Western Christmas Decor: 15 Cowboy Christmas Ideas That Feel Like a Ranch Holiday

Western Christmas decor feels like coming home to a ranch house after a cold ride, with the tree glowing, boots by the door and something warm on the stove. This cowboy style is taking over Facebook this year, and one Texas themed tree topped with a cowboy hat passed 171,000 reactions and 25,000 shares. It makes sense. Western decor is warm, a little rugged and full of family memories, and most of it costs very little. Think rope, burlap, bandanas, leather scraps and old horseshoes. Below are 15 cowboy Christmas ideas, each with a short supply list and easy steps, from the tree topper all the way to the front porch. Pull on your boots and let’s get started..

Western Christmas Decor for a Ranch Style Living Room

The whole look comes together when a few simple pieces repeat around the room. A cowboy hat on the tree, cowhide print ribbon in the branches, rope looped along the mantel and boot stockings hanging below. Add warm LED lights and a plaid throw, and the room instantly feels like a ranch holiday. You do not need to do everything at once. Start with the tree and build from there, one weekend at a time..

You will need: A Christmas tree, a felt cowboy hat, cowhide print ribbon, natural rope, burlap, a plaid throw and warm white LED string lights.

How to make it: 1. Pick three colors, like red, tan and cream. 2. Light the tree with warm white LEDs. 3. Add ribbon, rope and the hat topper. 4. Repeat the same materials on the mantel and front door.

Cowboy Hat Tree Topper

This is the idea that started the trend. The viral Texas tree from AB’s Holiday Decor wears a cowboy hat right at the top, and people could not stop sharing it. Tilt the hat a little for character, and tuck a wooden star or a sprig of berries behind it. Use a light felt or straw hat so it does not bend the top branch. Who in your family owns an old hat for the job?

You will need: A lightweight felt or straw cowboy hat, floral wire, a wooden star and a few berry picks.

How to make it: 1. Poke two small holes in the hat band. 2. Thread floral wire through and twist it around the top branch. 3. Tilt the hat slightly. 4. Tuck the star and berry picks behind it.

Cowhide Print Ribbon on the Tree

Cowhide print ribbon gives the tree an instant western feel without buying a single new ornament. Cut it into long tails and tuck them in from top to bottom, or make loose bows at the end of branches. It pairs nicely with plain red balls and wooden beads. It is a quick, cheap change that makes the whole tree look styled. Will you go black and white or brown and cream?

You will need: Two or three rolls of wired cowhide print ribbon, scissors and floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Cut the ribbon into 18 inch pieces. 2. Pinch the middle of each piece and tuck it deep into the branches. 3. Let the tails hang loose. 4. Fill gaps with small bows.

Bandana Wreath

A bandana wreath is one of the most fun pieces of western Christmas decor. Cut bandanas into strips and tie them onto a wire wreath ring until it is full and fluffy. Red bandanas feel classic, while mixing in blue and cream looks very country. It is a no glue craft that kids can help with too. Hang it on a door or above the mantel. How many bandanas are hiding in your drawers?

You will need: A 14 inch wire wreath ring, six to eight bandanas, scissors and a ribbon for hanging.

How to make it: 1. Cut the bandanas into strips about 2 inches wide. 2. Tie each strip onto the ring with a simple knot. 3. Push the knots close together. 4. Fluff it up and add a hanging ribbon.

Rope Lasso Garland

Natural rope coiled like a lasso makes a perfect garland. Drape it along the mantel in loose loops, then weave in greenery and pinecones. You can also wrap it around the tree like tinsel for a rustic look. Rope is cheap, sturdy and can be used year after year. It also looks great around a porch railing. A mantel dressed this way is classic western Christmas decor. Where would your rope lasso go?

You will need: About 15 feet of natural cotton or jute rope, faux greenery garland, pinecones and small adhesive hooks.

How to make it: 1. Lay the greenery along the mantel. 2. Loop the rope on top in loose swags. 3. Tie a lasso style loop at one end. 4. Tuck pinecones into the gaps.

Twisted Wire and Twine Star

Real barbed wire is sharp, so this version gives you the look without the danger. Twist two strands of soft craft wire together and wrap little knots of twine every few inches to look like barbs. Shape it into a big star and hang it on the wall or the door. It looks rugged and handmade in the best way. Keep the ends tucked in so no sharp wire points stick out. Will you make one star or a whole set?

You will need: Soft dark craft wire, jute twine, scissors, a pair of pliers and a star template.

How to make it: 1. Twist two long pieces of wire together. 2. Bend them around the star template. 3. Wrap small twine knots every few inches. 4. Add a twine loop for hanging.

Boot Stockings: Western Christmas Decor for the Mantel

Swap the usual stockings for cowboy boot shapes. You can sew them from felt, burlap or an old flannel shirt, and add a little star at the ankle. Hang them along a stone or brick mantel and the whole room says ranch Christmas. They hold just as many treats as a normal stocking. Which family member gets the boot with the biggest spur?

You will need: Felt or burlap, a boot shape template, fabric glue or a sewing machine, small felt stars and ribbon loops.

How to make it: 1. Trace two boot shapes on the fabric and cut them out. 2. Glue or sew the edges, leaving the top open. 3. Add felt stars and trim. 4. Attach a ribbon loop and hang.

Burlap and Leather Ornaments

Leather scraps and burlap make tough, simple ornaments that feel very western. Cut stars, hearts and boots from leather scraps, or wrap burlap around foam balls and tie with twine. They will never break, so they are great for homes with kids or pets. A few of these mixed with red balls go a long way. They also make lovely gifts tied to a package. Leather softens and darkens with age, so they look better every year. Do you have an old leather belt or jacket to cut up?

You will need: Leather scraps, burlap, foam balls, twine, scissors and fabric glue.

How to make it: 1. Cut shapes from leather. 2. Poke a small hole near the top. 3. Wrap foam balls in burlap and tie with twine. 4. Hang everything with twine loops.

Horseshoe Western Christmas Decor

Old horseshoes like these are easy to find at farm sales, and with a little paint they turn into fun ornaments. Paint them red and white like candy canes, or brush them gold for a touch of shine. Hang them on a wall with ribbon, or turn two into a little wreath. They are heavy, so hang them from sturdy hooks, not thin branches. Lucky horseshoes are a fun bit of western Christmas decor with a story behind them. Want to start a horseshoe collection?

You will need: Clean horseshoes, red and white paint, painter’s tape, ribbon and strong wall hooks.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry the horseshoes. 2. Paint them white and let dry. 3. Tape diagonal stripes and paint red. 4. Remove the tape and add ribbon.

Galvanized Tub Tree Stand

In western Christmas decor, a galvanized tub hides the tree stand and gives the whole tree a farmhouse western look. Set the stand inside the tub and fill around it with burlap or a plaid blanket. Small trees can sit right inside a bucket. It is sturdy, simple and looks like it came straight from a ranch barn. Do you have an old washtub in the garage?

You will need: A galvanized tub big enough for the tree stand, burlap or a blanket and a few bricks for weight.

How to make it: 1. Place the tub where the tree will go. 2. Set the stand inside and add bricks for weight. 3. Put the tree in the stand. 4. Fill the gaps with burlap.

Saddle Blanket Tree Skirt

A woven saddle blanket makes a beautiful tree skirt with bold southwestern patterns. Simply fold it around the base of the tree, no sewing needed. The colors pair well with red ornaments and wooden beads. After the holidays, it goes back on a chair or the back of the couch. Pick one with red, cream and tan in the stripes, and it will tie the whole tree together. It is also soft enough for pets to nap on. Have you seen these blankets at your local farm store?

You will need: A woven saddle blanket or southwestern throw.

How to make it: 1. Fold the blanket in half. 2. Wrap it around the tree base. 3. Tuck the ends under. 4. Add a few wrapped presents.

Cowboy Boot Vase With Greenery

An old cowboy boot makes a charming vase. Put a jar inside and fill it with pine branches, red berries and a few cotton stems. It looks great on a porch step, a sideboard or by the front door. A worn, scuffed boot looks even better than a new one. Our highland cow Christmas decor gallery has even more farm style touches to pair with it. Who has an old pair to spare?

You will need: An old cowboy boot, a tall jar or plastic cup, pine branches, berries and cotton stems.

How to make it: 1. Slide the jar into the boot. 2. Add a little water if using fresh branches. 3. Arrange the pine first. 4. Add berries and cotton last.

Turquoise and Tan Western Christmas Decor

For a softer, desert style, try turquoise and tan. Turquoise ornaments, tan leather bows and cream ribbon look fresh and still feel western. This color scheme of western Christmas decor fits southwestern homes beautifully. It is a nice change if you are tired of plain red and green. Mix in a few tan felt stars and a string of warm LED lights. Soft colors like these photograph beautifully, too. Which room would you try it in?

You will need: Turquoise ornaments, tan and cream ribbon, small leather bows and wooden bead garland.

How to make it: 1. Light the tree. 2. Add wooden bead garland in loose swags. 3. Hang turquoise ornaments evenly. 4. Finish with tan bows.

Wagon Wheel Western Christmas Decor

Start with an old wheel like this one. A wagon wheel wreath is a showstopper on a barn door or porch wall. Wrap greenery around the outer rim, add pinecones and a big red bow at the hub. If you cannot find an old wheel, a round wooden frame with spokes works too. It is bold, rustic and perfect western Christmas decor for the outside of the home. Where would yours hang?

You will need: An old wagon wheel or round wooden frame, faux greenery, pinecones, floral wire and a large red bow.

How to make it: 1. Wrap greenery around the rim with floral wire. 2. Tuck in pinecones. 3. Tie the bow at the center. 4. Hang it on a strong hook.

Western Porch Sign With a Wreath

Finish the look outside with a rustic wooden sign leaning by the door, topped with a small wreath. Paint a simple Howdy or Merry Christmas on an old board, or leave it plain with a star. Add an LED lantern and a pair of boots for the full welcome. Guests will feel like they are arriving at a ranch. What will your sign say?

You will need: An old wood board, white paint, a stencil, a small wreath, an LED lantern and a pair of old boots.

How to make it: 1. Sand the board and wipe it clean. 2. Stencil your words in white paint. 3. Hang a small wreath at the top. 4. Set it by the door with the lantern and boots.