Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments: 16 Good Luck Nests Inspired by an Old Tree Legend

Bird nest Christmas ornaments are one of the sweetest old traditions you can bring back this year. An old tale says that a family who finds a little nest tucked in the Christmas tree will have good luck, health and happiness in the year ahead. Country Living keeps sharing the story every season, and crafters love it because these nests are cheap, cozy and so easy to make by hand. You only need twigs, raffia, moss, a little paint and a few tiny craft eggs. One kind reminder: use only handmade or craft store nests and never take a real nest from the wild, since birds may still need it. Below are 16 bird nest Christmas ornaments to hang on your own tree or give to a friend with the legend attached..

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments With Speckled Blue Eggs

Start with the look that makes everyone smile: a small twig nest holding three speckled blue eggs, tucked deep into a fresh fir branch. It feels like a real songbird left a gift in your tree. This is the easiest of all bird nest Christmas ornaments, and it sets the cozy, natural tone for the rest of your handmade tree ornaments. Wire it near the trunk so it shows between the branches, then let guests discover it on their own. Little surprises like this are what people remember most..

You will need: a 3 inch craft twig nest, 3 small wooden eggs, pale blue and brown craft paint, a fine brush, thin floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Paint the wooden eggs pale blue and let them dry. 2. Flick tiny brown speckles on each egg with the tip of a stiff brush. 3. Glue the eggs into the nest. 4. Twist floral wire under the nest and wrap it around a strong branch.

The Old Legend of the Nest in the Tree

The tale goes like this: long ago, families believed a nest found in their tree at Christmas was a sign of good fortune for the year ahead. Many sources call it a German legend, while others think it grew up later as a sweet story told with gift ornaments, as Country Living explains. Either way, it fits right in with woodland holiday decor. Tuck a plain nest into evergreen sprigs on a side table so the story has a home all season.

You will need: a craft twig nest, 1 wooden egg, tan craft paint, fresh or faux evergreen sprigs, a small tray.

How to make it: 1. Paint the egg a soft tan and let it dry. 2. Lay evergreen sprigs on the tray in a loose ring. 3. Set the nest in the middle. 4. Place the egg inside and add a sprig or two over the edge.

Pale Gold Nest With Pearl Eggs

For a softer, dressier tree, brush a plain straw nest with pale gold paint and fill it with three round pearl beads in place of eggs. The finish catches the daylight without looking flashy, and the pearls give it a vintage, heirloom feel. Hang it from a thin cream ribbon so it swings a little between the branches. If you enjoy painting your own ornaments, this one is a quick win you can make in one evening and repeat in batches for a matching set.

You will need: a small straw or twig nest, pale gold acrylic paint, a soft brush, 3 large white pearl beads, cream satin ribbon, craft glue.

How to make it: 1. Dry brush the nest with gold paint, letting the natural color show through. 2. Let it dry for an hour. 3. Glue the pearl beads into the center. 4. Glue a ribbon loop to the back rim and hang.

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments in Robin Blue

That famous robin blue is the color most people picture when they think of a nest, and it looks lovely against dark green branches. Paint tiny wooden eggs in a soft blue green, add a little sheen, and nestle them into a twig cup. These little nests are a fun first project for kids, since the painting is simple and mistakes look natural. If you like shaping your own eggs, try the air dry methods in our clay ornament ideas and roll small ovals by hand instead.

You will need: a twig nest, 3 small wooden or air dry clay eggs, robin blue craft paint, satin varnish, a brush.

How to make it: 1. Paint each egg robin blue in two thin coats. 2. Brush on a light satin varnish for a soft sheen. 3. Glue the eggs into the nest in a small group. 4. Add a loop of twine to hang it.

Vine Wreath Nests on Velvet Ribbon

Mini vine wreaths make perfect ready made nests. Simply push the center down a little to form a cup, tuck in two cream eggs and hang each one from a rich velvet bow. Deep green velvet looks elegant against the brown vines and ties right into velvet tree trims if you already use them. Make three in different sizes and hang them close together so they read as a little family. This idea costs only a few dollars and takes about ten minutes per nest.

You will need: 3 mini vine wreaths (3 to 5 inches), 6 small cream craft eggs, deep green velvet ribbon, hot glue, moss.

How to make it: 1. Press the center of each wreath down to make a shallow cup. 2. Glue a bit of moss inside. 3. Glue two eggs on the moss. 4. Tie a velvet bow at the top with a long loop for hanging.

Teacup Nest for a Friend

A thrifted teacup turns a simple nest into a darling gift. Set a small nest right inside the cup, add a few speckled eggs and wrap the saucer with a ribbon and a note about the good luck legend. It feels thoughtful and personal, and it can sit on a kitchen shelf long after the holidays. If you love pretty old dishes, our vintage china decor ideas have many more ways to use mismatched cups. Look for violets, roses or holly patterns at thrift stores for under two dollars.

You will need: a vintage teacup and saucer, a small craft nest, 3 speckled craft eggs, Spanish moss, a short ribbon, a small card.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry the cup. 2. Line the bottom with a pinch of moss. 3. Set the nest on the moss and glue in the eggs. 4. Tie the card to the handle with ribbon.

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments With a Red Felt Songbird

Add a tiny red felt songbird and your tree seems to come alive. A bright red bird against green needles is a holiday favorite, and it gives bird nest Christmas ornaments a cheerful pop of color. You can buy small felted birds or make your own with wool roving and a felting needle. Fans of easy felt crafts can cut a simple two piece bird from felt sheets and glue the halves together instead. A little clip under the nest holds it upright on any branch.

You will need: a small twig nest, a mini red felt bird (store bought or handmade), a metal ornament clip, hot glue, a bit of moss.

How to make it: 1. Glue a thin layer of moss inside the nest. 2. Glue the felt bird so it sits a little to one side. 3. Glue the ornament clip under the nest. 4. Clip it to a branch so the bird faces out.

Pair Your Nest With a Clip-On Red Bird

If you already own a shiny clip-on bird, give it a nest to come home to. Clip the bird on the branch right beside your nest so it looks like it just landed. Old clip birds with spun tails were made in Germany for generations, which fits the legend perfectly. They are a favorite find in old Christmas ornament collections, and new ones are easy to find too. Group a red bird, a nest and a pinecone together in one spot for a small scene that tells the full story.

You will need: a clip-on bird ornament, a twig nest, floral wire, a pinecone (optional).

How to make it: 1. Wire the nest firmly to a strong branch. 2. Clip the bird on the same branch, a few inches away. 3. Tilt the bird so it faces the nest. 4. Add a pinecone below to finish the scene.

Shape a Raffia Nest Over a Small Bowl

Want to make the nest itself? Raffia is the friendliest material to start with. Turn a small bowl upside down, cover it with plastic wrap, then wrap and press glue soaked raffia all over it. Once it dries overnight, it pops right off as a neat little nest. This method is also great with the leftover twine from jute twine decor projects. Make several in one sitting, then decorate each one differently. Kids enjoy this part because it is messy in the best way.

You will need: natural raffia, a small bowl (about 3 inches wide), plastic wrap, white craft glue, water, a cup for mixing.

How to make it: 1. Mix two parts glue with one part water. 2. Cover the upside down bowl with plastic wrap. 3. Dip raffia in the glue mix and wrap it around the bowl in every direction. 4. Let it dry overnight, then lift it off and trim loose ends.

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments for a Rustic Shelf

Not every nest has to hang on the tree. A larger nest filled with speckled eggs looks wonderful on a rustic shelf, a mantel or a hutch. Real quail eggs are pretty, but painted wooden eggs last for years and never break. Mix sizes and colors for a natural look. Nest decorations also make good vignette pieces when the tree is too full, and they pair well with primitive holiday crafts like worn wood and homespun fabric. Leave the nest out through winter for a touch of spring.

You will need: a 5 inch twig nest, 4 to 6 wooden eggs in mixed sizes, cream and brown paint, an old toothbrush, a wood board.

How to make it: 1. Paint the eggs cream. 2. Dip a toothbrush in brown paint and flick it over the eggs for speckles. 3. Arrange the eggs in the nest with the largest one in the back. 4. Set it on a board on your shelf.

Frosted White Nests on a Flocked Tree

For a winter wonderland look, dust plain nests with white paint and faux snow, then fill each one with tiny silver eggs. On a flocked Christmas tree they almost disappear into the snowy branches until you get close, which makes the tree feel magical. Use a dry brush so the twig texture still shows. A dozen or more nests look best, so this is a good project for a craft night with friends. Keep the rest of the tree simple so the nests stay the star.

You will need: 12 small twig nests, white craft paint, a dry brush, faux snow powder, craft glue, silver craft eggs or beads.

How to make it: 1. Dry brush each nest with white paint. 2. While it is still wet, sprinkle on faux snow. 3. Let it dry and shake off the extra. 4. Glue two silver eggs inside each nest and wire them to the tree.

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments on a Woodland Tree

Bird nest Christmas ornaments shine on a woodland themed tree. Mix them with pinecones in every size, a few craft feathers and natural wood slices. The brown and green palette feels calm and earthy, and everything can be gathered or bought for very little. Use large cones low on the tree and small ones near the top for balance. You will find lots of easy ideas in our pinecone craft roundup to fill the gaps. Brush a few cone tips with white paint for a light frosted look.

You will need: 6 to 10 craft nests, pinecones in several sizes, craft feathers, white paint, floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Wire nests evenly around the tree first. 2. Add large pinecones on lower branches. 3. Fill gaps with smaller cones and feathers. 4. Touch a few cone tips with white paint for frost.

Nest Place Card Holders for the Table

Little nests make charming place card holders for Christmas dinner. Tuck a kraft paper name card into each one with two tiny eggs, then set it on the plate or napkin. Guests can take their nest home as a keepsake, along with the good luck story. It is one of the sweetest Christmas table favors you can make, and it costs less than a dollar per seat. A small sprig of pine on each plate adds fresh color and a lovely scent to the table.

You will need: small twig nests (one per guest), kraft paper cards, 2 mini eggs per nest, a pen, pine sprigs, hot glue.

How to make it: 1. Glue two mini eggs into each nest. 2. Write each name on a kraft card. 3. Slide the card into the back of the nest so it stands up. 4. Set each nest on a plate with a pine sprig.

Bird Nest Christmas Ornaments With Moss and a Feather

Soft green moss and a single feather turn a plain nest into something special. Line the nest with sheet moss, add speckled eggs and tuck a craft feather on the side so it curls over the rim. These nests look like a little nature study, and they suit any room. Use craft store feathers only. Set one on a stack of books or a stone, or tie it into branch holiday displays for a natural centerpiece that lasts all winter long.

You will need: a twig nest, preserved sheet moss, 3 speckled craft eggs, 1 craft feather, hot glue.

How to make it: 1. Glue moss inside the nest and over part of the rim. 2. Glue the eggs into the center. 3. Tuck the feather quill under the moss on one side. 4. Add a twine loop if you want to hang it.

Gift Bag Nest With a Legend Tag

Bird nests make some of the best small gifts because the legend comes with them. Slip a finished nest into a clear cellophane bag, tie it with red and white baker’s twine and add a kraft tag that tells the story. Write something like: may this nest bring luck, health and joy to your home. It is a perfect gift for neighbors, teachers and coworkers. For tag ideas, try our DIY gift tag ideas. A dozen gifts can be made in one afternoon.

You will need: finished craft nests, clear cellophane bags, red and white baker’s twine, kraft tags, a pen, a paper punch.

How to make it: 1. Write the legend on each tag. 2. Punch the tag and thread it onto the twine. 3. Place a nest in each bag. 4. Gather the top and tie a bow with the tag attached.

Red Painted Eggs in a Silver Twig Nest

Finish with a bold twist: paint your eggs a deep Christmas red and set them in a silvery whitewashed twig nest. The red and gray combination looks fresh, and it works well next to plaid and old wood. Brush the nest with thin white paint so the twigs look weathered. This style fits right into farmhouse Christmas decorating, whether it sits on a tray or on the tree. Now you have a nest for every room, and maybe a little extra luck for the new year too.

You will need: a twig nest, thin white paint, 3 wooden eggs, deep red and orange paint, a few willow stems.

How to make it: 1. Brush the nest lightly with thinned white paint. 2. Paint the eggs red and orange. 3. Glue them into the nest. 4. Lay a willow stem across the front for a natural finish.