When I tell you this DIY Tabletop Christmas Tree project is cute and easy, I mean it. You don’t need a ton of supplies or money to pull this off. It’s the kind of craft that makes your holiday table feel special without stressing you out. If you’ve got a little bit of yarn, some cardboard, and a sprinkle of patience, you’re good to go.
I love this project because it’s simple enough to do in one afternoon, but still looks like something you’d find in a store. It’s also super flexible. You can change the colors, add glitter, or even make a few in different sizes to match your holiday vibe. Honestly, this tree is giving “cozy and festive” all in one.
And the best part? It’s fun for both kids and adults. You can make it with your family, or enjoy crafting with a holiday movie playing in the background. By the end, you’ll have a handmade centerpiece that makes your table shine. Trust me, once you make one, you’ll want a whole little forest of them.
Materials Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this DIY tabletop Christmas tree project:
- Styrofoam cones in different sizes- 3
Green chunky chenille yarn (Find a similar style here)
Wooden stars from Creatology (Click here for a similar style)
Apple Barrel paints in Key West, Pale Daffodil, Candy Pink, and Princess Purple
CraftSmart orange paint
Treat sticks from Celebrate It- 3
Large wooden stars from Woodpile- 3
Hot glue gun
Scissors
How to Make DIY Tabletop Christmas Trees
Step 1: Wrap the Cones with Yarn
Grab one cone and swirl a little tacky glue right at the top. Place the end of your chenille yarn on the tip and start wrapping it in a tight spiral. Keep adding glue as you work downward, wrapping until the cone is completely covered. Make sure the rows are snug—no gaps, no bald spots. Use enough glue so it sticks, but not so much that it’s dripping down. (That’s not festive, that’s messy.) Once you reach the bottom, line the last row neatly, cut the yarn, and tuck the end under with a dab of glue. Repeat with the other two cones to complete your set of trees.
Step 2: Paint the Wooden Stars
Now it’s time to add some color to this easy Christmas craft. Start with Candy Pink and paint 12 small stars—5 for the big tree, 4 for the medium, and 3 for the small. Use thin coats so they dry smooth and even. Repeat the process with orange, then move on to Pale Daffodil, Key West, and Princess Purple. If you need extra coats, let each layer dry before adding more paint. Otherwise, you’ll end up with streaks, and we don’t want that on our holiday décor.
Step 3: Glue the Stars Onto the Trees
Once your stars are dry, it’s time to decorate. Use hot glue to attach 5 stars to the large cone, 4 to the medium, and 3 to the small. Spread the colors evenly so your DIY tabletop Christmas tree looks balanced and festive. Nobody wants a cone with all the pink stars bunched on one side—it’s giving “oops,” not “holiday centerpiece.”
Step 4: Adding the Tree Topper Wooden Stars
For the finishing touch, paint the three larger stars in Pale Daffodil so they coordinate with the smaller yellow ones. Trim your treat sticks about halfway down. If the scissors won’t cut all the way through, bend and snap (yes, just like Elle Woods). Add a small drop of hot glue to the back of each big star, press in a stick, and let it dry. Once ready, pop one into the top of each cone. Now you’ve got the cutest little toppers that give your trees that magical holiday look.
Variations and Ideas
If you’re like me, once you make one of these little trees, you’ll start imagining a whole forest of them. Try switching up the yarn colors—go classic with deep greens, soft pastels for a winter wonderland vibe, or even bold metallics if you’re feeling fancy. You can swap out the star on top for tiny ornaments, jingle bells, or even a bow if that’s more your style. Basically, this project is a “Do you, Boo” situation—make it fit your holiday mood.
Styling Tips
These mini yarn Christmas trees are cute on their own, but styling them takes your holiday décor to the next level. Try grouping a few on a mantel for a cozy Christmas village vibe, or mix them into your holiday table centerpiece with candles and ornaments. They also look adorable on tiered trays, bookshelves, or even as part of your hot cocoa bar setup. However you style them, these DIY Christmas trees add that handmade holiday charm your home has been waiting for.
Frequently Aked Questions
What kind of yarn works best for DIY mini yarn Christmas trees?
Honestly, any yarn you have will work! Thicker yarn gives a fuller tree, while thinner yarn looks more delicate and dainty.
Can kids help make these yarn Christmas trees?
Yes! Kids can definitely wrap the yarn, and you can handle the hot glue parts to keep it safe.
How do I keep the yarn from slipping off the cone?
A little hot glue at the start and finish does the trick, and you can tack it down in spots if needed.
How can I decorate my yarn Christmas trees?
Add mini pom-poms, beads, buttons, or even a tiny star on top—this is your chance to get creative and make them match your holiday décor.
Easy Holiday Projects To Try Next
Loved this DIY tabletop Christmas tree? Check out these other fun, festive, and easy holiday crafts that are perfect for adding charm to your table, mantel, or anywhere you want a little extra holiday cheer.
Holiday Cheer Starts Here!
And just like that, you’ve created your very own DIY tabletop Christmas tree set! These little trees are colorful, festive, and the perfect handmade holiday centerpiece for your table, mantel, or any space that needs a little Christmas cheer. The best part is, they’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and completely customizable, so you can match them to your holiday style, whether you’re going classic, colorful, or modern.
Now it’s your turn, friend—grab your yarn, cones, and stars and make your own festive forest. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share it with us! You can pin this tutorial, save it for later, or share it with friends who love easy Christmas crafts just as much as you do. Your holiday table is about to get a major glow-up!
