DIY White Christmas Fern Tabletop Tree

I wanted to create something elegant and unique for my home décor this holiday season, so I made beautiful DIY White Christmas Fern Tabletop Trees.

Using a small styrofoam cone, preserved white ferns, and a painted tiny urn as the base, these trees bring a frosty, winter wonderland vibe to any space. They’re simple to make, customizable, and perfect for your holiday table, mantel, or entryway.

White tabletop with a feathered tree in an ornate vase, surrounded by silver ornaments and two green bottles in the background.

DIY White Christmas Fern Tabletop Tree: A Stylish Holiday Craft

Two decorative white Christmas trees in ceramic vases on a table with a bowl of red berries and a pink pillow with white circles in the background.

Two white decorative trees in vases on a pedestal, surrounded by gold ornaments, are displayed in front of a window.

If you’re ready to craft your own stunning tabletop trees, here’s a detailed guide to help you get started.

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Set a Christmas table with elegance using this white ceramic pedestal bowl, featuring a charming rippled texture.

Porcelain Footed Pedestal Bowl

A white frosted cake topped with strawberries and blackberries on a white pedestal cake stand. — OTA Home Ceramic Cake Stand 11″

A collection of eight gold and silver Christmas ornaments with metallic finishes and hooks on top, perfect for adding a festive touch to your table setting this holiday season.

9 Assorted Gold Glass Ball Ornaments

Supplies You’ll Need

A bundle of white ferns, a white ceramic vase, and a textured white cone are arranged on a marble surface.

Preserved white ferns: Available at craft stores or online. Choose delicate, feathery ferns for the best effect.
Small styrofoam cone: The base for the tree.
Tiny plastic urn: For a sturdy and stylish tree base.
Metallic white spray paint: To paint the urn and styrofoam cone (optional).
Cardboard: To create a secure base inside the urn.
Hot glue gun and glue sticks: Essential for attaching the ferns and securing the base.
Wire cutters or scissors: To trim the ferns into varying sizes.

A bundle of white fern leaves lies on a magazine next to a white coffee cup. — Preserved White Ferns, 10 PCS

Four white foam cone shapes arranged in a row, standing upright against a plain background. — 4 Pack Craft Foam – Foam Cones

Four identical, white, classical-style urn planters on display. — 4Pcs Classic Urn Planter

Rust-Oleum Universal Metallic Spray Paint & Primer, 11 oz, Pearl Mist color, suitable for wood, metal, plastic, and masonry surfaces. Fast drying and rust preventive. — Metallic Spray Paint, Pearl Mist

Glue Gun

Open box of AdTech Crystal Clear glue sticks, containing 85 sticks. — 10″ Glue Sticks, 5 Pounds

Red-handled wire cutter with metal blades and a round joint. — 6-inch Ultra Sharp Wire Cutters

KitchenAid scissors with black handles and stainless steel blades are shown from the top view. — KitchenAid All Purpose Shears

Stack of brown cardboard sheets with one sheet standing upright in front. — 25 Pack Corrugated Cardboard Sheets

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Christmas Fern Tree

Prepare the Base

A DIY to make mini Christmas trees decorated with pinecones and acorns.

Start by painting the tiny urn with metallic white spray paint. If your styrofoam cone isn’t white, give it a quick coat of paint to ensure any exposed areas blend seamlessly with the ferns. Allow both to dry completely.

Close-up of a blue hot glue gun applying glue to a small round cardboard inside a white textured container on a wooden surface.

Two textured cone-shaped sculptures sit in ornate white bases on a kitchen counter.

Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly inside the opening of the urn. Use a hot glue gun to secure the cardboard, creating a level platform for the styrofoam cone to sit on. Position the cone to stand upright, with its base flush or close to the top edge of the urn. Use hot glue to adhere the cone securely.

Prepare the Ferns

White fern leaves arranged on a marble surface.

Using wire cutters or sharp scissors, trim the preserved ferns into three sizes:

Large pieces: For the bottom of the tree.
Medium pieces: For the middle section.
Small pieces: For the top and the tree’s pointed tip.

Attach the Ferns to the Cone

A decorative cone with white glitter and leaf-like accents stands in a white urn-shaped base.

Sparkly silver cone adorned with cascading white leaves in a decorative pot.

Starting at the base of the styrofoam cone, use a hot glue gun to attach the largest fern branches. Place them close together, overlapping slightly to ensure complete coverage, and hide the styrofoam underneath. Work around the cone in layers, keeping the branches evenly spaced and aligned for a polished look.

A decorative arrangement of white, leafy branches is placed in a white, textured vase with a blurred background.

A decorative object resembling a pine tree, made of layered white leaves, placed in a white pot on a light-colored surface.

Once the bottom layer is complete, move on to the middle section, using medium-sized branches. Continue the same process, maintaining a tapered shape as you ascend the tree.

Finish the Tree’s Tip

Two decorative white feather trees in ornate pots on a table in a bright room with a couch and lamp in the background.

To complete the top, position the smallest ferns in the opposite direction (pointing upward) and glue them securely. This step creates a natural-looking tree tip and adds to the overall aesthetic.

Optional Embellishments

While the preserved white ferns give the tree an understated, elegant look, you can customize your tree with these optional accents:

Fairy Lights: Wrap a small strand of battery-operated fairy lights around the tree for a soft, warm glow.
Mini Ornaments: Attach small, neutral-toned ornaments for added texture.
Faux Snow or Glitter: Lightly dust the ferns with faux snow or glitter to enhance the frosty effect.

A box containing 56 gold, silver, and white Christmas ornaments in various textures and designs, arranged in a grid. — 30mm Mini Gold Christmas Tree Ornaments

A collection of string lights and battery packs with decorative images, including a cloche, wine bottle, photo frame, and holiday scene. — 12 Pack Fairy Lights

A box and a bottle of Leobro sparkling big quantity glitter, with glitter pouring out from the bottle onto a pile.

White Glitter

Display and Styling Ideas

Two white decorative trees in vases on a table with a bowl of cranberries and pink ornaments, set against a bright window background.

Once your tabletop trees are complete, you can display them in various spaces throughout your home. Here are a few ideas:

Dining Table Centerpiece: Pair two trees with candles and a festive runner for a magical holiday tablescape.
Mantel Display: Place the trees on either end of your mantel, surrounded by garlands and stockings for a cohesive look.
Entryway Table: Add a welcoming touch to your entryway with a tree, a decorative tray, and a festive wreath.
Bedside Decor: Create a cozy, seasonal vibe in your bedroom by placing a tree on your nightstand.

Round wooden tray with a pattern of smiling snowmen wearing hats and scarves, set against a light brown background. — Creative Co-Op Round Enameled Mango Wood Tray with Snowman Pattern

A table adorned with a green and beige striped runner, white candles, and a small decorated tree captures the essence of Christmas colors.

Solino Home Linen Christmas Table Runner

A circular green wreath made of fir branches showcases a full, natural appearance and embodies classic Christmas colors.

Real Touch Christmas Wreath

Two Christmas stockings in subtle beige, capturing the warmth of traditional Christmas colors, hang gracefully from metal hooks.

Christmas Stocking (Set of 2), 7″x15″, Natural

Two tree-shaped candles, adorned in festive Christmas colors, are displayed outside a box, with two more nestled inside.

Creative Co-Op Unscented Tree Shaped Taper Candles

White fireplace mantel with green garland, three tall white candles in gold holders, and a framed landscape painting above.

Afloral The Original Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland

Why I Love This Project

Two decorative white Christmas trees in pots and a bowl of gold ornaments are displayed on a white surface.

Preserved white ferns are a dream to work with—they’re soft, lightweight, and naturally beautiful. Combined with the styrofoam cone and urn base, they transform into a sophisticated decoration that rivals store-bought pieces. The layering technique ensures the tree looks lush and elegant, and the metallic white urn adds a modern touch.

One of the best parts about this project is its versatility. You can adjust the size, colors, and embellishments to fit your holiday décor style. Plus, the lightweight materials make it easy to store and reuse year after year.

Tips for Success

A speckled gray cone holds dry, white fern leaves on a plain brown surface.

Choose Quality Ferns: Opt for ferns with soft, natural movement for the best results.
Secure the Base: Ensure the styrofoam cone is firmly attached to the urn to prevent wobbling.
Overlap Branches: Place the fern branches close together to hide the styrofoam cone and create a fuller appearance.
Work in Layers: Always start at the base and work upward for a neat and cohesive look.

A Unique, Handmade Holiday Christmas Fern Decoration

Two white feather trees in pots on a table with green vintage bottles and green-gold ornaments. Background shows a window with light.

These DIY White Christmas Fern Tabletop Trees have quickly become one of my favorite holiday decorations. Their delicate, snowy appearance brings a touch of winter magic to my home, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re crafting them for yourself or as a thoughtful holiday gift, these trees are sure to be a hit.

I’ve placed mine on my dining table, surrounded by candles and a dusting of faux snow, and the result is nothing short of enchanting. The simplicity of the design, combined with its striking elegance, makes these trees a standout addition to my holiday décor.

This DIY project proves that you can transform simple materials into something extraordinary with a little creativity. The preserved white ferns, styrofoam cone, and metallic urn come together to create a holiday decoration that’s both timeless and modern.

If you try this project, I’d love to see your creations! Please share your photos on social media or tag me on Instagram. Let’s inspire each other to craft a beautiful, magical holiday season.

Happy crafting!