Lavender may not be the first thing you think of for holiday décor, but bringing natural elements into your decorating can make the season feel both calming and personal. For the DIYers and crafters among us, consider creating your own DIY lavender ornaments like we did this year using dried flowers and a bit of creativity. These delightful accents will add a touch of elegance and tranquility to your Christmas tree.
What started as a Walmart impulse buy in early October turned into a wonderful lavender craft project for the True Lavender Collective team, and easily became my favorite part of decorating this season. These aren’t the ornaments you stress about hanging perfectly or worry about breaking. They’re the ones that make you smile as you pass the tree in the quiet of the morning, stirring memories of lavender fields and the familiar fragrance that recalls loved ones who shaped your happiest days.
If you’re searching for unique DIY holiday ornaments, lavender craft ideas, or ways to make your Christmas décor feel a little more personal and a lot less store-bought, these lavender ornament ideas are the perfect place to start.
DIY Lavender Teardrop Ornaments (Ship-in-a-Bottle Style)
Fillable ornaments come in different sizes and shapes, and you can choose glass or acrylic depending on your preference. Glass ornaments look more elegant but break more easily, so consider acrylic as safer for gifting or shipping.
For our window display, I was inspired by beautiful blue glass drop ornaments by Holiday Time at Walmart. And for our family and pet friendly versions, I found diamond and drop shape acrylic ornaments on Amazon that worked perfect. Selecting a vessel that’s tall enough to showcase the sprigs is key (we recommend 4 or more inches tall).
This tutorial walks you through creating an elegant ornament with lavender sprigs “floating” inside, anchored at the top with hot glue just like building a ship inside a bottle.
Materials You’ll Need
- Clear plastic or glass teardrop-shaped ornaments with removable tops
- 5 dried lavender sprigs per ornament (choose straight, slender stems), we recommend using Lavandula Angustifolia 'Royal Velvet' or ‘Folgate’
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Small scissors
- Optional: ribbon, twine, or ornament hooks
Step 1: Prep Your Lavender and Ornament
Choose lavender sprigs that are roughly the same length, not overly brittle, and straight. Carefully remove the metal or plastic cap from the ornament. Set it aside as you’ll glue the stems to this piece later. Test that the opening is clear and large enough for the sprigs you selected to fit inside.
Insert one lavender stem at a time, keeping the stems long for grasping them into a bundle, then trimming the stems so they sit comfortably inside the ornament without touching the bottom as this helps create the “suspended” look.
Pro tip: Gently roll the stems between your fingers to knock off loose buds before inserting. It keeps the interior cleaner.
Step 2: Attach Lavender Stems
Turn the ornament top upside down. The underside will serve as your glue anchor point.
Add a large dot of hot glue to the underside of the ornament top, hold the lavender sprigs together tightly and attach to the hot glue. Hold for a few seconds so it sets.
The sprigs should naturally hang downward in a cluster, creating a floating, airy look.
Step 3: Reassemble the Ornament
Gently place the ornament top back into the opening, making sure not to bend the lavender.
If desired, add a micro-dot of clear craft glue around the rim to keep the cap permanently in place.
Step 4: Add Ribbon and Finishing Touches
Tie a ribbon, twine, or ornament hook through the loop. Optional embellishments could include a small charm, a label or gift tag, or a drop of lavender essential oil on the cap.
When finished, your ornament will have a stunning botanical display of lavender sprigs hanging gracefully inside a clear teardrop, like a tiny lavender bouquet suspended in mid-air. Simple, elegant, and beautifully unique.
DIY Lavender Buds Ornaments
If you’re looking for an even easier version you can do with kids or grandkids, try a version filled with lavender buds to make both holiday memories and decorations at the same time. To make these filled balls all you need is your choice of ornaments and enough dried lavender to fill them with. Remove the ornament top, roll a piece of paper into a cone for an easy homemade funnel then pour in your dried lavender buds. Replace the top of the ornament then tie on your choice of ribbon for a hanging. How easy was that? Here is a picture of our diamond shaped lavender filled homemade ornament.
Beyond the Tree
Lavender can be woven into so many parts of your holiday decorating. Imagine a lush, fragrant holiday door swag adorned with dried lavender sprigs, or a stunning holiday centerpiece featuring lavender. For a cozy and calming ambiance, drape lavender adorned garlands along your mantel or staircase and let the soothing scent gently fill your home.
The true magic of lavender lies in its ability to create a sensory experience that can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation during the often-hectic holiday season. By incorporating lavender into your holiday decor, you can cultivate a tranquil and restorative atmosphere, allowing you and your guests to truly unwind and savor the moment.
As you deck the halls this season, embrace the calming essence of lavender and let it transform your holiday decor into a serene and rejuvenating oasis. At True Lavender Collective, we're here to help you discover the many ways in which this remarkable plant can enhance your holiday experience and bring a sense of balance and calm to your home.
