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    Home » DIY Projects

    How to Make a Yule Log Centerpiece

    December 13, 2021 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment

    Jump to How-to Card
    Yule log centerpiece over a holiday table set with red and white tableware and a decorated yule log.

    This yule log centerpiece is made with natural materials. It makes a beautiful Christmas table decoration and you can join in the ancient tradition of wishes and burning the log to start off the new year.

    Yule log decorated with evergreens, three white candles, pine cones and pomanders.

    You may have heard of a yule log cake but did you know that the ancient tradition stems from bringing home a large log or entire tree to burn in the fire?

    The tradition of the yule log is said to have started in Europe. Over time many people have continued this celebration by decorating a log to burn on the winter solstice, Christmas Eve, or New Year's Eve as a symbol of hope and happiness for the new year. Since I love decorating with nature this rustic Christmas decoration is right up my alley.

    Christmas tablescape with a yule log centerpiece.

    How to Make a Yule Log Candle Centerpiece

    Just find a nice size log outside. Brush it off and place it on some foil on a baking sheet in a low oven around 200 degrees for an hour. This should get rid of any unwanted pests.

    Drilling a hole in a log to fit a taper candle.

    If you'd like to have candles as part of your yule log drill a few holes on the top.

    Three white taper candles next to a log with three holes drilled into the top.

    Just deep enough to hold the candles upright.

    Melted wax in a hole in a log with a taper candle ready to set into the hole.

    You can also melt some of the bottom of the candle into the holes before inserting them. The wax will act as glue and hold the candle in place. You could also use a bit of hot glue.

    A yule log with three white candles and some evergreens.

    Then start adding different evergreens around the candles. I used juniper from my yard.

    Then add in things like pine cones, and other natural elements to make a beautiful centerpiece. I added some clementines studded with whole cloves for a little color and added fragrance.

    Other Yule Log Decoration Ideas

    • Greenery such as ivy, holly, pine needles, eucalyptus
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Ribbon and bows
    • Faux or real flowers
    • Real or faux berries
    • Artificial snow
    A burlap wrapped piece of wood with some evergreen branches set all along the edge.

    If you want to protect your tablecloth find a board or a large platter. I used a wood board and covered it with burlap.

    Then add some evergreens around the edge. This will make it look nice but also keep the log from rolling.

    A yule log centerpiece with clove studded clementines, white candles, evergreens and pine cones on a dining table set for Christmas.

    If you like, start a tradition by having each person you are with write down a wish for the new year. Then burn the wishes along with the log in the fireplace or outdoor firepit.

    Red and white table settings with a yule log centerpiece decorated with evergreens, pine cones, candles and pomanders.

    As always, the beauty of nature makes decorating a cinch. This yule log centerpiece is not only pretty but will make a fun conversation piece for our holiday dinner.

    Patti signature

    More Christmas Centerpieces

    • DIY Pallet Christmas Centerpiece
    • Easy Poinsettia Arrangement
    • Christmas Evergreen and Ornament Centerpiece
    • Candles, Evergreens and Cranberries Centerpiece
    Yule log decorated with evergreens, three white candles, pine cones and pomanders.
    Print

    DIY Yule Log

    Create some beauty for your Christmas table with this Yule Log centerpiece. Using a log and evergreens and other natural elements you can make a wonderful focal point for you and your holiday guests to enjoy.
    Prep Time1 hr 15 mins
    Active Time30 mins
    Total Time1 hr 45 mins
    Course: Centerpiece
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep

    Equipment

    • Drill
    • Pruners or scissors
    • Hot glue gun

    Materials

    • Log
    • Evergreens
    • Candles
    • Clementines
    • Pine Cones
    • Cloves

    Instructions

    • Find a log from outside and cut it to a nice size if necessary.
    • Brush the dirt from the log and place it on a foil-lined sheet in a 200-degree oven for 1 hour.
    • Drill holes on the top of the log for candles then melt some of the bottom of each candle into the hole to hold the candle in place.
    • Stick cloves into clementines or oranges.
    • Hot glue greenery, pine cones, and the clementines around the candles.
    • Place the yule log on a tray or piece of wood with some additional greenery around the edge to keep the log from rolling.

    Notes

    You don't need to add candles to the log and can skip this step if you don't want to bother with a drill.
    Use any kind of natural materials you have available to decorate your yule log. In addition to evergreens, you can use holly, cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus, faux berries, or dried fruit.
    You can also use a split log with a flat bottom. This way it will not roll.

    More DIY Projects

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    • How to Make Your Own Birdseed Cakes
    • Make an Emergency Candle Kit for Power Outages
    • Homemade Dusting Spray

    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

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