A step-by-step for creating pine garland + our favorite ever sugar cookie recipe

Homemade traditions are at the heart of Christmas in our home, and there’s something especially magical about filling the season with things made by hand. From the scent of fresh pine in the house to a tray of sugar cookies cooling on the counter, these small moments make the holiday feel personal and nostalgic. 

In this post, I’m sharing two of my favorites: a simple guide to making your own pine garland and the sugar cookie recipe I return to every December.

We’re big fans of bringing the outdoors in, and a homemade garland has character that can’t be replicated. Pine carries that crisp, rustic scent of winter walks, crackling fires, and the comforting hush of the season settling in. While shop–bought garlands certainly have their place, nothing rivals the charm of crafting your own. 

Whether you’re draping it over a mirror, laying it along the banister, or even using it outdoors, making your own garland is easier than you might think.

You’ll need: 

• Fresh pine branches (or a mix of pine, cedar, and fir for more texture)
• Floral wire or twine
• Wire cutters or sharp scissors
• Optional: dried oranges, berries, or ribbon

Aim to gather branches of different lengths—this adds to the loose, natural look.

Prepare the branches

Lay out all your greenery on a large table or floor space. Trim any overly long branches and remove pieces that are browning or stiff. Aim to create small “bundles” of greenery—little handfuls that you can layer along the garland.

Start with a base

Cut a long strand of floral wire or twine—the length you want your garland plus a little extra at each end for tying. This will be your backbone.

Build in small bundles

Take your first bundle of greenery, hold it to the base strand, and wrap it securely with wire. The key is to keep the wire tight enough to hold but not so tight that it crushes the needles. 

Continue layering bundles, each one overlapping the stems of the previous to hide the wire. Work in the same direction all the way down. Don’t worry about absolute uniformity—the charm of it lies in imperfection.

Making it yourself also means you can choose the exact look you want: full and plush, airy and delicate, mixed with eucalyptus or cedar, adorned with berries—or just as it is

Add decorative elements

Once the greenery is attached, you can weave in some extra bits. Velvet ribbon, dried oranges and red berries are a few of our picks. 

Shape and hang

Before hanging, lay the garland out and gently fluff it, bending branches where needed. Pine is forgiving—you can sculpt it a little to get the fall and fullness just right.

Use sturdy hooks or small nails to hang along staircases, mantels, or door frames. If it’s going on a table, let the ends trail naturally for that effortless, gathered look.

Making it last

Fresh pine typically lasts 2–3 weeks indoors. To keep it vibrant:

• Mist lightly every couple of days

• Keep it away from direct heat sources

• Choose the freshest greenery you can find

If longevity is your concern, consider making the garland a few days before you plan to display it—it will look its best for the big days of December.

You’ll need: 

• 2 cups softened butter (dairy free works well, too!)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs (flax eggs work well if egg-free)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 6 cups all-purpose flour

Cream together the butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla. Add dry ingredients slowly. Roll out to ¼ in thick and cut into desired shapes.

Bake at 350 for eight minutes, no more! The cookies won't look done but will firm up after they cool. 

An invitation to slow down

Life doesn’t often sit still for us—between the business and raising our three boys, days slip by rather quickly around here. While I used to try and solve for our somewhat hectic lifestyle, I’ve come to accept the chaos as part of our family rhythm. Still, December has a way of encouraging me to pause. Holding space for a few handmade traditions invites a sense of slowness to the season, reminding us to take a step back and count our many blessings. I hope that no matter how busy you find yourself this December, you’re able to carve out some time to be still.

P.S. cookie calories don't count. 

Xx,
Liv