christmas tree ornaments with handwritten messages and plaid ribbon bow.

Natural and Foraged Rustic Accents

Pinecones with Metallic Tips

Pinecones are a rustic staple, but in 2025 they are getting a small update. By painting just the edges with gold, silver, or white, decorators are creating accents that shine softly when the lights reflect off them. Grouped together in small bunches, they can be tucked between branches or hung as ornaments. This idea blends the ruggedness of nature with the elegance of metallic highlights, making the tree look both rustic and festive.

Three pinecones with metallic painted tips hanging on a Christmas tree with twine, surrounded by warm white lights and green branches.

Twig Stars and Tree Toppers

Twigs collected from your yard or a nature walk can be turned into charming stars for your tree. Small twig stars can be hung as ornaments, while larger ones make unique tree toppers. Tied with jute or hot glued for strength, they embody the true spirit of rustic and primitive Christmas tree decorations. The beauty lies in their roughness, and each one will look a little different. This decoration is particularly appealing if you love the idea of bringing the outdoors directly inside.

Rustic twig star tree topper tied with twine, placed on top of a Christmas tree with glowing string lights in the background

Flocked Woodland Theme

Another big trend this year is creating a woodland theme by combining lightly flocked branches with animal ornaments. A dusting of flocking gives the tree a snowy look, and adding owls, foxes, squirrels, or birds makes it feel like a winter forest scene. This theme connects perfectly with rustic design because it celebrates nature. Felt animals, wooden mushrooms, and paper cut birds all add to the woodland story, making your Christmas tree feel like it came straight from the woods.

Woodland-themed Christmas tree decorated with felt owl, fox, and squirrel ornaments, along with a wooden bird and mushroom, on snowy flocked branches with warm lights.

Rattan and Wicker Accents

Rattan and wicker are textures that instantly signal farmhouse rustic style. In 2025, decorators are weaving these into Christmas trees with small rattan stars, wicker balls, or even tiny woven baskets tucked into the branches. The warm neutral tone of wicker pairs beautifully with evergreen branches and burlap ribbon. It balances the darker colors of wood and plaid while keeping the overall look light and natural.

Christmas tree decorated with natural rattan and wicker ornaments including stars, balls, a small basket, and a large burlap bow, with warm string lights

Eco Friendly Dried Botanicals

Rustic décor in 2025 is closely tied to sustainability, and dried botanicals are a perfect example. Sprigs of eucalyptus, clusters of baby’s breath, or dried hydrangea blooms can be tucked among the branches for a soft and natural look. These dried flowers bring in subtle colors like pale green, cream, or blush that contrast beautifully with deep red ornaments or rustic plaid. Since they are biodegradable and reusable, they align with eco friendly decorating trends.

Christmas tree decorated with red ornaments, dried hydrangea flowers, eucalyptus leaves, and a red-and-black plaid ribbon bow with matching garland.

Farmhouse Inspired Store Bought Decor

Burlap and Plaid Ribbons

Wide burlap and buffalo plaid ribbons are farmhouse essentials that never lose their charm. In 2025, decorators are using them not only as tree garlands but also as bows tied directly to branches. The mix of rough burlap with bold plaid creates a cozy balance of textures. For an outdoor rustic tree, these ribbons stand up well to the elements and make a bold statement even from a distance.

Christmas tree decorated with burlap and red-and-black plaid ribbon bows, with matching ribbon garland wrapped around the branches

Wooden Bead Garlands

Wooden bead garlands are a simple way to add texture and neutral tones to your tree. Their minimalist look complements both rustic and Scandinavian themes, which often overlap in modern farmhouse décor. Layered over lights, they create a rhythm that draws the eye up and around the tree. They can be purchased online or easily made at home, making them one of the most versatile rustic decorations this year.

Minimalist wooden bead garland draped on a Christmas tree with warm string lights for natural holiday decor.

Rustic Metal Bells and Stars

Galvanized metal ornaments such as bells and stars add an industrial farmhouse touch that contrasts nicely with softer materials like burlap or felt. These pieces often have an aged finish, which makes them look vintage and authentic. A few large bells tied with plaid ribbon or scattered stars in tin or brass tones can transform the tree into a rustic showpiece. They bring a bit of shine without overpowering the natural look.

Rustic Christmas tree decorated with galvanized metal stars, farmhouse-style bells, red plaid bows, burlap ribbon, and warm string lights.

Galvanized Tree Collars

Instead of fabric tree skirts, many people are now opting for galvanized tree collars. These sturdy bases create a farmhouse finish that hides the tree stand and anchors the look. The reflective surface of the galvanized metal also bounces light upward, making the tree glow more brightly. This practical decoration has become a farmhouse favorite because it is both functional and stylish.

Galvanized metal Christmas tree collar covering the base of a lit artificial tree for a rustic farmhouse holiday look

Rustic Star or Angel Tree Toppers

Every Christmas tree needs a topper, and rustic styles are leaning toward stars made of twigs, rattan, or distressed metal angels. These toppers tie the entire look together by echoing the materials used throughout the tree. A twig star emphasizes the natural woodland feel, while a rattan or metal angel adds farmhouse charm. The topper is the crowning piece that makes your rustic tree feel complete.

Rustic Christmas tree decorated with a woven star topper, wicker angel ornament, natural burlap ribbon, wooden ball ornament, and warm fairy lights

Conclusion

Rustic Christmas tree decorations in 2025 combine the best of tradition, sustainability, and farmhouse style. From do it yourself projects like dried citrus garlands and wood slice ornaments to store bought finds such as plaid ribbons and galvanized tree collars, there are endless ways to create a tree that feels cozy and personal. This year’s trends highlight natural textures, nostalgic crafts, and eco friendly touches, all of which bring warmth to your holiday celebrations.Whether you prefer primitive country style decorations, a woodland themed tree, or a mix of farmhouse accents, the rustic approach makes your Christmas tree stand out in a way that feels timeless and heartfelt. As you decorate, remember that the beauty of rustic décor lies in its imperfections and handmade charm. A rustic Christmas tree tells a story, and in 2025, that story is all about tradition, creativity, and celebrating the season with warmth and style.

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