Make a Festive Yule Log Centerpiece

Learn how to make this charming yule log centerpiece, the perfect accent for your holiday table.

By: Lindsay Coletta

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Photo By: Photo by Heidi Geldhauser/Design by Lindsay Coletta

A Woodland Vignette for the Table

Place this charming vignette on the table and you'll have a touch of the outdoors inside.

What You'll Need

To make this charming centerpiece you will need the following: Reclaimed or salvaged log. The one we found was approximately 24 inches across and 10 inches in depth. Try to find a piece that has interesting grooves and small holes-it doesn’t need to be perfect! Even better if the end is open so you can place plants and clippings easily.

Add Some Whimsy

Add a few toadstool figurines to up the charm-factor. I chose red and white small toadstools as well as white mushrooms.

More Woodland Features

Source a small bag of snowy pine cones, available at your local craft store. Or flock small pine cones you find in your yard.

Something Extra

For fun we purchased one tiny woodland character. We chose a squirrel and then collected acorns from the yard to go with the little figure, but gnomes, deer and other elements would be just as cute.

Supplies Needed

Collect fern from your yard or find potted ferns from your local nursery. You can find all kinds of treasures in your garden or growing wild in nature.

Add Moss

Lovely green moss is a wonderful addition to this yule log.

A Touch of Color

A small potted ground covering like this toe tickler will add a bit of color to your yule log.

Add an Alyssum

We added a small potted 'Snow Crystals' alyssum, whose dainty flowers will work well in this delicate arrangement.

How to Get Started

You'll need a hot glue gun to attach elements to your log.

Step 1

Begin by making a palette of your assorted greenery just enough to cover your working surface and create a barrier between your surface and log. You can always go back and add more around the log but first make sure the surface is well covered.

Step 2

Next began adding more foliage and texture to your yule log with the greenery you have choosen. You want it to have a lush look. I used the ends to fill in with textured greenery. Then add the ground covers.

Add Ground Cover

Tuck your ground cover into the open ends of the log.

Step 3

When gluing the figures I took a small patch of moss and placed it on top of the area where the mushroom would this not only protects the surface but helps your mushrooms stay in place. Choose one of your toadstool figures and then glue to the desired area. Hold the glued object for a few seconds to insure it will stay put.

Step 5

Continue gluing your pine cones, small figurines and acorns.

Step 6

Feel free to add your remaining clippings and adornments to your yule log. It’s meant to look natural, organic and whimsical. Have fun designing it however you would like.

Yule Log Complete

This finished yule log would make a great table centerpiece, a whimsical piece of holiday decor in a child's room or a lovely vignette in an entrance hall.