10 Things You Can Make With Pinecones This Season

If you’ve got trees dropping pinecones all over the yard, you’re basically sitting on free decor. Pinecones are sturdy, neutral, and go with almost any Christmas look. A quick bake in the oven to dry them out and kill any bugs, and they’re ready to work.

Here’s how to turn that pile into things you’ll actually want to use around the house.

Simple bowl or tray fillers

The easiest option: toss clean pinecones into a bowl, dough bowl, or tray with a few ornaments or ribbon scraps. Set it on the table, coffee table, or entryway.

You can leave them natural, dust them with a bit of white paint, or add a couple drops of essential oil to a few cones if you like scent. It looks intentional with almost no effort.

Pinecone garland

Tie pinecones onto twine or thin rope, spacing them every few inches. You can tie directly around the top of the cone or use small screws/hooks if you want something sturdier.

Hang the garland on a mantle, stair rail, or across a doorway. Add little ribbon bows between cones if you want more color.

Mini pinecone trees

Glue smaller pinecones upside down on wooden blocks, jar lids, or small slices of wood so they stand upright. You can leave them natural or lightly brush the “tips” with green or white paint.

Cluster several together on a shelf or mantle. They look like tiny trees without you having to fuss with wire or foam.

Pinecone place cards

Attach small pinecones to folded cardstock or tuck a card right into the scales of the cone. Write names on the cards and set them at each place on the table.

It’s a simple, free way to make meals feel a little more special when you have people over, and kids can help gather and clean the cones.

Fire starters (for real fireplaces only)

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or outdoor fire pit, you can turn pinecones into fire starters. Dip them in melted wax (using caution and a safe setup), then let them dry on parchment.

Store in a basket and use them to get fires going more easily. Just don’t use these in gas fireplaces or around kids who might think they’re toys.

Pinecone wreath

Glue pinecones onto a wreath form (foam, wire, or even heavy cardboard). Start with a base layer, then fill gaps with smaller cones.

You can keep it all one color or add a few ribbon pieces or faux berries. Hang it on the front door, inside doors, or over the mantle.

Gift toppers

Tie a small pinecone to the center of a bow on a wrapped gift. You can add a little greenery or ribbon strip if you want it more dressed up.

It instantly makes even plain paper look thoughtful and pulled together, and guests can keep the pinecone as a tiny decoration.

Pinecone and ribbon ornaments

Tie a ribbon around the top of a pinecone, knot it firmly, and make a loop to hang from the tree. You can brush the tips with paint or glue on tiny pom-poms if you want more color.

These are great for the lower branches where kids like to move ornaments around, since they won’t break when they fall.

Pinecone “kissing ball”

Glue pinecones around a foam ball or tightly crumpled paper ball until it’s covered. Tie ribbon at the top to hang it.

Hang it in a doorway, under a porch, or in a window. It looks impressive, but it’s really just cones and glue.

Rustic jar accents

Glue a few small pinecones around the base of a jar or vase, then tie a ribbon or jute string above them. Add a candle or greenery inside the jar.

Line a few along a table or mantle. It’s an easy way to stretch both your pinecone pile and your candle stash.