Easy Rustic Evergreen Christmas Centrepiece

Bring the natural beauty of the season indoors with this easy rustic evergreen Christmas centrepiece. Fresh greenery, pinecones, dried oranges and warm candlelight come together to create a cozy decoration for your Christmas table, kitchen island or mantel.

You don't need floral experience or expensive supplies to make it. Use a wooden dough bowl, shallow basket, decorative tray or long serving platter as your base, then arrange everything loosely for a natural, gathered-from-the-woods look.

What You'll Need

—A wooden dough bowl, shallow basket, tray or long platter
—Fresh evergreen branches, such as cedar, fir or pine
—3 flameless pillar candles in varying heights
—Pinecones in a mixture of sizes
—Dried orange slices
—A few sprigs of fresh or artificial red berries
—Small Christmas ornaments, optional
—Velvet or natural linen ribbon, optional
—Garden clippers or sturdy scissors

Step 1

Prepare the Greenery

Trim the evergreen branches into smaller, manageable pieces. Cut a mixture of longer and shorter branches so your arrangement has a relaxed, natural shape.

If the greenery is wet or snowy, allow it to dry before bringing it inside and placing it in your container.

Step 2

Position the Candles

Place three flameless pillar candles near the centre of your container. Using candles in slightly different heights will make the arrangement more visually interesting.

For a smaller centrepiece, use one large flameless candle or three small battery-operated votives instead.

Step 3

Add the Evergreen Branches

Begin placing the longest branches around the candles, allowing some of the greenery to extend beyond the ends of the container.

Fill the centre with shorter pieces, turning the branches in different directions as you work. Continue layering until the base looks full and most of the container is hidden.

Don't worry about making both sides perfectly even. A slightly loose and irregular arrangement is what gives the centrepiece its rustic charm.

Step 4

Tuck in the Pinecones

Nestle several pinecones throughout the greenery. Use a mixture of sizes and place some upright and others on their sides for a more natural appearance.

Step 5

Add the Dried Oranges and Berries

Tuck dried orange slices between the evergreen branches, making sure some of their warm colour remains visible. Add a few sprigs of red berries for a traditional Christmas touch.

A little red goes a long way. Keeping the berries minimal allows the greenery, pinecones and dried oranges to remain the focus.

Step 6

Add the Finishing Touches

If desired, add a few small ornaments or loosely weave a length of velvet or natural linen ribbon through the greenery.

Turn on the flameless candles and make any final adjustments. Gently pull out a few branches around the edges to soften the arrangement and give it a naturally full shape.

Helpful Tips

—Combine two or three types of greenery for more colour and texture.
—Ask a local Christmas tree lot if they have extra branch trimmings.
—Allow fresh greenery to dry before placing it on a wooden surface.
—Mist the greenery lightly every few days to help it stay fresh.
—Keep the arrangement away from heat registers and direct sunlight.
—Always use flameless candles around fresh or dried greenery.
—Use realistic artificial greenery if you want the centrepiece to last for many Christmases.

Add a Natural Christmas Scent

For an extra touch of Christmas fragrance, place a few drops of fir, pine, cedarwood, sweet orange or cinnamon essential oil on several pieces of greenery or on a few pinecones.

Start with only two or three drops, as essential oils can be quite strong. Add more later if needed. Apply the oil away from the candles and allow it to absorb before returning the greenery or pinecones to the arrangement. Always use flameless candles, as essential oils and dried natural materials should be kept away from open flames.

If you have children or pets, check that your chosen essential oil is appropriate for use in your home.

How to Dry Orange Slices

Preheat your oven to 200°F. Slice oranges into thin, even rounds, approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Pat both sides gently with paper towel to remove some of the excess juice.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 3 to 4 hours, turning them every hour, until they feel dry and the centres are no longer moist.

Thinner slices may be ready sooner, so begin checking them after two hours. Remove individual slices as they finish drying to prevent the edges from becoming too dark.

Allow the orange slices to cool and dry completely before adding them to your centrepiece. Store any extras in an airtight container once they are fully dry.

Make It Your Own

This centrepiece can easily be adapted to complement your Christmas decorating style.

—For a traditional look, add red berries, deep red velvet ribbon and a few small gold ornaments.
—For a simple Scandinavian-inspired arrangement, use only fresh greenery, natural pinecones, dried oranges and ivory candles.
—For a snowy woodland look, add white berries, frosted pinecones and a light dusting of artificial snow.

No matter which version you choose, keep the placement relaxed rather than overly perfect. That natural, collected look is what makes this centrepiece feel so warm and inviting.

Wishing you a warm and cozy Christmas from The Hungry Raven.

Homemade. Heartfelt. Seasonal.