40 Rustic Christmas Decor Ideas You Can Build Yourself

What could possibly be better than an old-fashioned, rustic Christmas? If you love that country look, and you want nothing more than to bring it home for the holidays, I’ve got a treat for you. I’ve collected 40 unique and really easy ways that you can create a rustic look with your Christmas décor this season.

Whether you just love the look of red and green, or you prefer all white, there is something in this list that is sure to fit the bill. From burlap ribbons (you remember that great burlap post, right?) and wreaths to decorating with fresh evergreens, you just can’t go wrong when you go rustic.

If you’ve always loved the rustic look, and you want to add a bit of comfy country to your Christmas decorating this year, this is definitely the list for you. You can easily DIY all of these looks, and create a holiday décor that is sure to give off a feeling of warmth, family, and love.

Front Porch Ornament Stand

Decorating the front porch is a must in my book, and this ornament stand makes it so easy. Not only does it give your porch a great rustic look, it’s a really easy project and perfect for displaying those leftover ornaments. You can use any number of things to create the stand, or build it from scratch. Heavy nails look really vintage and hold those outdoor ornaments beautifully.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Rustic Wreath

One of the simplest, and most beautiful ways you can add some rustic charm to your Christmas decorating is to simply add a rustic wreath to your front door. You can add burlap to an existing wreath, or head over to the craft store (or the woods) and pick up some evergreen to create your own gorgeous, rustic country wreath. You can also make the wreath from burlap and add a plaid bow to the top.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: sweetteaandsavinggraceblog

Stocking Holders

Who says you need to pay a fortune for stocking holders? These DIY photo hangers are great and so personalized. Instead of having names on your stockings, you can just hang them based on their picture. These are actually great for after the holidays, too if you want to leave them up. Or, you could decorate them in more of Christmas festive look; it’s entirely up to you.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Tree Topper

The easiest tree topper, and one that gives you that great rustic look you want, is a burlap bow. You can do so much with burlap! Go into any hobby or craft store and you’ll find burlap that is wired like traditional bow material. Then just tie up a bow and place it right there on top of your tree. You get an inexpensive and really elegant tree topper, and one that fits perfectly with your country Christmas theme.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Jingle Bells Ornament

I absolutely love these jingle bell ornaments! They’re easy to make, which rates them number one in my book, and they are so adorable, you’re going to want several of them gracing your tree. You could actually do these in various sizes if you want and use them to decorate the porch as well. Your local craft store should have everything you need to make them.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Burlap Stockings

You need stockings, right? If you do, and you want to add a bit of country charm to your decorating, these DIY burlap stockings are perfect. They’re really easy to make – require no sewing at all – and they’ll instantly add that rustic charm that you want. They’re so easy in fact, that you can have them lining the mantel in no time.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-a-no-sew-burlap-christmas-stocking

Wooden Nativity Ornament

If you had these adorable wooden nativity ornaments on your tree, you would instantly raise your rustic appeal. They’re made with wooden clothespins, rustic in their own right, and they’re really easy to put together. This is definitely a project you’ll want to let the kids help you with. You can make one or make a dozen, they’re easy so you’ll absolutely want to do several for the tree and maybe one for the wreath, too.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shakentogetherlife

Rustic Reindeer Artwork

Dress up the outdoors, or indoors if you want, with these beautiful wooden reindeer paintings. If you’ve been looking for a project for those pallets that you have on hand, this one is perfect. Not only does it take very little time, it gives you a gorgeous piece of artwork to decorate the porch or yard, or you can even bring it indoors if you want.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: diynetwork

Twig Star Ornaments

What better project than one that doesn’t cost you anything? These twig star ornaments are made from twigs that you can find in your yard. You just tie them together with festive ribbon, and you’ve got a great, and rustic by the way, ornament for the tree. The kids are going to love helping with these and you can decorate the entire tree with homemade ornaments.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: happyhooligans

Soda Crate Centerpiece

This lovely soda crate centerpiece is perfect for dressing up the dining room or living room table, or you could even display it on the mantel. Or, use it to decorate your porch or outdoor table. It’s fast and easy to make and gives off such a great country look. The old glass soda bottles really give it an old-world vintage look. Fill them with sprigs of evergreen, berries, or whatever you want to decorate them.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Pinecone Table Garland

Take those leftover evergreens and a few pinecones and create a stunning and rustic table with a pinecone garland. You can wind the garland around the glass stems or candles, whatever you have on the table, and then strategically place a few pinecones for that little extra rustic touch. This is a great look whether you’re setting the dining room table or you want something special for the mantel.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: stylizimoblog

Logs and Candles

Ok, so maybe not logs, but bits of tree in some capacity. These staggered candle holders are absolutely the most rustic way to decorate the table, and they’re gorgeous when they’re all placed together. Just add the candles, which you could do with pint sized mason jars if you want to keep that rustic theme going. This is a great way to decorate the dinner table or anywhere you have room.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: takethesidestreet

Lanterns

Using lanterns is a great way to bring a bit of rustic country chic into your decorating. You can find these old fashioned lanterns at most craft stores or your nearest home improvement store. Fill them with ornaments, candles, whatever you want to make them festive and use them for decorating the mantel, dinner table, or anywhere you want to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday décor.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: hgtv

Mason Jars

You know how much I love mason jars! You can use these to do so many things, and they are the perfect example of rustic décor. If you’re planning to decorate your outdoors in a country theme, try these mason jar candles. Epsom salts in the bottom make the jars look as if they’re filled with snow. Then just add your candles and use these to line your walkway or porch.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: theinspiredroom

Pinecone Christmas Trees

These little trees pack a huge rustic punch. They’re easy to make and have such a great look. You can use them to decorate the tree, mantel, dinner table, or just strategically place them around the house. They’re simple, and that’s the epitome of rustic decorating; keeping everything simply elegant.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: atthepicketfence

Tree Topper

A wooden marquis star turned tree topper is a great way to bring a little rustic to your holidays. This is a simple project, and one that is sure to be the hit of your holiday season. The star lights up and is absolutely stunning when you decorate your tree with other rustic elements like burlap and pearls. Just add the twine hanger, and your little wooden star is all set.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: chasethestar

Front Door Swag

Create a beautiful swag for the front door with some evergreen twigs, burlap, and bells. The antique looking bells really give this swag an old fashioned country look, and the burlap bow just sets it off. Add some holly berries and pinecones to dress it up if you want, but I think it would look just as stunning with just the greenery, bow, and bells.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: hometalk

Rustic Advent Calendar

This gorgeous wooden advent calendar is just what you need to bring a bit of rustic charm to your home décor. It’s relatively easy to make, and mounts on the wall so you can hang it wherever you have room. Muslin bags hold the countdown days and you can hide candies or little gifts in them for the little ones. This is such a great project and one you’ll be proud to show off.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: thediydreamer

Pallet Christmas Tree

Ok, I love this for the front porch, but you could do it for inside the home as well. It’s a rustic wooden Christmas tree created from those old pallets – you know, the ones you’ve collected for all our pallet projects. Well, this is definitely a project you’ll want to do. This tree is simply gorgeous in all its country charm, and the perfect addition to any home décor this holiday season.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: hertoolbelt

Reindeer String Art

If you’re looking for a project to keep the kids busy during those cold winter days, and you want rustic Christmas decorations to boot, this reindeer string art project is perfect. You know how much fun string art is, and this reindeer is nestled on a slab of old barn wood, making him the perfect country touch to your décor. You could also do other patterns if you want, and even create a slew of little mini string art pictures to hang around the house.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: cleanandscentsible

Let It Snow Sign

Put this wooden sign up on the porch or near the front door and you’re sure to think country rustic when you see it. This is so simple – you just paint on an old slab or pallet. You could even dress it up to look like an old sleigh and really have a bit of festive décor. I love how easy this idea is and how flexible. You could literally do any phrase or words that strike your Christmas fancy, and then just stand them up for the world to see.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: livelaughrowe

Rustic Window Pane

Take that old window pane that you have on hand – if you don’t have one, you can find these really cheap at flea markets and yard sales – and turn it into the ultimate rustic decoration. By just painting it white – or giving the current paint a faded look – and then painting on the glass, you can create a beautiful decoration for the home or porch. Add some evergreen and a red ribbon and you’ve got a gorgeous decoration that is perfect for the mantel, coffee table, or anywhere you want to put it.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: luxeventsanddecor

Rustic Wood Candle Holders

Take some small logs, drill holes in them and add tealight candles. You have the perfect addition to your Christmas decorating. Not only are these wood candle holders great for the dinner table, they’ll look just as stunning on the coffee table or the mantel. Group them all together to create a great look or use them individually. They’re easy to make and add such an elegant rustic touch.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: martysmusings

Reindeer Sign

An old piece of wood stained a dark color and some white paint gives you the makings for this lovely reindeer sign. Kids are going to love having the names of all Santa’s reindeer as part of your holiday décor, and you’ll love how easy it is to make this rustic beauty. You could sand the wood down just a bit after staining to give it a more weathered look, which would really make it rustic.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: lizmarieblog

Burlap Tree

Ok, so this isn’t an actual tree made of burlap, but adding burlap to your Christmas tree is the best way to include rustic décor. Instead of using garland, use burlap. You can find thin rolls of burlap at most craft stores, and it’s just as flexible as garland. Top it off with a few homemade ornaments and your tree will have a great country flair.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: thelilypadcottage

DIY Crocheted Ornaments

These crocheted snowflake ornaments are gorgeous, and really not that difficult even for beginners. If you decorate your tree with a few of these, you’re sure to have the rustic country look that you want. Just add burlap garland and you’re all set. There are a couple of different patterns for these, so just choose the best one for you and get to work. Your tree will look stunning with all these handmade snowflakes adorning it.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: petalstopicots

Twine Christmas Trees

Twine is such a rustic material so these little twine Christmas trees are sure to help you achieve that country look that you want. They’re really easy to make and you can do them in different sizes for decorating the mantel or wherever you want to put them. Pair them up with a few pinecones and some burlap and you’ve got the perfect country charm for your décor.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: vintagenewsjunkie

Jingle Pillows

Ok, you don’t necessarily have to do the jingle bells, but a burlap pillow is a great way to bring country charm into your decorating. Do a few of these, they’re really easy, and line them up on the couch. You could also do a couple for the bench on the front porch to make it more welcoming and give it a bit of rustic holiday cheer.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: confessionsofaplateaddict

Pinecone Candle Holders

Here’s another great twist on a rustic candle holder. These are made from pinecones and they’re really easy to do. They’re also gorgeous and give just the right elegant touch to your table. You can line these up on the mantel or use them to create a great centerpiece for the dinner table. They’re also really inexpensive because you can just go outside and gather up the pinecones so you have half your materials already on hand.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: stylizimoblog

Chalkboard Ornaments

These chalkboard ornaments are not only easy and inexpensive, they’re just too adorable. Kids will absolutely love them because they can change the message every day if they want. Plus, they give off that great old-fashioned chalkboard vibe which really goes well with your country themed décor. Just a little chalkboard paint and hangers and you’re all set. Then let the kids write messages, draw pictures, or whatever to make them extra special.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Wool Covered Joy

Head to the craft store and pick up a few letters, whatever you want to say really, and then cover them in white wool. This is such a simple idea yet one that is so beautiful when it’s finished. You just wrap your letters in wool yarn and then display them. Pair them up with a burlap garland and you’ve got the makings of a wonderful mantel display.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: diynetwork

Fabric Ball Ornaments

These little fabric ball ornaments are the perfect addition to your rustic Christmas décor. Plus, they’re cheap and really easy to make. Choose fabric that fits your overall theme, add some vintage looking ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect ornaments to dress up your tree country style. The base is simply a cheap ball ornament that you can get at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store, and you just dress it up from there.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: Shanty-2-Chic

Christmas Card Holder

In about an hour, and for around $10, you can make this adorable Christmas card holder that really has that country look down. It’s just strips of wood and you attach your cards to it with tiny clothespins. How cute is that? The wood look is perfect for your rustic décor and you have to admit that it would be wonderful to have a creative way to display all those cards that come in the mail.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: Shanty-2-Chic

Ruffle Christmas Trees

Ruffles are so rustic! I love these little ruffled Christmas trees, and you will too once you see how easy they are to make. Different shades of burlap provide the fabric, and these really are the most adorable little trees. You could use other materials, too but the burlap really gives it that country look. Add some tiny little jingle bells and you’ve got the makings of a wonderful centerpiece or mantel decoration.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Ornament Display Box

If you have some old drawers sitting around, you can use them to create beautiful display boxes for delicate or heavy ornaments. If you don’t already have a drawer, you can build one yourself and they’re pretty easy to do. I love that these vintage looking ornaments get their very own little box for display, and this is a great way to hang those heavier ornaments that are likely too heavy for the tree branches.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Ornament Tree

Create a little mini Christmas tree to display on the table or mantel. This little ornament tree has rustic and country vintage written all over it – not literally, of course. It’s an easy project and one that you can completely customize. I love the idea of having more than one Christmas tree, and this little jewel makes it so easy to have several displaying those little ornaments.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Birch Initial Ornaments

Some birch wood and a little imagination give you all you need to create these gorgeous initial ornaments. These are great and something that the kids will love. Each member of the family gets his or her own ornament or you could go monogram style and just do your last name initials. The wood look is great for pulling off that country chic décor that you want, and these are so inexpensive!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Wood Chargers

Wood chargers are a great way to dress up your dining room table in a rustic way for Christmas dinner. These will cost you less than $15 for 8, so even if you’re planning a huge dinner with a ton of family and friends, you can easily afford a wood charger for everyone. Plus, they make the table look so great and you can customize or decorate them however you want.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Photo Tree Centerpiece

So here is another little mini tree, but this one is filled with photos of the family. What a great way to decorate and bring in some country charm at the same time! You just need the tree, which you can find outdoors, and then small ornaments and your chosen photos. Use pictures of past Christmases or whatever you want. this one is completely customizable and has such a wonderful country feel.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic

Snowflake Chargers

Dress up your dinner table with these great old-fashioned snowflake chargers under each plate. You just have to get the wood cut, unless you can cut it yourself, and then paint. These are so elegant and give off such a great country vibe. If you are looking for a way to bring rustic décor to your Christmas dinner table, these snowflake chargers are definitely the way to go.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shanty-2-chic