Provence-Inspired DIY Christmas Decorations

Simple, Cozy Crafts to Bring Southern French Charm into Your Home

Winter in Provence doesn’t arrive with snow drifts and frosty mornings—but with soft sunlight, citrus-scented kitchens, and markets filled with rustic seasonal treasures. It’s a time of warmth, conviviality, and celebrating nature’s beauty. This year, why not infuse your home with a touch of the South of France?

These beginner-friendly DIY Christmas decorations use simple materials—aromatics like lavender and rosemary, bright oranges, and natural linens—to create a holiday atmosphere that is welcoming, relaxed, and beautifully cozy. Pour a glass of wine, put on some festive music, and enjoy a slower, more mindful approach to decorating.

What Makes Provençal Holiday Decor Special?

Provence is known for:

• 🌿 Natural materials: herbs, citrus, linen, wood

• ✨ A rustic, effortless elegance — everyday beauty elevated

• 🌞 Warm colors: olive green, sunny yellow, terracotta, soft whites

• 💜 Scents that comfort: lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, star anise

It’s the perfect inspiration for an inviting and serene holiday home.

🎄 10 Provence-Inspired DIY Christmas Decorations

Each project includes a short, calming process—perfect for slow living during the holidays.

1️⃣ Lavender & Ribbon Mini Wreaths

These petite wreaths add a soft touch of Provençal romance to your tree or Christmas table.

Materials

• Small craft wire wreaths (or mason jar rings)

• Dried lavender sprigs

• Linen or cotton ribbon

• Scissors

Instructions

1. Gather lavender into tiny bundles.

2. Attach bundles around the wreath, overlapping slightly for fullness.

3. Secure with thin wire or wrap with ribbon.

4. Add a bow and hang—or slide onto napkins as ring holders.

Styling tip: Choose neutral ribbons like cream or dusty lavender for a soft look.

2️⃣ Orange Slice & Rosemary Garlands

Bright, natural, and wonderfully fragrant.

Materials

• 3–4 oranges

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Kitchen twine

• Needle or skewer

Instructions

1. Slice oranges ¼ inch thick and dry in oven at 90°C (200°F) for 2–3 hours.

2. Thread twine through each piece, alternating with rosemary.

3. Leave small spaces for gentle movement and airflow.

Optional: Add cinnamon sticks or star anise between slices.

3️⃣ Herbes de Provence Jar Candles

Candlelight is everything at Christmas—especially when it smells like a French herb garden.

Materials

• Small glass jars

• Soy wax flakes

• Candle wicks

• Dried rosemary or lavender

• Essential oil (lavender or rosemary)

• Wooden skewer or clothespin

Instructions

1. Melt wax in microwave-safe container following package directions.

2. Place wick in center of the jar (secure with skewer or clothespin).

3. Sprinkle dried herbs around edges.

4. Add a few drops of essential oil to wax and pour carefully into jar.

5. Let set for at least 2 hours.

Tip: These also make thoughtful hostess gifts.

4️⃣ Cinnamon Stick & Twine Ornaments

Aromatic, rustic, cheerful—and unbelievably quick.

Materials

• Cinnamon sticks

• Twine

• Dried lavender (optional)

Instructions

1. Tie three cinnamon sticks together in a triangle or bundle shape.

2. Wrap securely with twine.

3. Add a sprig of lavender or tiny seasonal charm.

Hang on your tree for instant warmth and scent.

5️⃣ Provençal Fabric Covered Baubles

A beautiful way to reuse old ornaments and celebrate Provençal textile patterns.

Materials

• Old round ornaments

• Fabric scraps (blue/yellow florals or neutral linens)

• Rubber bands

• Ribbon for hanging

Instructions

1. Cut fabric into squares large enough to cover each bauble.

2. Wrap fabric tightly around the ornament.

3. Secure with a rubber band at the top.

4. Tie ribbon over the band to hide it.

So simple—yet so chic.

6️⃣ Lavender Beeswax Tea Lights

Small but mighty when it comes to atmosphere.

Materials

• Beeswax pellets

• Tea-light metal cups or molds

• Candle wicks

• Lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Melt beeswax in a heat-safe container.

2. Insert wick into each mold.

3. Stir in a few drops of oil, then pour wax carefully.

4. Let cool completely.

Scatter around the room for soft, golden glow.

7️⃣ Provence Winter Basket Centerpiece

This is more styling than crafting—and that’s the beauty of it.

Materials

• Woven market basket or a simple wicker bowl

• Oranges, lemons, or mandarins

• Rosemary or eucalyptus branches

• A few pinecones

Instructions

1. Fill basket with citrus as the base.

2. Add greenery and pinecones for texture.

3. Place on dining or coffee table as a welcoming centerpiece.

Optional: Tuck in a candle jar from DIY #3.

8️⃣ Bay Leaf & Button Napkin Rings

Earthy and elegant for festive gatherings.

Materials

• Thick twine or craft rope

• Bay leaves (fresh or dried)

• Small wooden buttons

• Hot glue or craft glue

Instructions

1. Form twine into napkin-size loops and secure.

2. Glue 3–5 bay leaves on top.

3. Add a button as a charming accent.

Perfect for Christmas dinner with Provençal flair.

9️⃣ Wine Cork Stars

A tribute to Provence’s world-famous vineyards.

Materials

• 5 wine corks per star

• Hot glue gun

• Twine

Instructions

1. Arrange corks into a star shape.

2. Glue at each contact point and let set.

3. Tie twine to hang.

Fun project to pair with a glass of Côtes du Rhône. 🍷✨

🔟 Lavender Tree Spray

Transform your tree into a calming aromatic centerpiece.

Materials

• Distilled water

• Lavender essential oil

• Small spray bottle

• A splash of vodka or witch hazel (to preserve scent)

Instructions

1. Fill bottle mostly with water.

2. Add 10–15 drops lavender oil + splash of vodka.

3. Shake gently and mist onto tree or garlands.

Your home will smell like a peaceful winter escape.

Styling Tips: Bringing Provence Into Your Home

• Embrace natural textures: linen, raffia, wood, and ceramics

• Layer soft lighting: candle clusters, warm fairy lights

• Keep the palette soothing: muted greens, creams, and lavender tones

• Mix greenery: eucalyptus with rosemary sprigs looks lush and scented

• Group handmade items together for soothing visual harmony

Creating a cozy Provençal holiday isn’t about perfection—it’s about warmth, nature, and comfort.

Ingredient Substitutions & Accessibility

If you can’t find:

• Olive branches → eucalyptus or pine

• Lavender → rosemary, thyme, or any dried herb

• Provençal fabrics → cotton florals or neutral linens

• Beeswax → soy wax

Let the spirit inspire you—use what you have.

Share the Provençal Holiday Joy 🎁✨

If you try any of these DIY decorations, I’d love to see your creations!
Tag me or use #ProvenceAtHome so we can celebrate the cozy magic together.

And if you enjoyed these ideas, stay tuned—Provence-inspired DIY Christmas gifts and French winter traditions are coming next.