Pinecones are often incorporated into Christmas decorations, but you can’t use them straight off the tree. They need to be prepared in advance. You will need to clean them and treat them so they will last through the season. This article will explain what you need to do to get them ornament ready.

1. Clean Them: First, you will need to clean the pinecones to make sure they are free of any bugs or debris. Start by shaking off excess sand and dirt. Then swish them around in a sink full of water with a half cup of white vinegar added until they are nice and clean.

2. Drain Them: Next, drain them on a paper towel so they will be free of excess water.

3. Bake Them: That’s right, you will need to bake your pinecones before using them for decorative purposes. It removes the sap making them easier to use. You can do this by placing them in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet and allowing them to bake at 200 degrees for 1-2 hours. Check on them every 30 minutes to make sure they are not burning. When done, the pinecone ‘leaves’ will be open. Let them cool for 20 minutes before handling them again.

Ideas for Decorating with Pinecones

Once pinecones are prepared, you can add them to your decorations. One way to do this is to punch a hole in the center of the cone at the bottom using an awl. Handle the pinecone with gloves when performing the hole punching task as they can be rather prickly.

Next screw a screw eye into the hole. Add a dollop of glue to ensure it stays in place. This enables the pinecone to be attached to just about anything. You can add them to wreaths, attach them to garlands or thread a wire through the top so they can be used as Christmas ornaments.

For a simpler solution, you can put pinecones into your Christmas bouquets or centerpieces. Put them in a large plate with other Christmas-y items like dried fruit and flowers and evergreen boughs. Paint your pinecones or spray them with glitter to give them an even more festive look.

Pinecones are terrific for giving your Christmas décor a rustic look and they are absolutely free. Now that you know how to use them, you are ready to make some magnificent DIY decorations. How will you be including them into your holiday scheme?

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