Nothing says cozy Christmas like a warm glow from candlelight. This year, I decided to create a unique centerpiece for my Christmas mantle that would feel natural, rustic, and completely festive. The solution? Tree stump candle holders. They’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and bring a touch of woodland charm straight into your home.
The inspiration came from a stack of leftover logs I had sitting around from an old tree I lost in a windstorm a few years ago. I’d always intended to repurpose them, but never found the right project – until now. With a few tools and minimal effort, these logs transformed into charming DIY Christmas Candle Holders, perfect for Christmas decorating.
If you love DIY projects that are both functional and decorative, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own Christmas tree stump candle holders, plus some ideas on styling them for the holidays.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Drill
- 1 1/2″ wood boring drill bit
- Hand saw or miter saw
- Tea light candles
- Boxwood wreath, evergreen sprigs, or leftover Christmas tree branches
- Optional accents: holly, cinnamon sticks, small ornaments, or faux snow
Step 1 | Choose and Prep Your Logs
Pick logs with a diameter of at least 4″ for stability.
Wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
Trim any protruding branches with a saw to create a smooth surface. A jigsaw works well, but a handsaw is perfectly fine.
Step 2 | Cut Logs to Varying Heights
Cut the logs into different heights – around 3″, 5″, 7″, and 9″.
This creates a visually interesting arrangement when you stand them upright.
Make sure your cuts are perpendicular to the log so your candle holders don’t tip over.
Step 3 | Drill Candle Holders
Use the 1 1/2″ wood boring drill bit to create holes for your tea lights.
Drill to a depth of about 1/2″, checking that the tea light sits flush with the surface.
This ensures a clean, professional look.
Step 4 | Bring Them Indoors and Arrange
Place your tree stump candle holders on a Christmas mantle or use them as a centerpiece for your table.
I like arranging mine on my Christmas mantle and is an easy way to add some rustic Christmas vibes to my fireplace.
Use a natural garland of evergreens similar to the one above along the mantle and nestle the stumps within.
Step 5 | Add Festive Accents
Enhance your display with cinnamon sticks, holly, small ornaments, or a sprinkle of faux snow. Keep it simple for a minimalist woodland look, or go all out for a lush, festive mantle decor.
Step 6 | Light Up and Enjoy
Once your tea lights are in place, step back and admire the warm glow. These DIY tree stump candle holders not only bring cozy ambiance to your table, but they also make a charming conversation starter for holiday guests.
Styling Ideas for Christmas Candle Holder Arrangements
- 1 | Rustic Woodland – Pair your stumps with pinecones and evergreen sprigs for a forest-inspired table.
- 2 | Sparkle & Shine – Add small ornaments, glittered branches, or metallic accents for a modern holiday twist.
- 3 | Minimalist Charm – Use just a few stumps with tea lights and a simple wreath for understated elegance.
- 4 | Edible Touch – Surround the stumps with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried oranges for a sensory experience.
- 5 | Layered Heights – Use your varying stump heights to create a layered centerpiece that’s visually dynamic.
This project is beginner-friendly, takes under an hour, and can easily be customized to fit your own holiday style.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reuse wood and bring a touch of nature indoors.
Whether you’re looking for some Christmas mantle decor inspo or wanting a Christmas centerpiece for your table, these DIY tree stump candle holders add warmth & charm to your holiday décor.
Looking for ways to style your Christmas mantle on a budget? Check out our post Easy & Affordable Mantle Christmas Decor Ideas for a Cozy Holiday Fireplace
