Kate Middleton Christmas: 15 Elegant Royal Style Decor Ideas You Can DIY on a Budget

Kate Middleton Christmas style is all about fresh greenery, rich tartan, warm wood and simple handmade touches that feel welcoming rather than flashy. Every December the Princess of Wales hosts her Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, and every year people fall in love again with that classic British country look. The good news is that you do not need a palace budget to bring it home. Most of these ideas use pine branches from the yard, ribbon from the craft store, thrift shop finds and a little patience on a cozy afternoon. We gathered 15 elegant decor projects inspired by that timeless royal feel, from a foraged stair garland to a red berry topiary by the front door. Pick one or two, put on some carols and start making..

Kate Middleton Christmas Garland on the Stairs

A Kate Middleton Christmas look starts with greenery, and nothing feels grander than a staircase dressed in a thick, foraged garland. Mix pine, fir, holly and a few eucalyptus stems so the color looks deep and natural, then add tartan velvet bows every few spindles. It is the kind of welcome you see in old English country houses, but it costs very little if you trim branches from your own yard. For more banister ideas, browse our Christmas staircase decor gallery. Will your stairs be the first thing guests see this year..

You will need: a plain faux pine garland, cut evergreen branches, holly and eucalyptus stems, floral wire, tartan velvet ribbon, zip ties.

How to make it: 1. Attach the faux garland to the banister with zip ties every 2 feet. 2. Tuck in real pine, holly and eucalyptus and twist floral wire around each bundle. 3. Tie tartan velvet bows and wire one onto every third spindle.

Pine and Holly Mantel Swag

A mantel swag is the easiest way to make a room feel ready for the holidays. Let fresh pine and holly drape down both sides so it looks generous and a little wild, then tuck pine cones into the gaps. Fill the empty firebox with stacked birch logs for a cozy country cottage feel without lighting anything. Brass candlesticks fitted with tiny battery fairy lights give a warm glow that is safe to leave on all evening. Which room in your home needs this kind of glow?

You will need: pine and holly branches, pine cones, floral wire, removable adhesive hooks, birch logs, brass candlesticks, battery fairy lights.

How to make it: 1. Stick removable hooks along the top of the mantel. 2. Wire branches into a long bundle and hang it from the hooks so the ends fall down both sides. 3. Add pine cones, then wrap fairy lights around the candlesticks and stack the logs in the firebox.

Kate Middleton Christmas Lantern Grouping

This Kate Middleton Christmas idea turns a front step into a warm greeting. Group three black lanterns of different heights, fill each one with battery fairy lights and wrap the bases in fresh pine, ivy and cedar. The mix of heights makes the display look styled rather than random, and the greenery hides any cords or switches. Thrift stores and yard sales are full of lanterns, so collect a few mismatched ones and spray them the same matte black. Would three lanterns or five look best by your door?

You will need: 3 metal lanterns, matte black spray paint, battery fairy lights with timers, pine, ivy and cedar sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Spray thrifted lanterns matte black outdoors and let them dry overnight. 2. Coil a strand of battery fairy lights inside each lantern and set the timers. 3. Group them tall to short and tuck fresh greenery around the bases.

Velvet Ribbon Bows on a Tall Tree

Sometimes the most elegant tree is the simplest one. Instead of dozens of colors, dress a tall slim tree with large deep green velvet bows and a scatter of clear glass baubles. The velvet looks rich against the needles, and the glass catches daylight from the windows. Tying bows is a lovely evening project with a cup of tea, and the ribbon can be reused for years. If you love this calm look, try it on a small tabletop tree first. Could one color of ribbon change your whole tree?

You will need: wide green velvet ribbon, scissors, thin floral wire, clear glass baubles, ornament hooks.

How to make it: 1. Cut the ribbon into 30 inch lengths and tie each into a full bow. 2. Wrap floral wire around the center of each bow, leaving two tails. 3. Twist the bows onto branches in a loose spiral, then fill gaps with clear baubles.

Kate Middleton Christmas Tartan Table Runner

Tartan is one of the warmest patterns of a Kate Middleton Christmas table, and a long runner gives you that look in minutes. A red and green wool or flannel runner instantly ties together plain white plates, linen napkins and a few pine sprigs. You can sew one from a thrifted blanket or a remnant of tartan fabric, and nobody will guess it cost so little. Lay it down the full length of the table so it frames every place setting. Do you already have a tartan blanket you could reuse?

You will need: tartan wool or flannel fabric, fabric scissors, iron, fusible hem tape or a sewing machine, pine sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Measure your table and add 12 inches to each end for a soft drop. 2. Cut the fabric 16 inches wide and press the edges under. 3. Seal the hems with fusible tape or a straight stitch, then add pine sprigs down the middle.

Natural Wood Bead Garland

A wood bead garland adds warmth to a white mantel without stealing the show. The plain beads and soft jute tassels feel calm and natural, much like the simple country style seen at royal homes in winter. This is a perfect craft for beginners because it is just stringing and tying. Make one long garland for the mantel or several short ones for shelves and the tree. Mix in a few pine sprigs and the whole display smells as good as it looks. Will you leave your beads plain or add a touch of whitewash?

You will need: unfinished wooden beads in 2 or 3 sizes, jute twine, scissors, embroidery thread for tassels, pine sprigs.

How to make it: 1. Cut jute twine about 6 feet long and knot one end. 2. Thread the beads in a repeating pattern of large and small sizes. 3. Wrap thread around a card to make two tassels and tie one on each end.

Moss and Pine Cone Centerpiece

A long wooden dough bowl filled with moss is a centerpiece you can make in fifteen minutes. Layer green moss, pine cones, small evergreen cuttings and a handful of white pebbles, and you have a natural woodland scene for the dining table. It stays low, so guests can still see each other across the table, which is a classic British dinner party rule. Swap in fresh sprigs every week and it will last all season. What natural treasures could you gather on your next winter walk?

You will need: a wooden dough bowl or long tray, preserved moss, pine cones, evergreen cuttings, white pebbles.

How to make it: 1. Line the bowl with a thick layer of preserved moss. 2. Nestle pine cones in small groups along the length. 3. Tuck evergreen cuttings between them and scatter white pebbles on top.

Kate Middleton Christmas Flower Jars

Green and white flowers are a quiet favorite in Kate Middleton Christmas inspired decor because they feel fresh in the dark winter months. Fill three clear jars with white roses, white tulips and stems of eucalyptus and fir, and line them up on a windowsill. Saved pasta sauce or pickle jars work perfectly once the labels are soaked off. Grocery store flowers keep the cost low, and the fir sprigs add a holiday scent. Would a row of jars brighten your kitchen window?

You will need: 3 clean glass jars, white roses and tulips, eucalyptus stems, fir sprigs, garden twine.

How to make it: 1. Soak the jars in warm soapy water and peel off the labels. 2. Trim the flowers so the heads sit just above the rim. 3. Add eucalyptus and fir, then tie twine around each neck.

Hand Tied Herb Wreath

An herb wreath brings the cozy feel of a country kitchen to your door. Rosemary, bay, thyme and sage are bundled into small bunches and tied onto a wire ring with natural twine. As it dries it keeps its shape and smells wonderful every time the door opens. The Princess of Wales is known for loving the outdoors and gardening, so this garden inspired idea fits the look nicely. It also makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Who on your list would love a wreath that smells like a garden?

You will need: a 12 inch wire wreath ring, fresh rosemary, bay, thyme and sage, natural twine, floral wire, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Make small bunches of mixed herbs about 6 inches long. 2. Wire each bunch to the ring, overlapping so the stems are hidden. 3. Finish with a twine loop and bow for hanging.

Brass Bell Door Hanger

Brass sleigh bells tied with a deep red velvet bow make a cheerful door hanger that jingles every time someone visits. The polished brass looks classic against a dark painted door, and a sprig of holly adds that traditional British touch. Look for old bells at flea markets, then shine them up with a soft cloth. This takes less than half an hour and lasts for years. Hang it on the front door or on the back of a bedroom door for a sweet surprise. Can you already hear the jingle?

You will need: 8 to 10 brass sleigh bells, red velvet ribbon, thin jute cord, holly sprig, an over the door hook.

How to make it: 1. Thread bells onto jute cord at different lengths and knot them. 2. Gather the cords at the top and tie them together. 3. Cover the knot with a big velvet bow, add holly and hang it on the hook.

Kate Middleton Christmas Paper Stars

Paper stars hanging in a tall window are a gentle Kate Middleton Christmas touch that costs only a few dollars. Folded white stars of different sizes glow in daylight and look magical against frost or snow. They are a classic Scandinavian craft, and they suit a calm green and white color scheme perfectly. Folding them is relaxing, so make a few each evening while you listen to carols. Hang them at different heights with clear thread so they seem to float. How many stars will fit in your favorite window?

You will need: heavy white paper, a ruler, a bone folder or butter knife, scissors, glue stick, clear fishing line.

How to make it: 1. Cut paper squares in three sizes and fold each into a five or eight point star following a simple template. 2. Glue the matching halves together and let them dry. 3. Hang them with clear line from a tension rod at different heights.

Place Cards With Evergreen Sprigs

Small details make a dinner table feel special, and a place card tucked into a sprig of rosemary and pine is one of the easiest. Write each guest’s name on kraft paper in your best handwriting, then tie it to a little bundle of greenery on each plate. The scent of rosemary is lovely, and guests often take the sprigs home. It is a warm touch that suits the elegant, natural style of a classic royal Christmas dinner. Will you write the names yourself or ask the kids to help?

You will need: kraft paper card stock, a fine pen, scissors, rosemary and pine sprigs, thin twine.

How to make it: 1. Cut cards about 2 by 3 inches and fold them in half. 2. Write each name neatly on the front. 3. Tie a rosemary and pine sprig with twine and slip the card under the knot.

Woven Wicker Tree Collar

A woven wicker tree collar hides the plain stand and makes even a small tree look grand. The natural texture matches pine cones, wood ornaments and kraft paper gifts perfectly. You can find old wicker baskets at thrift stores, and with the bottom carefully cut out by an adult they make a free collar. It is quick, tidy and looks like something from a country house hall. Add a few presents wrapped in brown paper and red ribbon around the base to finish the look. Is your tree stand ready for a makeover?

You will need: a large round wicker basket, sturdy scissors or a utility knife for adult use, sandpaper, kraft paper, red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Ask an adult to cut out the bottom of the basket with care. 2. Sand any rough edges smooth. 3. Slide the ring around the tree stand and arrange gifts in kraft paper around it.

Kate Middleton Christmas Card Display

Every year the royal family shares a Christmas card, and families everywhere love showing off the cards they receive. This Kate Middleton Christmas inspired card display hangs your cards on a long red satin ribbon with tiny wooden clothespins. It keeps cards off crowded shelves and turns them into a cheerful wall of memories. Add a small evergreen swag at each end for a finished look. You can learn more about the princess and her carol service on Wikipedia. Where will you hang yours this year?

You will need: wide red satin ribbon, mini wooden clothespins, removable adhesive hooks, 2 small evergreen sprigs, floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Place two removable hooks across a wall about 5 feet apart. 2. Tie the ribbon between them with a little slack in the middle. 3. Clip cards along it with mini pins and wire an evergreen sprig at each end.

Red Berry Topiary in an Urn

A red berry topiary in a stone urn gives your front steps a stately welcome that feels straight out of a Georgian townhouse. Start with a foam ball, cover it with boxwood and faux red berries, and set it on a simple stake inside a classic urn. Faux berries stay bright all season and are safer around pets and small children than real ones. A pair of topiaries on either side of the door looks especially grand. Would one urn be enough, or will you make a matching pair?

You will need: a garden urn, a floral foam ball, a wooden dowel, boxwood stems, faux red berry picks, moss, a hot glue gun with adult help.

How to make it: 1. Push the dowel into the foam ball and set the other end firmly in the urn filled with foam or soil. 2. Cover the ball with boxwood stems, then add berry picks evenly. 3. With adult help, glue moss over the base to hide the foam.