DIY Tutorial:

The Navy & Red Farmhouse Christmas Centerpiece

Difficulty: Easy Time: 15–20 Minutes

We are stepping away from traditional green and red this year and embracing a cozy, cabin-inspired look. By mixing deep navy blue velvet with rustic red plaid and galvanized metal, you get a centerpiece that feels both masculine and elegant—perfect for a family room coffee table.

What You’ll Need (Supply List)

• The Base: A long, rectangular galvanized metal tray (approx. 24-30 inches long).

• The Lighting:

  • Rechargeable Flameless Glass Pillar Candles x3

• The Ribbon (The Secret Ingredient):

  • 1-inch wide Navy Blue Velvet ribbon.

  • 2-inch wide Red Tartan/Plaid ribbon.

  • Double-sided tape or a hot glue gun.

• The Lighting:

  • Rechargeable Flameless Glass Pillar Candles x3

• The Anchors:

  • 1 Ceramic Santa figurine

  • 1 Small barn house. Or something similar

• The Greenery & Fillers:

  • Garland or loose stems of Norfolk Pine and Eucalyptus.

  • Red berry sprigs.

  • Pinecones (natural or scented).

  • Faux red apples.

  • Shatterproof ornaments in matte navy blue and vintage red.

Step 1: Dress the Candles

Before we arrange anything, let's customize the candles. This is what ties the color scheme together.

1. Take your clear glass cylinder vases.

2. Wrap a strip of the Red Plaid ribbon around the center of the glass. Secure it at the back with double-sided tape or a small dot of hot glue.

3. Layer the thinner Navy Blue Velvet ribbon directly on top of the velvet, centered perfectly. Secure it at the back.

4. Place your ivory pillar candles inside the vases.

Step 2: Set the Foundation

Place your galvanized metal tray on your table. If you are using fresh greenery, you might want to line the bottom with a paper towel or plastic liner, but for faux stems, just place them directly on the metal.

Step 3: Establish the Focal Points

• Place the three candle vases in the center of the tray, spacing them out slightly.

• On the far left side, place the Santa figurine.

• On the far right side, place the Barn

• Tip: Placing these large items first ensures you have enough room for them before the greenery takes over.

  Step 4: Layer the Greenery

Now, fill in the empty spaces.

• Weave your Norfolk Pine and Eucalyptus stems around the base of the candles and the figurines.

• Allow some of the greenery to "spill over" the edges of the metal tray to soften the industrial look of the galvanized metal.

Step 5: Add Texture & Volume

This is where the "harvest" feel comes in. Nest the faux red apples and pinecones into the greenery. Try to group them in odd numbers (like a cluster of pinecones on one side and an apple on the other) for a natural look.

Step 6: The Pop of Color

Finally, add the shine!

• Tuck the Navy Blue ornaments deep into the greenery so they look like they are resting comfortably.

• Add the Vintage Red ornaments near the surface to catch the light.

• Finish by poking in the red berry sprigs to add height and dimension.

  Styling Tip

To get that warm, flickering glow seen in the photo without the fire hazard, use battery-operated flameless candles with a remote. They give off the same cozy ambiance and won't heat up the glass or the ribbon!

Not sure if Navy and Red is right for you?

If you prefer a softer, more muted palette, check out my guide on

Rustic Denim blue & Blush Pink Christmas. It’s the perfect alternative for a dreamy, romantic farmhouse vibe!