How To Make A Boho Chic Christmas Tree With Macrame And Dried Citrus

In recent years, the boho chic aesthetic has found its way into every corner of home decor — including the holidays. Moving away from traditional tinsel and plastic ornaments, many are embracing a more organic, earthy approach to festive styling. One standout trend is the boho chic Christmas tree, which blends natural textures, handmade elements, and warm, muted tones. At the heart of this look? Macrame and dried citrus.

This style celebrates imperfection, craftsmanship, and sustainability. A boho tree isn’t about uniformity; it’s about storytelling through texture, scent, and personal touches. By incorporating macrame accents and sun-dried citrus slices, you create a tree that feels both cozy and intentional. Whether you're downsizing your holiday decor or simply seeking a fresh alternative to conventional themes, this guide will help you craft a stunning boho statement piece using accessible materials and simple techniques.

Why Choose a Boho Chic Christmas Tree?

The appeal of a boho chic Christmas tree lies in its authenticity. Unlike mass-produced decorations, this style invites creativity, reuse, and a connection to nature. It’s especially suited for those who love vintage textiles, handmade crafts, or minimalist interiors with soul.

Boho trees often feature neutral color palettes — think ivory, terracotta, sage, mustard, and charcoal — accented with raw wood, linen, clay, and rope. The use of macrame adds softness and dimension, while dried citrus introduces warmth, subtle fragrance, and a pop of natural color. These elements come together to form a tree that feels lived-in, artistic, and deeply personal.

“Sustainability and self-expression are at the core of modern boho design. Your tree doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel like you.” — Lila Monroe, Interior Stylist & Author of *Natural Holiday*

Tip: Use an artificial tree in a natural tone (like unbleached white or soft gray) or a real fir with minimal trimming to preserve its wild shape.

Materials You’ll Need

Creating a boho chic Christmas tree requires thoughtful curation rather than excess. Focus on quality over quantity, choosing pieces that reflect the handmade, earthy spirit of the theme.

• Christmas tree (real or artificial)
• Cotton or jute twine
• Macrame cord (3mm or 4mm cotton rope)
• Scissors
• Wooden beads (various sizes)
• Dried citrus slices (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
• Mini clothespins or decorative clips
• Neutral-toned garlands (felt balls, wool pom-poms, or burlap strips)
• Small woven baskets or fabric pouches
• Feathers, antlers, or dried flowers (optional)
• Essential oils (for scent enhancement, optional)

You don’t need to buy everything new. Raid your craft closet, repurpose old jewelry, or use leftover fabric scraps. The beauty of boho lies in resourcefulness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Tree

Follow this timeline to assemble your boho chic Christmas tree over one weekend. Most steps can be done ahead of time, especially drying the citrus and preparing macrame accents.

1. Week 1: Prepare Dried Citrus Slices
   Slice citrus fruits into ¼-inch rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container until use.
2. Weekend Day 1: Create Macrame Ornaments and Garlands
   Cut macrame cord into 24-inch lengths. Begin with basic knots: square knot, spiral knot, and lark’s head. Make tassels, hanging plant hangers, or simple looped garlands. Add wooden beads for contrast.
3. Day 2: Set Up the Tree and Base Decorations
   Fluff your tree (if artificial) and position it securely. Wrap the base with a jute rug or textured fabric skirt. Hang neutral garlands loosely around the branches.
4. Add Final Touches
   Clip dried citrus slices using mini clothespins. Drape macrame pieces naturally across limbs. Tuck in feathers, small baskets, or fabric tags with handwritten names.

Tip: Lightly mist dried citrus with citrus essential oil before hanging to enhance aroma without moisture damage.

Design Principles for Authentic Boho Style

A successful boho tree avoids clutter and embraces balance. Apply these principles to ensure your tree feels curated, not chaotic.

Principle	Do	Avoid
Color Palette	Stick to neutrals with 1–2 accent colors (e.g., rust, olive)	Bright reds, metallic golds, or neon lights
Texture Layering	Mix macrame, wood, wool, and dried botanicals	Uniform plastic ornaments or glossy finishes
Lighting	Use warm white fairy lights in loose coils	Strobe effects or multicolored LEDs
Scent Profile	Natural citrus, cinnamon sticks, or pine	Synthetic air fresheners or overpowering sprays
Ornament Placement	Cluster in odd numbers; vary heights and depths	Even spacing or grid-like symmetry

Think of your tree as a canvas. Let some areas breathe. Pull back if it starts to feel too busy. Remember: empty space is part of the design.

DIY Macrame Ornament Ideas

Macrame is the backbone of any boho tree. Even beginners can create striking pieces with just a few knots. Here are three easy projects:

1. Simple Hanging Tassel

1. Cut eight strands of 24-inch macrame cord.
2. Fold in half and attach to a ring or branch using a lark’s head knot.
3. Tie a wooden bead 2 inches down.
4. Secure another knot below the bead, then leave the rest as a tassel.

2. Spiral Garland Chain

1. Create five individual spiral knots using four cords each.
2. Connect them with short lengths of twine.
3. Hang horizontally along a mid-level branch.

3. Mini Woven Star

1. Weave two 12-inch cords perpendicularly into a cross.
2. Use a third cord to wrap tightly at the center.
3. Trim ends into points or add tiny feathers.

Tip: Dip the ends of macrame cords in clear nail polish to prevent fraying.

Preserving Dried Citrus and Natural Elements

Dried citrus adds visual warmth but can degrade over time if exposed to humidity or pests. Follow these best practices to extend its lifespan:

• Ensure full dehydration during the drying process — underdone slices may mold.
• Store unused slices in a sealed container with silica gel packets.
• Keep the tree away from radiators, humidifiers, or bathrooms.
• Inspect weekly for signs of brittleness or insect activity.
• After the holidays, remove citrus and compost or repurpose into potpourri.

While dried fruit won’t last forever, its seasonal nature aligns perfectly with the ethos of mindful consumption. Consider it a temporary art piece — beautiful because it’s fleeting.

Real Example: Maya’s Apartment Balcony Tree

Maya, a graphic designer in Portland, lives in a small apartment with limited indoor space. Each year, she opts for a 4-foot potted cedar placed on her balcony. Last season, she transformed it into a boho statement using only handmade and foraged items.

She spent a weekend making macrame hangers from recycled cotton rope, weaving in river stones and dried lavender from her garden. Citrus slices were dehydrated from Thanksgiving leftovers. She wrapped the pot in a handwoven blanket and strung solar-powered fairy lights through the lower branches.

The result was a tree that blended seamlessly with her outdoor space, smelled subtly of orange and pine, and drew compliments from neighbors. “It didn’t feel like decoration,” she said. “It felt like part of my home’s rhythm.”

Checklist: Build Your Boho Tree in 7 Steps

1. ☐ Choose a tree (artificial or potted)
2. ☐ Dry citrus slices (start 1 week early)
3. ☐ Gather macrame supplies and cut cords
4. ☐ Make 3–5 macrame ornaments or garlands
5. ☐ Select neutral garlands and natural accents
6. ☐ Assemble tree with layered textures
7. ☐ Add lighting and final fragrant touches

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh citrus instead of dried?

No — fresh citrus will rot within days, attract fruit flies, and stain surfaces. Always dry citrus thoroughly before decorating. If you must use fresh, place it in bowls away from the tree for scent only.

Is macrame difficult for beginners?

Not at all. Basic knots require only patience and practice. Start with tassels or simple loops. There are countless free video tutorials online that demonstrate each step slowly. In under an hour, you can complete your first ornament.

How do I keep the tree pet-safe?

If you have cats or dogs, avoid low-hanging strings or small detachable parts. Secure macrame lines high in the canopy and skip edible-looking ornaments. Supervise pets initially, and consider placing deterrents like citrus-scented sprays on lower branches (pets dislike the smell).

Conclusion: Embrace Imperfect Beauty

A boho chic Christmas tree isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence — of hand, of memory, of nature. By weaving macrame and dried citrus into your holiday display, you create something that transcends trends. It’s sustainable, personal, and alive with texture and meaning.

This season, resist the urge to buy everything new. Look instead at what you already have: scraps of fabric, leftover yarn, fruit peels waiting to be transformed. Let your tree tell a story — one of slow crafting, mindful choices, and quiet celebration.

💬 Ready to try it? Share your boho tree journey online with #BohoTreeDIY — inspire others to decorate with intention.