Create a warm and whimsical holiday atmosphere with these inspiring boho Christmas decorations that blend natural elements with handmade charm.
When Tradition Meets Free Spirit
You love the holiday season but want to step away from the same red and green decorations everyone else has. You’re drawn to natural textures, earthy colors, and items that tell a story. This is the perfect moment to explore boho Christmas decorations—a style that celebrates creativity, comfort, and collected treasures over perfect matching sets.
The beauty of boho holiday decor is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. We’ll show you how to use what you already have, plus a few special finds, to create a Christmas space that feels uniquely yours. You’ll learn to blend color, texture, and light in ways that feel both festive and deeply personal.
Creating Your Boho Holiday Magic
1. Macramé Christmas Tree Wall Hanging
Instead of a traditional tree skirt, create or purchase a large macramé wall hanging in a triangular tree shape. Adorn it with miniature wooden ornaments, tiny dried oranges, and little fairy lights woven through the knots. This becomes a stunning textile focal point that saves floor space.
The texture of the cotton rope against your wall adds incredible depth and a handmade feel that store-bought decorations can’t match. It’s perfect for small apartments or as a secondary tree in a bedroom.
✅ Size matters: Measure your wall space before choosing or making your piece.
✅ Light it up: Weave battery-operated fairy lights through the knots for evening magic.
✅ Natural adornments: Tuck sprigs of eucalyptus or cedar into the design for scent and color.
Watching the intricate shadows this piece casts in the evening lamplight is a quiet, beautiful bonus.
2. Dried Citrus and Eucalyptus Garland
Move beyond pine garland and string together slices of dried oranges, lemons, and limes with bunches of eucalyptus and bay leaves. The warm citrus colors against the silvery-green eucalyptus create a stunning, fragrant decoration that embodies the boho love for nature.
This garland looks beautiful draped across a mantel, wound up a staircase banister, or as a unique tree garland. As it dries further, the colors deepen and the scent mellows.
✅ Slice thickness: Cut citrus about ¼-inch thick for even drying without curling.
✅ Oven drying: Dry slices at 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway.
✅ Stringing method: Use a heavy-duty needle and natural jute twine for strength.
Your home will smell like a warm, spiced holiday citrus grove for the entire season.
Boho vs. Traditional Color Palette
| Element | Traditional Christmas | Boho Christmas |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Colors | Red, Green, Gold | Terracotta, Sage, Mustard |
| Metallic Accents | Silver, Gold | Copper, Brass, Unpolished Silver |
| Natural Elements | Pine Cones, Holly | Dried Citrus, Pampas Grass, Feathers |
| Lighting Mood | Bright & Sparkling | Warm, Glowing, & Diffused |
3. A “Tree” of Collected Branches
Find an interesting, multi-branch fallen limb (or several) and secure it in a large vase filled with stones. Decorate this “tree” with minimalist ornaments, feathers, dried flowers, and delicate paper stars. This is the ultimate in organic, free-form holiday spirit.
The beauty is in the asymmetry and the negative space. It feels more like a piece of installation art than a traditional tree, and it’s a wonderful conversation starter.
✅ Branch selection: Look for interesting shapes, not perfect symmetry.
✅ Stability first: Weight your vase heavily with pebbles or sand.
✅ Decor philosophy: Less is more. Let the branch structure shine.
This project connects your holiday directly to the outdoors and feels wonderfully grounded.
4. Vintage Textile Stockings
Abandon the matching velvet stockings for ones made from vintage kilim rug fragments, embroidered napkins, or colorful quilt scraps. Each stocking becomes a unique piece of textile art. The varied patterns and textures hanging together create a beautifully eclectic look.
If you’re not a sewer, use fabric glue to attach a colorful fabric cuff to a plain felt stocking. The key is individuality and rich texture.
✅ Material sourcing: Check Etsy, flea markets, or old textiles at home.
✅ Lining tip: Line with soft flannel for a cozy feel.
✅ Personalization: Use fabric paint or embroidered initials.
These stockings feel full of history and love, much more meaningful than anything bought new in a set.
5. Rattan and Wicker Accents Everywhere
Incorporate the warmth of woven materials through rattan star ornaments, wicker baskets under the tree, or a cane pendant light adorned with greenery. These natural textures add layer upon layer of visual interest and a global, collected feel.
Place a few small rattan spheres or stars on your tree alongside your other ornaments. Use a wicker basket as a unique alternative to a standard gift bag.
✅ Mix sizes: Use everything from tiny ornaments to large storage baskets.
✅ Durability: These materials are sturdy and can be stored for years.
✅ Style blending: They work beautifully with both modern and rustic elements.
The tactile, earthy feel of wicker and rattan brings an instant sense of calm and craftsmanship to your space.
6. Feather-Trimmed Tree Skirt
Swap a fleecy red skirt for one with a bold fringe, pom-pom trim, or even a border of natural feathers. Look for a neutral-colored blanket with interesting texture—think chunky knit, faux sheepskin, or a Persian-style rug—and use that as your tree skirt instead.
This approach turns the base of your tree into a major decorative element. It feels luxurious, cozy, and intentionally unconventional.
✅ Feather source: Use ethically sourced feathers from craft stores.
✅ DIY trim: Glue a trim to a plain canvas skirt for a custom look.
✅ Functionality: Ensure it’s easy to lift for watering your tree.
It adds a final, grounding layer of texture that makes your whole tree display feel complete and curated.
7. Terra Cotta Pot Snow People
Paint simple terra cotta pots in muted, matte colors (think sage green, dusty pink, or ochre) and stack them to create charming, unconventional snow people. Use twigs for arms, a scrap of fabric for a scarf, and paint on sweet, simple faces.
Cluster a family of these on your porch, mantel, or as a centerpiece. They’re durable, adorable, and perfectly boho.
✅ Pot sizes: Use graduated pots (small, medium, large) for stacking.
✅ Paint type: Use matte acrylic paint for a soft, non-shiny finish.
✅ Weighting: Add sand or rocks in the bottom pot for stability.
Making these with kids becomes a cherished holiday craft project with a lasting result.
8. Bell Jar Terrarium Scenes
Under a large glass cloche or bell jar, create a miniature winter wonderland. Use moss as a base, add tiny ceramic houses, miniature deer, and small pine cones. It’s a captured moment of magic that requires no dusting!
This is a fantastic way to display small, fragile ornaments or natural finds. The glass magnifies the details and protects your creation.
✅ Base layer: Use preserved sheet moss for easy upkeep.
✅ Scale: Keep all miniature elements in similar scale for realism.
✅ Lighting: Place a battery-operated tea light nearby for a glowing effect.
It feels like owning a tiny, perfect snow globe scene you can look at every day.
9. Patterned Paper Fan Ornaments
Unfold vintage-style patterned paper fans and use them as stunning, three-dimensional ornaments. Hang them individually from ribbons or create a cluster hanging from the ceiling in a corner. The geometric patterns and pops of color are pure boho joy.
Look for papers with Moroccan tile patterns, floral prints, or ikat designs. The fans catch the air and move gently, adding life to your decor.
✅ Paper weight: Use cardstock or scrapbooking paper for structure.
✅ Secure hanging: Attach ribbon at the base of the fan for balance.
✅ Water warning: Keep away from humid areas like above a kettle.
The inexpensive, dramatic impact of this idea makes it one of the best bobo holiday tricks.
10. A “Gathering” of Candles in Unique Holders
Forgo matched candle sets and instead gather an assortment of pillar candles in varying heights and widths. Place them in an eclectic collection of holders: brass candlesticks, vintage pottery, carved wood, and even hollowed-out pomegranates or oranges.
Light them all in the evening for an instant atmosphere of warmth and intimate glow. The flickering light reflects off the different materials beautifully.
✅ Safety first: Never leave burning candles unattended.
✅ Holder variety: Mix heights to create visual interest.
✅ Scent suggestion: Choose unscented candles so they don’t clash with other holiday smells.
This is the easiest way to transform a room’s mood in seconds, embodying the boho love for ambient, soft lighting.
Boho Material & Sourcing Guide
| Material | Key Characteristics | Where to Find It | Budget-Friendly Swap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macramé | Textured, handmade, natural | Etsy, craft fairs | DIY with basic knots |
| Dried Botanicals | Fragrant, colorful, organic | Your backyard, farmer’s markets | Dry your own citrus & herbs |
| Vintage Textiles | Patterned, storied, unique | Thrift stores, grandmother’s trunk | Use fabric scraps from old clothes |
| Rattan & Wicker | Woven, warm, natural texture | Home goods stores, import shops | Use dollar store baskets |
11. Beaded Tassel Garland
String together handmade or purchased tassels with wooden beads to create a glorious garland. Drape it across your tree, along a shelf, or over a doorway. The movement, color, and texture are quintessentially boho.
Make your own tassels by wrapping embroidery thread around cardboard. It’s a meditative, rewarding craft.
✅ Color story: Choose a palette (e.g., dusty blues, terracotta, cream) for cohesion.
✅ Length: Make it longer than you think you need for generous draping.
✅ Attachment: Use clear fishing line to string beads between tassels.
The gentle weight and swing of this garland adds a dynamic, celebratory feeling.
12. Pampas Grass in Oversized Vases
Place large, fluffy plumes of pampas grass or dried wheat in a striking floor vase. Tie a simple ribbon or a strip of leather around the middle. This creates dramatic height, soft texture, and a beautiful neutral backdrop that makes other colors pop.
It’s a minimalist statement that fills vertical space effortlessly and works from Thanksgiving right through New Year’s.
✅ Fluffing: Gently shake and fluff plumes for maximum volume.
✅ Containment: Spray lightly with hairspray to minimize shedding.
✅ Placement: Keep away from high-traffic areas to avoid tickling noses.
It brings the gorgeous, golden hues of a winter field right into your living room.
13. Crocheted Doily Ornaments
Starch and shape vintage crocheted doilies into three-dimensional stars or snowflakes. These delicate, lace-like ornaments add incredible texture and a touch of grandma’s attic charm to a modern boho tree.
You can often find bags of these doilies for very little money at second-hand shops. Their intricate patterns are works of art.
✅ Starching method: Use a sugar-water solution for a hold that washes out.
✅ Shaping: Pin onto cardboard covered in wax paper while damp.
✅ Hanging: Use thin, neutral thread or ribbon to let the doily be the star.
Each one is uniquely imperfect, adding to the handmade, heirloom quality of your decor.
14. A Tablescape with Natural Chargers
Use large, round slices of wood, woven rattan placemats, or even pressed bamboo as charger plates under your dinnerware. Layer on patterned napkins, simple greenery, and a sprig of eucalyptus at each setting.
This instantly grounds your table in nature and provides a wonderful textural foundation for your meals.
✅ Sealing wood: If using raw wood slices, seal with food-safe mineral oil.
✅ Mix & match: Don’t worry if the wood slices aren’t identical—it adds charm.
✅ Height: Add taper candles in brass holders for warmth.
It makes every meal feel special and connected to the earth, perfect for the slower pace of the holidays.
15. Hanging Paper Lanterns in Earth Tones
Choose paper lanterns in shades of ochre, blush, sage, and cream instead of bright primary colors. Hang them at varying heights in a cluster in a corner or along a porch. The diffuse, glowy light they emit is magical and soft.
Combine different shapes—rounds, ovals, stars—for extra interest. They are lightweight and easy to install.
✅ Light source: Use warm-white LED string lights inside for safety and long life.
✅ Hanging method: Use clear monofilament for a “floating” look.
✅ Storage: Collapse them flat to save space for next year.
They create an instant festival-like atmosphere that feels both joyful and serene.
16. Embroidery Hoop Wreaths
Take simple wooden embroidery hoops and wrap them with bundles of dried lavender, eucalyptus, or cinnamon sticks secured with natural twine. Leave most of the beautiful wood grain exposed. Hang with a velvet ribbon.
This is a modern, architectural take on a wreath. It’s simple, fragrant, and highlights the beauty of raw materials.
✅ Bundle size: Keep plant bundles tight and neat for a polished look.
✅ Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Try both—a full circle or just a cluster on one side.
✅ Door warning: These are light; ensure they’re secure on a windy day.
It’s a welcoming, aromatic decoration that feels crafted, not manufactured.
17. Wall Hanging with Holiday Greenery
Take a minimalist wall hanging—a single driftwood piece, a simple metal rod, or even a branch—and drape sparingly with fresh cedar, pine, or eucalyptus garland. Add a few dried orange slices or pine cones tied with thread.
This creates a living, breathing piece of wall art that fills your home with the scent of the forest.
✅ Freshness: Mist greenery with water every few days to prolong life.
✅ Secure draping: Use clear wire or fishing line to attach greens.
✅ Scale: Match the size of the hanging to your wall space.
It’s a dynamic decoration that changes slightly each day as the greenery dries.
18. Dyed Pine Cones in Muted Hues
Collect pine cones and give them a bobo makeover with diluted fabric dye or chalky paint in muted colors like slate blue, mauve, or sage green. Let them dry completely and pile them in a bowl or scatter them down the center of a table as a runner alternative.
This simple activity transforms a free natural element into a cohesive, colorful decoration.
✅ Dye method: Dip just the tips for an ombre effect.
✅ Drying rack: Use a wire rack over newspaper for even drying.
✅ Sealing: A light spray of clear sealant will prevent color transfer.
It’s a fantastic, low-cost way to add a custom color pop to your scheme.
19. Floor Poufs as Extra Seating & Gift Piles
Use colorful, patterned floor poufs not just for extra seating but as a beautiful base for piling wrapped gifts. The textiles add pattern, and the poufs themselves can be part of your gift-giving.
Choose poufs with tassels, pom-poms, or ethnic patterns for maximum boho impact.
✅ Material choice: Look for durable, stain-resistant fabrics if kids will be around.
✅ Double duty: They provide guest seating during parties.
✅ Storage: They easily deflate or can be stacked away after the holidays.
It solves the “where do I put all the presents?” question in the most stylish way possible.
20. A “Magic” Key for Santa
Forget the standard ceramic Santa plate. Leave his treats on a special, ornate vintage key placed on a small piece of velvet or a decorative plate. It plays into the boho love of unique, symbolic objects and storytelling.
Find an old, large key at a flea market or antique shop. It becomes a new family tradition with a mystical feel.
✅ Key cleaning: Gently clean with vinegar and water, but leave the patina.
✅ Presentation: Place on a small, fancy napkin or a piece of deep-colored velvet.
✅ Note: Include a handwritten note on handmade paper for extra charm.
It sparks children’s imaginations about Santa’s magical entry and becomes a cherished object year after year.
Making Your Boho Decor Shine
The heart of boho Christmas decorations is personal expression. Don’t be afraid to break “rules.” Mix those heirloom glass ornaments from your grandma with your new dried citrus. Layer that kilim rug under the tree even if it’s “busy.”
Focus on creating feelings: warmth through texture, joy through personal mementos, and peace through natural elements. Your space should tell your family’s story, not a catalog’s.
✅ Edit as you go: Step back and remove one item if a area feels crowded.
✅ Involve everyone: Let family members choose or make a special ornament each year.
✅ Embrace imperfection: A slightly crooked garland or unmatched stockings add character.
✅ Think multi-sensory: Incorporate scent (dried citrus, pine), touch (textiles, wood), and sight (twinkling lights, rich colors).
Your home will feel like a true holiday sanctuary, a reflection of your unique spirit.
The Essence of Boho Christmas
✅ Nature is your co-designer: Use botanicals, wood, stone, and feathers freely.
✅ Color outside the lines: Embrace terra cotta, mustard, sage, and cream over traditional red and green.
✅ Texture is everything: Layer macramé, knit, woven baskets, and smooth ceramics.
✅ Light creates mood: Opt for warm, diffused glows from lanterns, candles, and fairy lights.
✅ Handmade tells a story: Incorporate items you’ve made or found, not just bought.
Your Boho Holiday Questions Answered
Can boho Christmas decor work in a small space?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s ideal. Focus on wall hangings, vertical decor like branch trees, and multi-functional pieces (like storage baskets that also look beautiful). It creates impact without clutter.
Isn’t this style expensive to achieve?
Not at all. The core philosophy is about using natural, found, and repurposed items. Dry your own citrus, forage for pine cones, swap fabric scraps with friends for ornaments, and hunt for unique pieces at thrift stores.
How do I store these more delicate natural decorations?
Store dried items in sturdy cardboard boxes with tissue paper, label them clearly, and keep them in a cool, dry place. Textiles should be clean and stored in breathable cotton bags to prevent mildew.
My family loves traditional red. Can I mix it with boho?
Yes! The boho style is eclectic. Try incorporating red through a vintage patterned textile, like a rug or a few ornaments, rather than as a solid block of color. Let it be one player in your rich tapestry of hues.
Where’s the best place to start if I’m new to this style?
Start with a color palette. Choose 3-4 earthy, muted colors you love. Then, take one project—like the dried citrus garland or the branch tree—and build out from there. It’s about evolving your decor, not overhauling it overnight.
Your Holiday, Your Harmony
Creating a boho Christmas is an invitation to celebrate the season in a way that feels authentic and joyful to you. It’s less about perfection and more about presence—the presence of nature, of handmade love, of cherished memories, and of cozy, glowing warmth.
Begin this year by choosing one idea that makes your heart sing. Maybe it’s swapping out your tree skirt for something textured, or maybe it’s making a garland with your kids. Let that be your anchor.
Your home will transform into a space that doesn’t just look like Christmas, but feels like it—deeply, personally, and beautifully. That is the true magic of the boho spirit.
