There’s just something about an old-fashioned Christmas that makes my heart happy. The simple decorations, the cozy touches, and those little handmade treasures that make a home feel extra warm and inviting during the holiday season.

I’ve always loved mixing a little primitive charm into my Christmas decorating. There’s something so timeless about aged fabrics, homespun ribbon, rusty bells, and decorations that look as though they’ve been collected and cherished for years.

And sometimes, all it takes is a little imagination and a few inexpensive finds to create something that looks like it belongs in a quaint little country Christmas shop.

That’s exactly how this sweet little Christmas tree came together!

A Little Dollar Tree Christmas Inspiration

These little $1.50 Christmas trees from Dollar Tree have always been one of my favorite finds! I’ve used them for so many different Christmas crafts over the years, and I love how something so simple and inexpensive can be transformed in so many ways with just a little creativity.

For this project, I wanted to give one of these little trees a cozy, old-fashioned look with a touch of primitive charm.

I also used a simple white bowl from Dollar Tree that reminded me of vintage ironstone, which I absolutely love. I thought it would make the sweetest little base for the tree!

With a little coffee stained muslin, some torn homespun fabric, and a few rusty bells, this inexpensive little tree turned into something that looks like it belongs in a charming country Christmas shop.

What You’ll Need

• $1.50 Christmas tree from Dollar Tree
• White bowl from Dollar Tree
• Floral foam from Dollar Tree
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Coffee-stained muslin fabric
• Torn homespun fabric strips
• Small rusty bells
• Spray adhesive
• Ground cinnamon
• Mod Podge (optional, in place of spray adhesive)

How to Make a Rustic Primitive Christmas Tree

This is such a simple little project, and it doesn’t take much to transform an inexpensive Christmas tree into something full of old-fashioned charm!

Step 1: Give the tree an aged look

To give my little Christmas tree more of that rustic, primitive appearance, I lightly sprayed the branches with spray adhesive and then dusted them with ground cinnamon.

The cinnamon helps tone down the bright green and gives the branches a beautiful aged, rusty appearance.

Once I was happy with the coverage, I added another light coat of spray adhesive to help hold the cinnamon in place.

I did this step a few times until I got the desired look.

You could also use Mod Podge for this step, but I find that spray adhesive gives you more overall coverage in less time, especially with all those little branches.

Step 2: Prepare the bowl

I hot glued a small piece of floral foam to the bottom of my white Dollar Tree bowl. This helps hold the tree in place and gives it a sturdy base.

Step 3: Add the Christmas tree

Next, I secured the tree into the floral foam and adjusted the branches until I was happy with the shape.

Step 4: Add the coffee-stained muslin

I tucked some coffee-stained muslin around the base of the tree, covering the floral foam and giving it that soft, timeworn appearance I love.

Step 5: Add the finishing touches

To finish, I tied a few little strips of torn homespun fabric onto the branches and added some tiny rusty bells.

Nothing fancy or complicated, just a few simple touches that give this little tree so much old-fashioned Christmas charm!

And that’s it! A sweet little rustic Christmas tree made with just a handful of inexpensive supplies.

I just love how something so simple can add such a cozy touch to your Christmas decorating. Tuck one on a shelf, a little side table, or even in a bathroom for a sweet touch of Christmas cheer!

And how pretty would several of these look lined up down the center of a dining table, nestled among greenery and candlelight? Such a simple and inexpensive way to create a beautiful Christmas tablescape filled with rustic, primitive charm.

Sometimes it’s the simplest little touches that make Christmas feel the most special!

And if you love the Christmas milk and cookies you can grab the free printables and find out how I made them HERE.

The post Easy DIY Rustic Christmas Tree Using Dollar Tree Finds first appeared on Mother Thyme.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy fall treat, it doesn’t get much easier than these 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

All you need is a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin purée, and chocolate chips to make these delicious little cookies. No eggs, no oil, and no complicated ingredients!

These are the kind of cookies I love making on a cozy fall afternoon when I’m craving something sweet but don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

They’re soft, fluffy, full of pumpkin spice flavor, and absolutely delicious!

The Easiest Fall Cookies

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. Just mix everything together, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven.

That’s it!

The pumpkin keeps these cookies wonderfully soft and moist, giving them more of a tender, cake-like texture than a traditional chocolate chip cookie.

And the combination of pumpkin spice and chocolate is so good!

Make Them Your Own

While I love using classic chocolate chips, there are a few other delicious ways to make these cookies.

Try swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness, or use cinnamon chips for even more of that cozy fall flavor.

You could even mix and match your favorite baking chips!

Just keep the total amount of chips the same, and you’re good to go.

A Little Taste of Fall

These cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, a little something sweet tucked into a lunchbox, or a simple dessert to share with family and friends.

They’re also a great recipe to make with the kids since there’s hardly any measuring involved.

Sometimes you just need a good, easy recipe that you can throw together without much fuss, and these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are exactly that.

I hope you give them a try this fall!

Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat! Made with a box of spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and chocolate chips, these soft, delicious cookies come together in minutes. No eggs, butter, or oil needed! They’re perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon, an after-school snack, or whenever you’re craving a little taste of fall.

• Author: Jenn (Mother Thyme)

Ingredients

1 box (approximately 15.25 ounces) spice cake mix

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Stir until well combined and no dry lumps remain.

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops are no longer wet.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Cake mix: Use the dry cake mix straight from the box. Do not add the eggs, oil, or water listed on the package.

Texture: These cookies are soft, moist, and cake-like rather than crispy or chewy. They won’t spread much while baking.

Chocolate chips: Semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips all work beautifully in this recipe. For a fun twist, try white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips! You can even mix and match your favorites.

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

The post Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies first appeared on Mother Thyme.

If you love stuffed peppers but don’t feel like going through all the work of making them, you’re going to love this easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup!

This is one of those simple, cozy meals that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a chilly fall day. It has all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, but everything comes together in the slow cooker with just a handful of ingredients and very little prep.

And when I say easy, I mean EASY!

One of my favorite shortcuts is using frozen diced peppers and onions. No chopping required! Just brown the ground beef, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it do the rest of the work.

I also use a can of condensed tomato soup along with beef broth to give this soup a delicious flavor without making it too thick. It’s more of a traditional, brothy stuffed pepper soup, which is exactly how I like it.

A Simple Shortcut for Busy Days

I’m all about finding little ways to make homemade meals easier, and keeping frozen diced peppers and onions on hand is one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts.

Of course, you can use fresh peppers and onions if you prefer. You’ll just want to allow a little extra cooking time for the vegetables to become nice and tender.

Either way, this soup is incredibly simple to put together!

Don’t Forget the Rice!

One thing I like to do a little differently is keep the cooked rice separate instead of adding it directly to the slow cooker.

When it’s time to serve, I simply add a scoop of warm white rice to each bowl and ladle the soup around it.

Not only does it make a pretty presentation, but it also keeps the rice from soaking up all that delicious broth, especially if you have leftovers.

The Perfect Cozy Meal

Serve this soup with some warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even a simple side salad for an easy, comforting dinner.

It’s hearty, flavorful, budget-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients you may already have on hand.

Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best, and this is definitely one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.

I hope you enjoy this easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup as much as we do!

Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

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All the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy, cozy, and comforting soup! This Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is made with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful tomato broth. Using frozen diced peppers and onions makes prep a breeze, making this a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Serve with a scoop of fluffy white rice for a hearty, delicious meal the whole family will love.

• Author: Jenn (Mother Thyme)

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

Kinder’s The Blend seasoning, or similar salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning blend, to taste

1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup

3 cups beef broth

1 (16-ounce) bag frozen diced red and green bell peppers, frozen or thawed

1 cup frozen diced onions, frozen or thawed

1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Additional salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Kinder’s The Blend or a similar salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning blend. Cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the condensed tomato soup and stir to coat the ground beef.
3. Pour in the beef broth, then add the diced bell peppers, onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the peppers and onions are tender and the soup is heated through. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and whether the vegetables are frozen or thawed.
5. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into serving bowls and top each serving with a scoop of cooked white rice.

 

Notes

Fresh peppers and onions: You can substitute freshly chopped red and green bell peppers and onions for the frozen vegetables. If using fresh vegetables, cook on LOW for approximately 5–6 hours, or until tender.

Rice: I prefer to add the cooked rice directly to each serving rather than mixing it into the slow cooker. This keeps the rice from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy, especially if you have leftovers.

Consistency: This soup has a lighter, brothy consistency rather than a thick tomato base.

Storage: Store leftover soup and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Make ahead: You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the soup.

The post The Easiest Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup first appeared on Mother Thyme.

If you’re anything like me, once Christmas decor starts showing up in the stores, my mind immediately starts filling with ideas for the season ahead.

I love enjoying fall, but I also love getting a little head start on Christmas planning before the holiday season gets busy. Having everything written down in one place helps me stay organized so I can spend more time actually enjoying Christmas instead of feeling like I’m trying to remember a hundred different things.

That’s why I created my Home for Christmas Planner, and I’m so excited to share it with you for free!

What’s Included in the Home for Christmas Planner

This printable Christmas planner is filled with pages to help you plan and organize the entire season, including:

• Christmas decorating plans
• Christmas decor inventory
• Bin and storage inventory
• Christmas shopping lists
• Christmas budget
• Gift planning
• Wrapping and shipping tracker
• Christmas cards and giving
• Christmas menu planning
• Holiday baking and treats
• Christmas traditions and bucket list
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day planning
• Notes for next Christmas
• Extra notes and planning pages

I also included plenty of space for writing down ideas as they come to you throughout the season.

How I’m Using Mine

I printed my planner and put it into a simple three-ring binder.

I originally thought about having it professionally coil-bound, but I actually love the binder even more because I can add pages whenever I want.

You can tuck in recipes, receipts, inspiration photos, extra notes, shopping lists, or anything else you want to keep together throughout the Christmas season.

And if you need another notes page, you can simply print another one and add it right in.

Get Your Free Home for Christmas Planner

Enter your email below and I’ll send the complete printable Home for Christmas Planner straight to your inbox.

I hope this planner helps you feel a little more organized and gives you a place to gather all of those Christmas ideas you don’t want to forget.

Here’s to a cozy, organized, and very merry Christmas season!

The post Home for Christmas: Free Printable Christmas Planner first appeared on Mother Thyme.

There is something so magical about Christmas through the eyes of a child. One of my favorite holiday traditions was making reindeer food with my kids when they were little. On Christmas Eve, we’d bundle up, head outside together, and they’d sprinkle it across the lawn with the biggest smiles, hoping Santa’s reindeer would find our home. Seeing Christmas through their eyes was pure magic, and it’s one of those simple traditions I’ve always treasured. It’s amazing how the smallest moments often become the memories that stay with you the longest.

This year, I wanted to take that tradition one step further by creating a cozy Reindeer Food Station that the whole family can enjoy together. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, setting up a hot cocoa bar, looking for a fun classroom activity, or simply making memories at home, this little station is an easy way to add a touch of Christmas magic to the season.

Even better, I’ve created a coordinating free printable collection that includes everything you need to put it together!

Get The Free Printables

Simply enter your email below and I’ll send the entire printable collection straight to your inbox so you can create your own magical Reindeer Food Station this Christmas.

What’s Included in the Free Printable Collection

The printable collection includes:

• Reindeer Food Station sign
• Coordinating jar labels
• Gift tags for finished reindeer food bags
• Vintage poem tags

Everything coordinates with the same vintage-inspired design for a simple, cozy Christmas look.

Supplies You’ll Need

I kept this project intentionally simple using supplies that are easy to find.

Supplies

• Wooden crate or caddy (the one I used is from Hobby Lobby)
• Three glass jars with lids (the ones I used are from Hobby Lobby)
• Old-fashioned oats
• White sparkling sugar (Magic Sparkle)
• Christmas sprinkles or Crushed Peppermint (North Pole Sprinkles)
• Mini wooden scoops
• Muslin bags
• Green gingham ribbon (or your favorite ribbon. The green gingham ribbon I used is from Hobby Lobby)
• Printable labels and tags
• Double-sided tape or sticker paper
• Paper and/or cardstock

Click HERE for the printer I use.

Click HERE for the sticker paper I use.

How to Assemble Your Reindeer Food Station

Start by filling each jar with one ingredient.

I labeled mine:

• Oats
• Magic Sparkle
• North Pole Sprinkles

Attach the coordinating printable labels to the front of each jar.

Place the jars inside a wooden crate or caddy, then add a small wooden scoop to each jar so everyone can make their own magical reindeer food.

Next, print and frame the coordinating Reindeer Food Station sign. I used a simple wood frame that complements the vintage labels perfectly.

Finally, I added ribbon to the jars using green gingham ribbon.

Now your guests can scoop a little of each ingredient into their bag, tie it closed and add a tag and they’re ready for Christmas Eve.

How to Use the Reindeer Food

On Christmas Eve, head outside together and sprinkle the reindeer food across your lawn.

Don’t forget to attach one of the included poem tags!

A Simple Christmas Tradition

As my children have gotten older, I’ve realized it isn’t always the big gifts they’ll remember most.

It’s the little traditions.

Making cookies for Santa.

Reading Christmas stories together.

Watching Christmas movies under cozy blankets.

And now, making reindeer food together before bedtime on Christmas Eve.

Those are the moments that become family traditions.

Even if your little ones are grown, this is such a sweet activity to do with grandchildren, nieces and nephews, classroom friends, or neighborhood kids.

I hope this little project brings just as much joy to your family as I know it will to ours.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. There is no cost to you as the consumer to use these links.

The post DIY Reindeer Food Station (Free Printable Collection) first appeared on Mother Thyme.

These sweet little homespun Christmas presents are one of those simple holiday crafts that can be used in so many different ways. Add a skewer to turn them into Christmas tree picks, tuck them into a garland or greenery arrangement, or leave the skewer off and use them as bowl filler.

They are incredibly easy to make, require only a few basic supplies, and can be customized with any fabric, ribbon, or color palette that coordinates with your Christmas decor.

For mine, I used burgundy and cream homespun fabric with simple jute twine. I love the warm, old-fashioned look of homespun, especially with my cozy cottage primitive Christmas decor. However, you could make these with traditional Christmas plaid, ticking stripe, velvet, grain-sack-style fabric, or even scraps left over from another holiday project.

The secret to making these little presents especially versatile is using floral foam from Dollar Tree for the center. Because the foam is lightweight and easy to pierce, you can insert a wooden skewer into the bottom and turn each present into a decorative pick. This makes them perfect for tucking into a Christmas tree, wreath, garland, basket, crock, or arrangement.

This is also a wonderful project for using small pieces of fabric you may already have in your craft stash.

A Simple Addition to My Christmas in July Collection

These homespun present picks are part of my 2026 Christmas in July collection.

Last week, I shared the first projects in this year’s collection, and next week I will be bringing everything together during our live Christmas crafting event. These little presents are the perfect bridge between the projects because they can be tucked into a tree or arrangement alongside the other pieces we are creating.

I especially love the idea of using them in a small kitchen Christmas tree. They would look adorable tucked among greenery, gingerbread ornaments, pantry-label tags, wooden ornaments, and little sprigs of berries.

Even though these presents are simple, they add so much texture and warmth to a Christmas display.

Supplies

To make these fabric-wrapped Christmas present picks, you will need:

• Floral foam blocks from Dollar Tree, measuring approximately 2.9 by 3.9 by 3.9 inches
• Homespun fabric or another fabric that coordinates with your Christmas decor
• Jute twine, ribbon, or narrow fabric strips
• Wooden skewer sticks
• Hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Wire cutters or heavy-duty scissors, if you need to shorten the skewers
• Optional greenery, berries, bells, tags, or other small embellishments

The floral foam blocks I used are found in the floral and craft section at Dollar Tree. They are the white foam blocks labeled for silk flowers.

You can certainly use another type of lightweight foam, but I particularly like these blocks because they are already close to the size and shape of a small wrapped present. They are also very lightweight, which is important when you are adding them to the branches of a Christmas tree or garland.

Choosing Fabric for Your Christmas Presents

This is a wonderful project to personalize for your own decorating style.

I used two different burgundy and cream homespun fabrics from Hobby Lobby. One has a slightly larger check, while the other has a much smaller check. Using two coordinating patterns gives the arrangement a collected look without making it feel too busy.

You could also use:

• Red and cream ticking
• Black and tan homespun
• Green plaid
• Traditional tartan
• Grain-sack-style fabric
• Drop cloth
• Vintage quilt scraps
• Velvet
• Linen
• Christmas fabric
• Neutral fabric with festive ribbon

Try to choose a fabric that is not overly thick. A lightweight cotton or homespun fabric is easy to fold around the foam and creates cleaner corners.

If you are using fabric with a directional pattern, pay attention to the direction of the design before cutting. Checks, plaids, and ticking are especially forgiving because they look good from almost every angle.

How Much Fabric Will You Need?

The exact amount of fabric will depend on the size of your floral foam and how much overlap you prefer.

You do not need to measure everything perfectly. I find it easiest to place the foam block onto the fabric and bring the fabric up around each side, just as you would when determining how much wrapping paper you need for a real present.

You want enough fabric to completely cover the foam with a little extra for overlapping and folding.

Avoid leaving too much excess fabric, particularly around the ends. Large, bulky folds can make the finished present look uneven. You can always trim away additional fabric before gluing it in place.

Step 1: Prepare the Floral Foam

Begin with one floral foam block.

The Dollar Tree foam I used measures approximately 2.9 inches by 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches. You can leave the block at its original size or cut it into smaller pieces to create presents in several sizes.

For this project, I left mine close to the original size because I wanted the presents to be substantial enough to show up in a Christmas tree or greenery arrangement.

If you decide to cut the foam, use a serrated knife or craft knife and work over a protected surface. Floral foam can be a little messy, so keep a small trash bag or vacuum nearby.

You can create:

• One larger present from the full block
• Two smaller rectangular presents
• Several miniature packages
• A mixture of square and rectangular shapes

Using presents in several sizes would be especially pretty in a large tree, dough bowl, or Christmas centerpiece.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Lay your fabric flat with the right side facing down.

Place the floral foam in the center and pull the fabric around it as though you were wrapping a real present. Make sure the fabric can cover all six sides of the foam.

Cut the fabric, leaving enough overlap to secure it with hot glue.

Before gluing, wrap the fabric loosely around the block one more time. This gives you an opportunity to trim away any unnecessary bulk and decide which direction you would like the pattern to run.

With checked or plaid fabric, I like to keep the lines as straight as possible along the edges of the package. It does not need to be absolutely perfect, but keeping the pattern fairly straight helps the finished present look neat.

Step 3: Wrap the Foam Like a Present

Place the foam in the center of the fabric with the side you would like to use as the bottom facing upward.

Pull one long side of the fabric over the foam. Add a thin line of hot glue and press the fabric into place.

Be careful when working with hot glue around floral foam. You only need enough glue to hold the fabric securely. Using too much glue may create hard bumps beneath the fabric.

Pull the opposite side of the fabric over the first side, making sure it is snug but not so tight that it distorts the foam. Secure the overlapping edge with hot glue.

At this point, the center of the block should be completely wrapped, and the fabric at each end will still be open.

Step 4: Fold the Ends

Fold the ends just as you would when wrapping a traditional gift.

Push the sides of the fabric inward to create two flaps. Fold one flap toward the center and secure it with a small amount of hot glue.

Bring the remaining flap over it and glue it into place.

Repeat this process on the opposite end.

Take your time with the corners. Homespun fabric has a naturally soft and slightly frayed appearance, so the package does not need to look perfectly crisp. A little imperfection adds to the handmade, old-fashioned charm.

If you have too much fabric gathered at the ends, trim away a small amount before gluing the final flap.

Once the glue has cooled, look over the present and add a little more glue anywhere the fabric feels loose.

Step 5: Add Twine or Ribbon

Next, wrap the package with jute twine.

I kept mine very simple by wrapping the twine around the present in both directions and tying it into a bow on top.

Begin by placing the center of the twine underneath the package. Bring the ends up over the top, cross them, and then wrap them around the opposite sides. Bring the twine back to the top and tie it securely.

Finish with a simple bow.

You can adjust the loops and trim the ends once the bow is tied.

I love the rustic texture of jute twine with the burgundy homespun fabric. It gives the packages a cozy, primitive look without adding too many embellishments.

However, this is where you can make the presents coordinate with any style of Christmas decor.

Instead of twine, try:

• Velvet ribbon
• Satin ribbon
• Ticking strips
• Torn fabric strips
• Bakers twine
• Gingham ribbon
• Lace
• Narrow plaid ribbon
• Raffia

For a more festive look, you could also tuck a tiny sprig of greenery, a small bell, a dried orange slice, or a miniature tag beneath the bow.

Step 6: Add the Wooden Skewer

To turn the fabric present into a Christmas pick, insert a wooden skewer into the bottom of the floral foam.

Choose the least noticeable side of the present as the bottom. Gently press the pointed end of the skewer through the fabric and into the center of the foam.

Do not push the skewer all the way through the present. Insert it far enough that it feels secure and does not wobble.

If the fabric is difficult to pierce, carefully make a tiny opening with the tip of your scissors before inserting the skewer.

You can also add a small amount of hot glue around the opening before pushing the skewer into the foam. This is optional, but it can help hold the skewer in place if you plan to move the pick frequently.

The length of the skewer will depend on how you plan to display the present.

Leave the skewer longer for:

• Deep Christmas tree branches
• Large greenery arrangements
• Oversized garlands
• Crock or basket arrangements

Shorten the skewer for:

• Small tabletop trees
• Narrow garlands
• Wreaths
• Smaller centerpieces

Use wire cutters or sturdy scissors to trim the skewer. Always cut it before placing the pick into your arrangement.

How to Use the Christmas Present Picks

One of my favorite things about this project is how many different ways the finished presents can be used.

Add Them to a Christmas Tree

Insert the skewer between the branches of your Christmas tree and position the present so it looks like it is resting naturally among the greenery.

The foam is very lightweight, so it will not weigh down the branches the way a real wrapped box might.

Use several presents throughout the tree, or group three together near the base or center of the tree for a larger statement.

These would be especially charming in:

• A kitchen Christmas tree
• A gingerbread tree
• A primitive Christmas tree
• A small tabletop tree
• A woodland tree
• A traditional red and green tree

You could even make smaller packages to fill in empty spaces where a traditional ornament may not sit properly.

Tuck Them into Garland

The wooden skewers make it easy to insert the presents into a garland.

Tuck them into greenery on a mantel, shelf, stair railing, hutch, or kitchen cabinet. Place the present at a slight angle so it appears nestled into the branches.

Pair them with pinecones, berries, bells, candlelight, wooden beads, dried orange slices, or homespun bows.

Use Them in a Wreath

Smaller present picks could be added to a Christmas wreath.

Cluster two or three presents together near the bottom or side of the wreath and surround them with greenery, berries, or ribbon.

Because the presents are lightweight, they are much easier to attach than wooden blocks or real boxes.

Create a Christmas Centerpiece

Add several present picks to a bowl, basket, crock, wooden box, or galvanized container filled with Christmas greenery.

The skewers can be inserted directly into the greenery or into additional floral foam hidden inside the container.

Add cinnamon sticks, dried berries, pinecones, and simple greenery for a warm and cozy arrangement.

Use Them as Bowl Filler

Leave the skewers off and use the presents as bowl filler.

Place them in a dough bowl, basket, trencher, wooden crate, or crock. Mix them with greenery, dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, bells, pinecones, or handmade ornaments.

The homespun fabric makes them look especially pretty in an antique wooden bowl or primitive basket.

Add Them to a Tiered Tray or Shelf

A single little present can also be used as a shelf sitter.

Place one beside a small tree, candle, Santa, snowman, or holiday sign. They are an easy way to add pattern and Christmas color without overwhelming a small display.

Make a Set in Coordinating Fabrics

These look especially pretty when made in sets.

Choose two or three fabrics that share the same colors but have different-sized patterns. For example, you could pair:

• Large burgundy checks with small burgundy checks
• Red ticking with red plaid
• Black homespun with tan ticking
• Green gingham with neutral linen
• Brown plaid with cream grain-sack fabric

The fabrics do not need to match perfectly. Slightly different checks and plaids will make the collection look gathered over time.

For a very simple look, make all of the presents from the same fabric and vary the ribbon or twine.

Optional Embellishment Ideas

I love the simplicity of the homespun and twine, but you can certainly embellish these little presents.

Try adding:

• Miniature rusty bells
• Tiny candy canes
• Faux cedar sprigs
• Dried orange slices
• Small wooden tags
• Miniature pinecones
• Rose hips or berries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Vintage-style buttons
• Small paper labels
• Wax seals
• Torn strips of muslin

Keep the scale of the embellishments in mind. Since the presents are small, one tiny accent is often all they need.

Tips for Making the Presents Look Neat

Although this project is easy, a few small details will help give the finished presents a polished look.

Do not cut the fabric too large. Extra fabric can create bulky folds, particularly on the ends.

Use hot glue sparingly. Too much glue may show through lightweight fabric or create lumps beneath it.

Keep the fabric snug. The fabric should fit closely around the foam without pulling so tightly that the foam bends.

Check your pattern placement. Plaids and checks look best when the lines are reasonably straight.

Choose the bottom before adding the skewer. Place the seam or least-finished side on the bottom whenever possible.

Vary the direction of the bows. When making several presents, turn some of the bows or packages slightly differently so they do not look too uniform in an arrangement.

Can You Make These Without Floral Foam?

Yes. You could wrap small cardboard boxes, wood blocks, or pieces of packing foam.

However, floral foam is ideal when you want to turn the present into a pick. The wooden skewer slides easily into the foam and stays secure without requiring a drill or additional hardware.

Floral foam is also lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to cut into custom sizes.

If you only plan to use the presents as bowl filler, a small cardboard box or recycled packaging would work too.

A Simple Christmas Craft with So Many Possibilities

These homespun Christmas present picks are such a simple project, but they add the sweetest touch to holiday greenery.

I love that they can be customized to fit any Christmas color palette and used year after year. The fabric adds warmth and texture, while the floral foam keeps them light enough to use almost anywhere.

Make a few for a small Christmas tree, create an entire set for your garland, or leave off the skewers and pile them into an old wooden bowl.

They are also a wonderful project to make with leftover fabric and supplies you may already have on hand.

These little presents will be used alongside the other projects in my 2026 Christmas in July collection, and I cannot wait to bring everything together during our live crafting event next week. It is going to be so much fun to see how all of these individual pieces work together to create one cozy, collected Christmas display.

The post Easy Christmas Present Picks or Bowl Filler first appeared on Mother Thyme.

There’s just something about old crocks and vintage pantry labels that instantly make a space feel warm, collected, and full of character. If you love decorating with a cozy cottage or primitive style, this is one of those simple projects that looks like it came from an antique shop but it only takes a few inexpensive supplies to make.

These pantry crocks started with ceramic containers from the craft section at Dollar Tree. They already have that classic crock shape, making them the perfect canvas for vintage-inspired labels. Whether you choose to leave them their original color or paint them first, they’re easy to customize to fit your own home.

Free Printable Pantry Labels

I’ve included these pantry labels as a free printable for you!

Simply enter your name and email address in the box below, and the printable labels will be delivered directly to your inbox so you can start creating your own vintage-inspired pantry crocks.

A Simple DIY with an Antique Look

One of my favorite things about this project is that there’s no right or wrong way to make them. Every crock ends up looking a little different, which only adds to the charm.

I wanted these to look as though they’d been sitting on an old pantry shelf for decades, with softly aged labels and worn edges that tell a story.

They’re beautiful displayed on open shelving, tucked into a hutch, on a coffee bar, or even sitting beside a homemade loaf of bread with a few wooden spoons for a cozy kitchen vignette.

Supplies

• Dollar Tree ceramic containers (found in the craft section)
• Free printable pantry labels
• Printer and regular printer paper
• Mod Podge (Matte)
• Antiquing wax
• Instant coffee
• Warm water
• Small dish
• Soft rag or paper towel
• Scissors (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Label

Print the labels.

For a more authentic vintage look, I like to tear the edges rather than cut them. Simply fold the paper where you’d like the edge to be and gently tear along the fold. It creates a naturally worn edge that looks much more like old paper.

Of course, if you prefer a cleaner look, you can absolutely trim the labels with scissors instead.

Once the label is cut out, lightly distress the edges with a little antiquing wax. This simple step adds so much depth before the label is even attached.

Step 2: Attach the Label

Apply a light coat of Mod Podge to the front of your ceramic container.

A little goes a long way here. I don’t recommend using a heavy coat, as too much adhesive can cause wrinkles in the paper. Instead, apply just enough to make the surface tacky.

Carefully position your label and smooth it into place.

Allow it to dry completely before brushing on another light coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal everything in.

Step 3: Give It an Aged Finish

This is my favorite part because it instantly transforms the entire project.

In a small dish, combine:

• A small amount of warm water
• One scoop of instant coffee

The coffee creates a beautiful stain that’s almost like watercolor.

Brush the mixture over the crock, then gently wipe it back with a paper towel or soft cloth. If you’d like a darker finish, simply build the color gradually with another light coat.

If you happen to apply too much, don’t worry you can wipe it away while it’s still wet until you’re happy with the look.

Step 4: Add Even More Character

Once everything has dried, finish the crock with a little more antiquing wax.

I like brushing it around the edges, the rim, and lightly across portions of the surface to create layers of age and dimension.

This final step gives the ceramic that wonderful timeworn appearance, almost as though it’s been sitting in an old farmhouse pantry for years.

No Antiquing Wax? No Problem!

Don’t feel like you need specialty products to make these look beautiful.

If you don’t have antiquing wax or instant coffee on hand, a little watered-down brown craft paint works wonderfully too. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s simply adding soft layers of age and warmth.

Use whatever supplies you already have and make them your own.

The post DIY Rustic Pantry Crocks with Free Printable Labels first appeared on Mother Thyme.

There’s something so nostalgic about a simple plate of Christmas cookies and an old-fashioned bottle of milk waiting for Santa.

Today I’m sharing an easy DIY that combines a few inexpensive Dollar Tree and thrifted finds with my brand-new Mother Thyme Primitive Christmas Printable Collection. These projects come together quickly and make beautiful holiday shelf sitters, kitchen displays, or gifts for the primitive Christmas lover.

The best part? The printables are completely FREE!

Get the FREE Primitive Christmas Printable Collection!

These two projects use just 2 of the 15 primitive-inspired Christmas printables included in this free collection.

Inside you’ll find:

• Primitive pantry labels
• Christmas Cookies graphic
• Christmas Milk graphic
• Barn quilt artwork
• Basket artwork
• 5×7 and 8×10 printable designs

Simply enter your name and email below, and I’ll send the entire Mother Thyme Primitive Christmas Printable Collection straight to your inbox.

Watch

Creative Ways to Use Your Primitive Christmas Printables

These printables were designed to be mixed, matched, and used in so many different ways throughout your Christmas decorating. Here are a few ideas to help you get started!

Chocolate for Drinking

The Chocolate for Drinking label was designed with a large 30–32 oz coffee can in mind, making it perfect for creating an old-fashioned pantry tin. Simply remove the original label, paint the can if desired, and decoupage the printable onto the front for an instant primitive accent.

For an even more authentic primitive look, lightly dry brush the finished label with brown acrylic paint and gently wipe it back with a damp cloth to create a naturally aged appearance.

Mulling Spice & Ginger Cakes

The larger Mulling Spice and Ginger Cakes labels were sized to fit beautifully on a 24–25 oz spaghetti sauce jar. They make charming pantry jars filled with cinnamon sticks, greenery, pinecones, ornaments, or simply displayed empty as part of your Christmas decorating.

Pantry Labels

The smaller pantry labels are perfect for decorating small jars, cans, crocks, bottles, and tins. Group several together on a shelf or cupboard for a cozy primitive pantry display.

Barn Quilt Printables

For a unique farmhouse look, print the Barn Quilt designs onto printable fabric or cotton fabric transfers. Gently tear the edges instead of cutting them, then mount them over homespun fabric inside a larger frame for a layered, timeworn look.

Make Them Your Own

Don’t be afraid to get creative! These printables can also be used on trays, signs, bottles, plates, ornaments, clipboards, framed artwork, gift tags, and more. There isn’t a right or wrong way to use them. Have fun creating something uniquely yours!

Supplies You’ll Need

Christmas Milk Bottle

• 13.7 oz Frappuccino bottle (Starbucks or Aldi brand)
• Magnolia Home Spray Paint – Shiplap or similar
• Rust-Oleum Spray Paint – Espresso or similar
• Ground cinnamon
• Matte Mod Podge
• Brown acrylic craft paint
• Damp rag
• Old gift card or Mod Podge roller
• Christmas Milk printable
• Scissors
• Optional: homespun fabric and twine

Christmas Cookies Plate

• Dollar Tree white salad plate
• Magnolia Home Spray Paint – Shiplap or similar
• Matte Mod Podge
• Brown acrylic craft paint
• Damp rag
• Old gift card or Mod Podge roller
• Christmas Cookies printable
• Homespun fabric for a bow (optional)
• Plate stand or hanger (optional)

How to Make the Primitive Christmas Milk Bottle

Step 1

Spray paint a clean 13.7 oz Frappuccino bottle using Magnolia Home Spray Paint in Shiplap for that soft vintage milk bottle look.

Mother Thyme Tip: Aldi carries their own Frappuccino-style bottles for around $1.79 each, making them a budget-friendly option for this project.

Step 2

Spray paint the lid using Rust-Oleum Espresso.

While the paint is still wet, sprinkle cinnamon over the lid. Let it sit for a few minutes before gently tapping off the excess.

Repeat the spray paint and cinnamon process a couple of times to create an aged, rusty finish.

Step 3

Print and cut out the Christmas Milk label.

Apply a light coat of Matte Mod Podge where the label will go. Position the printable, then smooth it down using an old gift card or Mod Podge roller to remove wrinkles and air bubbles.

Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4

Seal the label with another light coat of Matte Mod Podge.

Step 5

Once dry, lightly dry brush brown acrylic paint over the label and bottle.

Before the paint dries, gently wipe and blot it with a damp cloth. This gives the bottle a naturally aged, timeworn finish instead of noticeable brush strokes.

Repeat until you’ve achieved the amount of aging you like.

Step 6

Attach your finished rusty lid.

For a softer primitive look, skip the lid altogether and cover the opening with torn homespun fabric tied with jute twine.

How to Make the Primitive Christmas Cookies Plate

Step 1

Spray paint a Dollar Tree salad plate using the same Shiplap spray paint.

While the paint is almost dry, gently rub around the edges with a paper towel or cloth to expose a little of the original plate underneath. This creates an aged, chipped finish.

Allow the plate to dry completely.

Step 2

Print and cut out the Christmas Cookies printable.

Apply a coat of Matte Mod Podge to the center of the plate.

Position the printable and smooth it down using an old gift card or Mod Podge roller to remove any air bubbles.

Allow it to dry completely.

Step 3

Seal the printable with another light coat of Matte Mod Podge.

Step 4

Working in small sections, dry brush brown acrylic paint around the rim and edges of the plate.

Immediately blot and wipe with a damp cloth to soften the paint and create an aged primitive finish.

Repeat until you’re happy with the look.

Step 5

Finish the plate by tying a homespun bow around the top, attaching homespun to the back for hanging, or displaying it on a plate stand.

Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. Sometimes all it takes is a few simple supplies, a little creativity, and a touch of nostalgia to create something you’ll enjoy year after year. I hope you have as much fun making these primitive Christmas projects as I did designing them.

And don’t miss the coordinating DIY Christmas Present Picks or Bowl Filler that are part of the Christmas in July collection too!

Happy Christmas crafting, and I’ll see you back here soon for even more Christmas in July inspiration!

The post DIY Primitive Christmas Milk & Cookies (Free Christmas Printables Included!) first appeared on Mother Thyme.

If you love primitive Halloween decorating as much as I do, you’re going to love these simple Halloween pillow tucks! These little pillows are perfect for tucking into baskets, dough bowls, shelves, hutches, and all your favorite cozy fall displays.

For this collection, I created four primitive-inspired Halloween designs including a witch hat, jack-o’-lantern, black cat, and ghost. The vintage-style artwork paired with homespun fabric gives them that warm, timeworn look that fits right in with primitive and rustic decor.

Free Printables

Simply enter your name and email address in the box below, and I’ll send the free printables right to your inbox!

How I Print on Fabric

One of my favorite ways to use printables is by printing them directly onto muslin fabric. I get my muslin at Hobby Lobby. It’s usually $3.99 a yard if it’s not on sale.

I start by cutting a piece of coffee or tea stained muslin to approximately 8” x 10”. Then I lightly spray the back of the muslin with spray adhesive and attach it to a sheet of copy paper. Once it’s secured, I simply feed it through my inkjet printer and print the design directly onto the fabric.

Important: This method works with an inkjet printer. The printer I use is linked HERE.

How to Make No-Sew Pillow Tucks

To create the pillow tucks, I cut two pieces of black and white homespun fabric slightly larger than my printed design. For these I cut 6-inch squares of homespun. The homespun I use is from Hobby Lobby.

With the right sides facing out, I used hot glue around the edges, leaving a small opening. I filled the pillow with stuffing and then glued the opening closed.

Once the pillow was finished, I lightly sprayed the back of the printed muslin design with spray adhesive and attached it directly to the front of the homespun pillow.

To make them extra cute I cut out little 31 tags that are also included in the printable set. I distressed them a it with a little wax and hot glued them to the pillows along with some dried sweet Annie and a button.

That’s it! A simple no-sew project that comes together in just a few minutes.

Add a Hanger

If you’d like to hang your pillow tucks, simply tuck a piece of twine or string between the fabric layers before sealing the top edge shut. Once filled and closed, you’ll have a simple hanger ready to go.

These look adorable hanging from cupboard knobs, peg racks, hooks, small trees, and seasonal displays. You can even hang several together from a branch or primitive tree for a simple Halloween arrangement.

Whether tucked into a basket or hung throughout your home, these little pillow tucks are a fun and easy way to add a touch of primitive Halloween charm.

Decorating with Pillow Tucks

These primitive Halloween pillow tucks look adorable tucked into dough bowls, baskets, wooden boxes, cupboards, pie safes, and shelf displays. They’re an easy way to add a little Halloween charm without a lot of decorating.

I hope you enjoy these free printables and have fun creating your own primitive Halloween pillow tucks!

Watch

Coming soon…

More Details

How to print on fabric – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TpjV0Hgk0-M

Printer used to print on fabric – https://go.magik.ly/ml/2d4u2/

Homespun from Hobby Lobby

Muslin fabric used to print on fabric from Hobby Lobby

Spray Adhesive – https://go.magik.ly/ml/2d5ff/

Room spray for stuffing – https://go.magik.ly/ml/2cyjs/

Stuffing for no-sew pillow (I open the pillow insert and use the stuffing) –  https://amzn.to/4aGg58a

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. There is no cost to you as the customer to use these links. Thanks for using these links that support me and my website.

The post No-Sew Halloween Pillow Tucks + Free Printables first appeared on Mother Thyme.

There’s something special about the simple pieces often found in primitive homes. From weathered pantry boxes and hand-stitched samplers to old checkerboards worn from years of use, these timeless pieces add warmth, character, and a sense of history to a space.

One of the things I love most about primitive decorating is that many of these classic pieces can be recreated and enjoyed in our homes today. Whether displayed on a shelf, tucked into a cupboard, or layered into a vignette, they help create that collected, lived-in look that makes a house feel like home.

To help you create some of these classic primitive-inspired pieces, I’ve included a collection of printable pantry labels and sampler designs. The pantry labels can be used on pantry boxes, jars, baskets, and other storage pieces, while the sampler designs are perfect for framed displays, pillows, and other creative projects.

The sampler designs were inspired by the cross-stitch samplers commonly found in early American homes. Simple motifs, houses, birds, flowers, and meaningful sayings made these pieces both decorative and personal. Today they remain a beloved staple in primitive decorating and add a touch of timeless charm wherever they’re displayed.

The pantry labels were designed with that same primitive spirit in mind. While perfect for pantry boxes, don’t be afraid to get creative and use them on other projects throughout your home. Sometimes the simplest details are what make a piece feel truly special.

Download the Free Primitive Samplers & Pantry Labels

Simply add your name and email in the box below and the free printables will be sent right to your inbox!

How I Print on Fabric

If you’d like to use the sampler designs on fabric for pillows or framed pieces, printing on fabric is easier than you might think.

I start by cutting a piece of muslin fabric slightly smaller than a sheet of copy paper. I usually cut my muslin fabric 8×10. Most of the time I use muslin that I’ve coffee- or tea-stained beforehand for a more aged, primitive look. I lightly spray the back of the fabric with spray adhesive and attach it to a sheet of copy paper. Once it’s smooth and secure, I simply feed it through my inkjet printer and print the design just as I would on regular paper.

For best results, be sure to use an inkjet printer, as this method will not work with a laser printer. I’ve been using my inkjet printer from Walmart (click HERE for printer) for years, and it works beautifully for projects like these. You can find the printer I use here.

The muslin fabric I use is from Hobby Lobby, but any lightweight muslin should work well.

I’ve shared this process in several videos over the years, and you’ll also see exactly how I do it in the video accompanying these projects. Once you try it, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create primitive-style samplers, pillows, and other fabric projects at home.

Watch Here

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. There is no cost to you as the customer to use these links.

The post Primitive DIYs: Pantry Boxes, Samplers and Checkerboard plus Free Printables first appeared on Mother Thyme.