You know that feeling when you walk into someone’s home during the holidays and their Christmas tree just hits different? Like, instead of the usual red-and-green explosion, you spot this gorgeously understated tree that somehow feels both festive and sophisticated? That’s the magic of earth tone Christmas trees, my friend.
I stumbled into this trend completely by accident three years ago. My toddler had destroyed half my traditional ornaments (RIP, glass baubles), and I needed a quick fix.
I grabbed whatever natural materials I could find – some twine, dried oranges, and wooden beads – and honestly? Best. Decision. Ever. My mother-in-law actually complimented my decorating skills for the first time in seven years. That’s when I knew I was onto something.
Earth tone Christmas trees bring this incredible warmth to your space without screaming “CHRISTMAS!!!” at everyone who walks through your door. They’re cozy, they’re Instagram-worthy, and they actually match the rest of your decor that you spent all year curating.
Plus, if you’re anything like me and leave your tree up until mid-January (don’t judge), these neutral vibes won’t clash with your regular home aesthetic.
Why Earth Tones Are Having Their Moment
Here’s the thing – we’re all a bit tired of the same old holiday color palette, aren’t we? Earth tones offer this refreshing break from tradition while still keeping that festive spirit alive. Browns, creams, taupes, and natural greens create this calming atmosphere that feels more hygge than holiday stress.
The sustainability angle doesn’t hurt either. Most earth tone decorations use natural materials you can compost or reuse year after year. Your wallet and Mother Earth will thank you. Plus, have you seen the price of those fancy glass ornaments lately? Highway robbery, I tell you.
These neutral palettes also photograph beautifully (hello, holiday card photos!), and they won’t clash with Aunt Martha’s questionable gift wrapping choices. Win-win all around.
1. Rustic Pinecone & Burlap Tree
This is where I started my earth tone journey, and wow, does this combo deliver on the cozy cabin vibes. Picture this: a tree dripping with pinecones you collected on your last nature walk, wrapped in ribbons of rough burlap that smell faintly of coffee (because mine came from old coffee sacks – recycling FTW!).
Start with pinecones of varying sizes. I spray some with a light dusting of gold paint, leave others natural, and occasionally go wild with a white-tipped “snowy” look. The beauty here? Pinecones are literally free if you know where to look. My kids and I make it a weekend adventure every fall.
For the burlap elements, try these approaches:
- Wide burlap ribbon woven through the branches
- Small burlap pouches filled with cinnamon sticks
- Burlap-wrapped ornament balls (just hot glue gun and patience)
- Rustic bows tied at branch tips
The texture combination creates incredible depth. Your tree looks expensive and thoughtfully curated, but really you just raided your backyard and craft bin.
2. Neutral Wooden Ornament Tree
Wooden ornaments have this timeless quality that plastic could never achieve. They feel substantial, look elegant, and won’t shatter when your cat inevitably attacks the tree at 3 AM. Ask me how I know.
I hunt for wooden ornaments at craft stores, farmer’s markets, and yes, even Etsy. Look for different wood tones – birch, walnut, pine – to create visual interest. Mix shapes too: stars, snowflakes, simple circles, tiny carved animals. The variation keeps your eye moving around the tree.
Making It Special
The secret sauce here involves adding personal touches:
- Wood-burned family initials on round slices
- Miniature wooden picture frames with black and white photos
- Carved wooden beads strung as garland
- Natural wood slice “cookies” with the bark still attached
One year, I convinced my husband to help me drill holes in wooden spoons to hang as ornaments. He thought I’d lost it, but now it’s his favorite tree we’ve ever done. Sometimes the weird ideas work best, you know?
3. Dried Flower & Earthy Ribbon Tree
Who says flowers are just for spring? A dried flower Christmas tree brings this unexpected elegance that makes everyone do a double-take. I discovered this style when I couldn’t bear to throw away my wedding bouquet preservation attempts (they didn’t quite work out as planned).
Start with dried hydrangeas in soft creams and pale browns. Add preserved eucalyptus for that silvery-green touch. Bundle small dried lavender sprigs with twine. Even dried cotton stems work beautifully here. The key is choosing flowers that hold their shape well when dried.
For ribbons, think:
- Silk ribbons in mushroom and sand tones
- Velvet ribbons in deep chocolate
- Natural jute twine for a rustic touch
- Torn fabric strips from old linen shirts (seriously, try it)
Pro tip: Spray your dried flowers with hairspray to prevent shedding. Learned that one the hard way after vacuuming flower bits for weeks.
4. Minimalist Beige and Cream Tree
Sometimes less really is more. This tree style works perfectly if you’re going for that Scandinavian-chic vibe or just hate clutter like I do. The monochromatic palette creates this serene, almost meditation-worthy focal point.
Keep ornaments simple and uniform. Think ceramic balls in varying shades of cream, simple felt stars, and maybe some knitted mini stockings. The magic happens in the layering of similar tones – ivory next to cream next to beige next to tan. It sounds boring on paper, but trust me, it’s stunning in person.
Texture Is Everything
Since you’re working with limited colors, texture becomes your best friend:
- Fuzzy pom-poms in cream wool
- Smooth ceramic ornaments
- Rough linen ribbon
- Soft felted decorations
I like to add warm white lights (never cool white – are we monsters?) and call it done. The simplicity actually makes a stronger statement than any overcrowded tree could.
5. Natural Twig & Cinnamon Stick Tree
Want your tree to smell as good as it looks? This combo delivers on all fronts. Bundle cinnamon sticks with twine for instant ornaments that release their scent every time the heat from your tree lights warms them up.
For twigs, I collect different types throughout the year. Birch looks ethereal with its white bark. Red dogwood adds subtle color. Regular old branches from the backyard work too – just make sure they’re fully dried unless you want sap everywhere.
Creating twig stars takes about five minutes per ornament:
- Arrange five twigs in star formation
- Hot glue the connection points
- Wrap with thin wire for extra security
- Add a loop of twine for hanging
My kids love making these while watching Christmas movies. We’ve got a whole collection now, each one slightly wonky but completely charming.
6. Warm Brown & Gold Accents Tree
This combination feels like autumn decided to stick around for Christmas, and honestly? I’m here for it. The warmth of chocolate browns paired with subtle gold touches creates this luxurious feel without going full Vegas.
Start with a base of brown ornaments in different finishes – matte, glossy, glittered (but like, classy glitter, not craft store explosion glitter). Add gold accents sparingly. Think delicate gold wire stars, thin gold ribbon, or ornaments with just a touch of gold leaf.
Balance Is Key
The ratio matters here:
- 70% brown elements
- 20% gold accents
- 10% natural greenery or neutral fillers
Too much gold and you lose the earthy vibe. Too little and it feels flat. When you nail the balance, people can’t quite figure out why your tree looks so expensive.
Also Read: 15 Cozy Modern Christmas Decor Ideas for Minimalist Vibes
7. Cotton & Linen Cozy Tree
This tree basically looks like it wrapped itself in your favorite sweater and decided to stay awhile. Cotton bolls bring this unexpected Southern charm, while linen elements add sophisticated texture.
Real cotton stems cost a fortune (learned that lesson the expensive way), but good artificial ones look nearly identical. Mix them with linen ribbon, small linen sachets filled with lavender, and cream-colored yarn pom-poms. The overall effect? Pure comfort.
I make miniature pillows from scrap linen and stuff them with batting for unique ornaments. Add a tiny embroidered initial, and boom – personalized decorations that look like you spent hours on them. Really took twenty minutes max.
8. Woodland Animal Decor Tree
Okay, hear me out – woodland creatures don’t have to be kitschy. Done right, animal ornaments bring this whimsical forest magic that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Skip the googly-eyed cartoon versions. Look for:
- Felted wool animals in natural colors
- Carved wooden creatures
- Simple silhouettes cut from birch bark
- Pine cone animals (Pinterest has tutorials)
My personal favorite involves using natural materials to create the animals. Acorn cap birds, walnut shell mice, pine cone hedgehogs – they’re adorable without being saccharine. Plus, making them becomes a fun family activity instead of another shopping trip.
9. Rustic Leather & Jute Ornament Tree
This might sound weird, but leather Christmas ornaments give off major sophisticated cabin vibes. The combination of worn leather and rough jute creates this masculine-meets-festive energy that actually works year-round if you’re lazy like me.
Hit up craft stores for leather scraps or repurpose old belts and bags. Cut simple shapes – stars, circles, trees – and punch a hole for hanging. The leather naturally ages beautifully, developing more character each year.
DIY Leather Ornaments
Making these yourself saves serious cash:
- Cut shapes with scissors or craft knife
- Stamp designs using leather stamps
- Add brass grommets for hanging
- Condition with leather oil for shine
Combine with jute-wrapped balls, twine garland, and maybe some brass bells for sound. The whole tree ends up looking like something from a Ralph Lauren holiday campaign.
Also Read: 15 Lovely Christmas Tree Color Schemes Ideas to Brighten Holidays
10. Earthy Greenery & Seed Pod Tree
Mother Nature really shows off with this combo. Fresh greenery mixed with interesting seed pods creates incredible visual texture that changes as the season progresses.
Eucalyptus, cedar, and pine branches form your green base. Then add the fun stuff: lotus pods, sweet gum balls, magnolia pods, poppy heads. Each brings its own unique shape and texture. Spray paint some in metallic bronze or leave them natural – both work.
Fair warning: Seed pods can get messy. Give them a good shake outside first, and maybe seal with clear spray if you’re worried about debris. But honestly? A little mess adds to the authentic outdoor feel.
11. Sand & Driftwood Coastal Tree
Who says Christmas can’t have beach vibes? This style makes total sense if you live near the coast or just miss summer already (guilty). The combination of sandy tones and weathered wood brings unexpected freshness to holiday decor.
Collect driftwood pieces during beach trips or buy them online. Small pieces work as ornaments, while larger branches can replace traditional garland. Fill clear glass ornaments with actual sand and tiny shells. Add starfish, sand dollars, and maybe some fishing net for texture.
Coastal Color Palette
Stick to these shades:
- Bleached wood tones
- Sandy beiges
- Seafoam greens (sparingly)
- Weathered whites
The result feels less “Christmas at the beach house” and more “sophisticated coastal holiday.” There’s a difference, trust me.
12. Muted Metallics & Natural Ornaments Tree
Metallics don’t have to scream for attention. Brushed bronze, antiqued silver, and worn copper paired with natural elements create this elegant balance that feels both festive and refined.
Mix metallic ornaments with natural finds: acorns dipped halfway in copper paint, silver-dusted pine cones, bronze-painted eucalyptus leaves. The contrast between shiny and matte, manufactured and natural, creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye.
I discovered that old jewelry makes amazing tree decorations. Those tarnished silver chains and bronze pendants you never wear? Perfect for draping on branches. Instant vintage glamour.
Also Read: 15 Captivating Elegant Christmas Trees Ideas to Try This Year
13. Boho Macrame & Neutral Tassel Tree
The bohemian trend crashed into Christmas, and honestly, it works. Macrame ornaments and neutral tassels bring this relaxed, artistic vibe that feels fresh and modern.
You don’t need to be a macrame expert (I’m definitely not). Simple knots around wooden rings create beautiful ornaments. Add cream and beige tassels made from embroidery thread or yarn. Throw in some wooden beads and feathers for full boho effect.
Easy Macrame Ornaments
Even beginners can make these:
- Mini plant hangers (minus the plants)
- Simple diamond patterns
- Spiral knots around branches
- Macrame stars using wire frames
The tree ends up looking like it belongs in an Urban Outfitters holiday display, but you made it for under $30. That’s what I call winning 🙂
14. Natural Pine & Acorn Accent Tree
Sometimes the classics work best. A traditional green tree decorated solely with pine elements and acorns creates this timeless, forest-fresh look that never goes out of style.
Collect acorns and let them dry completely (unless you want surprise squirrel visitors – ask me about that disaster). Some people paint the caps gold, but I prefer them natural. Wire them into clusters or hot glue them onto ribbon for hanging.
Add real pine branches for extra fullness, pine cone “flowers” made by cutting cones crosswise, and maybe some preserved moss for texture. The monochromatic brown-and-green palette feels intentional rather than boring.
15. Soft Taupe & Cream Layered Tree
This final style brings all the cozy without any of the chaos. Layering different shades of taupe and cream creates depth while maintaining that calming neutral palette we’re all craving.
Think of it as the cashmere sweater of Christmas trees. Soft, expensive-looking, and impossibly chic. Layer ornaments in graduated tones from light cream at the top to deeper taupe at the bottom. Or alternate randomly – both approaches work.
Creating Visual Layers
Build depth with:
- Varying ornament sizes
- Different textures (velvet, wool, ceramic)
- Multiple ribbon widths
- Strategic light placement
The finished tree looks like something from a high-end design magazine, but really you just picked a color family and stuck with it. Sometimes the simple approach wins.
Making Earth Tones Work in Your Space
Here’s the real talk – earth tone Christmas trees work in literally any home. Modern apartment? The minimalist beige tree fits perfectly. Farmhouse style? Hello, rustic pinecone paradise. Even traditional homes benefit from the sophisticated twist on holiday classics.
The key lies in choosing the right earth tone palette for your existing decor. Already have lots of warm browns? Maybe go cooler with greys and taupes. House full of cream and white? Add warmth with cinnamon and copper accents.
Don’t overthink it though. Pick the style that makes your heart happy when you look at it. That’s really all that matters, IMO.
Tips for Earth Tone Tree Success
After years of experimenting (and some spectacular failures), here’s what actually works:
Lighting matters more than you think. Warm white lights enhance earth tones, while cool white can make them look flat and sad. Go for warm every time.
Layer your decorations from inside to out. Tuck some ornaments deep in the branches, place others at the tips. Creates dimension and makes your tree look fuller.
Mix textures like crazy. Smooth next to rough, shiny next to matte. The contrast keeps things interesting when you’re working with a limited color palette.
Don’t forget the tree topper. A bundle of preserved wheat, a wooden star, or even a simple bow in natural linen can complete the look perfectly.
Wrapping It Up
Earth tone Christmas trees prove you don’t need traditional red and green to create holiday magic. These natural palettes bring warmth, sophistication, and a sense of calm to the usually chaotic season. Plus, they photograph beautifully, match your year-round decor, and often cost less than traditional decorations.
Whether you go full rustic with pinecones and burlap or keep it minimal with beiges and creams, the key is choosing elements that speak to your personal style. Mix textures, play with different shades within your chosen palette, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches that make your tree uniquely yours.
This year, why not give earth tones a try? Your tree might just become the conversation starter at every holiday gathering. And who knows? You might discover, like I did, that once you go neutral, you never go back. The best part? When you finally take down your tree in January (or February, no judgment), you won’t be sick of looking at it. That’s the real Christmas miracle right there.
