A Winter Nesting Tree extends the twinkle season with bird ornaments, snowy nests, pinecones, and soft white lights — a cozy way to brighten the house in January and February.
Happy Monday, I hope you’re staying warm and cozy!
I’m continuing the tradition of our Winter Nesting Tree this year, which honestly, I look forward to it just as much as decorating for Christmas! Keeping a tree up through January and February makes the house feel warmer and more welcoming during a time of year that can otherwise feel a little dark and dreary.
Turning on the tree in the mornings and again in the evenings has become part of my winter routine. There’s something about that soft glow of lights that instantly makes everything feel cozier, and it’s good for my mental health! When winter days feel long, a little sparkle goes a long way. ✨
Why I Keep a Winter Nesting Tree After Christmas
Once the holidays are packed away, winter still has a lot of days left. Keeping a winter tree up helps ease that transition from Christmas into the rest of the season without everything feeling bare or blah.
In contrast to holiday décor, our Winter Nesting Tree feels calm and comforting, as it’s more about nature, texture, and light. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the quieter pace of winter.
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Bird-Inspired Winter Nesting Tree Decor
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know how much I love winter birding, so it felt natural to bring that love indoors with our Winter Nesting Tree.
The tree is filled with bird ornaments collected over the years, along with glittery nests, snowflakes, icy branches, snowy white ribbon, and pinecones.
The overall look is soft, wintry, and a little woodland-inspired. . . like a cozy place birds might actually choose to nest for the season!
How I Decorate Our Winter Nesting Tree
I don’t overthink this tree. I decorate it in layers and take my time, starting with the big elements and working my way down to the details. That keeps it from feeling too fussy and makes the process enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Winter Tree Ribbon Ideas for Cozy Texture
I always start with ribbon which sets the tone for the entire tree.
I use six rolls of wired white faux fur ribbon (3 yards each) from Michaels, wrapping it horizontally around the tree to give it softness and texture.
Next, I add snowy white sparkling ribbon bands I found for 50% off at Hobby Lobby. These 15-foot bands have some memory and a bit of curl, which makes them easy to tuck into the branches and let drape naturally.
I used five rolls for my 7½-foot tree, spacing them so they add sparkle and movement.
Adding Nests, Pinecones & Icy Winter Details
Once the ribbon is in, I start filling in with texture and sparkle:
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Glittery pinecone sprays
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Icy branches; some cut apart for the top of the tree
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Snowflakes and pinecone ornaments
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Glittery and snowy nests
These are the pieces that really make the tree feel “wintry.” They add depth and interest without straying from the soft, neutral palette.
Bird Ornaments for a Winter Nesting Tree
Bird ornaments I’ve collected over the years flock to the branches, looking for a cozy place to roost & nest for winter!
Other than the occasional new bird or snowflake, the tree doesn’t change much from year to year.
A couple of new owls joined my growing parliament this year.
Most of my owl ornaments came from Hobby Lobby over the years (their Christmas ornaments are 50% off starting in October and sell out quickly!). I especially love bird and owl ornaments with feather details.
Whooooo knew there were so many different kinds of owls? 🦉
You can see my parliament gathered together at a whimsical ‘Owl Be Your Valentine’ table.
DIY Nest and Bird Ornaments for Winter Decorating
Some of my favorite ornaments on the tree are the handmade ones. . .
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DIY Winter Nest Ornaments, an easy and fun craft project you can see HERE.
- DIY Nesting Owl Ornaments were a fun Christmas in July craft project.
- Air-dry clay ornaments made with simple molds for birds, owls, and pinecones (full tutorial HERE)
- DIY Owl Ornaments: A Hoot to Make! Pine cones, acorn caps and other foraged materials add woodland details and some affordable natural charm.
The tree is home to a sweet mix of feathered friends . . .
Black-capped chickadees . . .
A Titmouse . . .
Nuthatches. . .
Woodpeckers . . .
Along with a few unidentified varieties that seem to have happily flocked together for winter.
Many of the birds are embellished with flowers and pearls, sequins and feathers, glitter and cardstock wings, and tiny pinecones.
Each one has its own personality, which makes the tree feel collected rather than styled.
Extending the Twinkle Season Through January and February
The Winter Nesting Tree isn’t about doing something new every year. It’s about comfort, familiarity, and letting winter unfold at its own pace.
When the holidays are over but winter isn’t quite ready to leave, this tree helps bridge the gap. It adds warmth, light, and a little bit of joy — and reminds me that even the quiet season deserves a little sparkle. 🌲🕊️
FAQ: Winter Nesting Tree Decorating
How long do you keep a Winter Nesting Tree up?
As long as winter feels like winter! I usually keep my tree up through January and February, taking it down when the days start feeling brighter and spring feels closer. Note: I use an artificial tree so there’s no potential risk of fire as there might be from live tree that is dry.
Is a Winter Nesting Tree different from a Christmas tree?
Yes. A Winter Nesting Tree skips holiday-specific décor and focuses on birds, nests, pinecones, snowflakes, and soft neutral tones, making it feel seasonal.
What colors work best for a Winter Nesting Tree?
I stick with whites, creams, soft silvers, and natural browns. A little sparkle adds interest without making it feel too “Christmasy.”
Do you buy new ornaments every year?
Not really. Most of my ornaments have been collected over time. Adding one new bird or snowflake each year is more than enough to keep the tree feeling special.
If you decorate a winter or seasonal tree too, I’d love to know!
If you don’t, maybe this will inspire you to let the twinkle season last a little longer for cozy winter nesting.
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I love this idea! We adore our feather friends and what a great way to celebrate them! Thank you, I plan on doing this and making it a tradition as well!
You are certainly blessed with the gift of creativity & it shows in how you decorate anything. This winter bird tree is no exception. Most of the birds that I have came from my parents who were my biggest influence in appreciating our little winged friends. I don’t have any that sparkle though, as I am trying to avoid any more things that have glitter on them, including Christmas cards! Great job!
This is beautiful. I love this idea for keeping the tree up longer. It almost makes me want to put another tree up! LOL
I always love seeing your Winter nesting Tree…Many years ago, it inspired me to do several smaller Winter Trees…Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble blog
You are such an inspiration, as always! It feels so dark and sad without the twinkling lights and sparkling Christmas decor. This is a great motivator. Thank you so much for sharing 🦉💖
Mary, this is Beautiful and very cozy. Perfect to shed sparkle and light to 2 of the darker months of the year.
Thank you for sharing, Kathy
Your tree is lovely. I’m so glad you are keeping your tree up. I was hesitant, but decided to put all the ornaments away and just keep the lights on. I might put hearts on it soon…. You are right -I love turning the tree on when we get up , and then again in the evening. It really does boost our mood. We need all the light we can get these days!
Xo
Some years ago I read your post about your winter nesting tree. My sister gave me a grapevine tree and I use that to hang my bird ornaments, snowflakes and soft silver ornaments. The glow of the lights brings cheer throughout January and February. In February I add a few heart shaped ornaments. Your tree is so lovely and I look forward to decorating my tree each new year.
I do something very similar. I use all white owls, snowflakes and crystal icicles. It really brightens up some of those dreary days in January.
❤️ ot!!!!! franki
Another magnificent creation! Love the ribbon you used! If I found that ribbon it would always be sitting in a box or cabinet because I wouldn’t know what to do with it. You are so inspiring!
What a great idea! I love it!
I love, well, everything you do, Mary! It brings me joy to see it all. But I’ve just got to say I turned 70 last year and I’m not sure if “enjoyable rather than overwhelming” as far as my decorating efforts go is ever going to exist again for me. LOL!!! After 40+ years of collecting all manner of seasonal decor I’m drowning in it. I’ve always loved it and it’s always been my thing. But now I’m usually too pooped to put it all out and then take it back down. I guess I need a new attitude along with some new knees and hips….and maybe some Geritol! Ha!
I have always loved this tree and it inspired me several years ago to do one. A great way to get through the dark days of winter! Keep the great ideas coming Mary! We need you more than ever!
Mary, you inspired me to have a winter nesting tree in my sunroom but I enjoyed it starting in December. I plan to leave it up through February. I’m really enjoying the birds, nests, sparkles and ribbons I used on the tree. I also put silver snowflake medallions that I have collected through the years! Thanks for the idea of a winter nesting tree!!
Your twinkling nesting tree is so calming, Mary. I love how you style it with the beautiful ribbons and topper. All the birdie ornaments must be fun to pull out each year and they require no feeding! I really want to make some of those nests as they’re so adorable. Happy twinkling week, Mary! ❤️
Mary, what a fun and inspiring tree. It’s a perfect idea for the cold and dreary days of winter here in Colorado. Thanks for the beautiful idea!!! I love all the owls! 😉
Mary, I love your winter nesting tree. I will be doing the same thing. I had forgotten about the ribbon. Thank you for posting your beautiful tree and the tutorial! I collected more ornaments this year after Christmas. We’ve enjoyed a lot of warmer weather the past few weeks which is unusual, but I do believe we’ll begin winter in earnest this week as it’s getting colder again. Have a great week! Clara❤️
So fun to decorate a tree with birds and nests. Love the twinkling lights. The owls are so adorable. The ribbon really makes the tree pop. Happy winter Mary.
Mary you are always an inspiration and just plain fun. Thank you
Love this cozy idea! I always take down the Christmas tree but leave the mantle lighted garland up until after Valentine’s Day…this year I’ll use your idea and just take off the holiday decor and leave (and maybe add some) the snowmen, snowflakes and birds. Thank you again for posting this! Still waiting for snow here in Central Oregon…
Wish I had read this when I was younger, lol. We use a live tree so I don’t think I can do this, but it is such a great idea. Your tree is beautiful and restful. Just the kind of winter decor you want.
Mary, this is one of my favorite shares I look forward to each January. One day, I want to create a nesting tree for my home, perhaps a smaller version. I need to think through the bird ornaments I have in my collection. Many are of course owls! Not all are suitable for a nesting tree in beautiful neutrals. I’ll assess today as I take down my Christmas tree. I do keep up a small tabletop woodland tree that I began a few years ago. It’s a special tree dedicated to the original miniature oil paintings that a friend paints for me. I add three each year. They are exquisite work, each framed in decorative brass frames. Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve shared this post with friends who will appreciate everything about this post. Enjoy your quiet moments by this exquisite tree.
I never get tired of seeing this tree! I’ve been collecting stuff to do one for myself. I usually just do snowflakes and snowmen on my winter tree so I just to need to either add some birds or swap them for the snowmen.
Mary, your Winter Tree is absolutely beautiful! I just love it and next year, I am going to have one! Will start to collect some ornaments for it when I see them! Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous tree with us! I love your posts and seeing your precious little dogs!
Love this idea and what a gorgeous winter tree! So much detail yet it’s not overwhelming. There’s one bird towards the top that is just beautiful, it’s silvery/white with real looking feathers around its neck and breast. Thanks for the inspiration.
I also have a “winter” tree up in January…I take all the Christmasy ornaments off a few days after Christmas and leave the white lights, snowmen ornaments and white crocheted snowflakes that my mom made for me 40some years ago…some of them are beginning to turn yellow 😵💫 but they aren’t too bad yet! I also have a cute wooden sign with a snow family on it that says “Winter Blessings”. I love having the white lights on for another month! Although I don’t think my husband would agree to keeping it up in February! Since we live in Texas we usually don’t have a very long winter… but I still love it!
🎵Gor🎵geous!! Oh my, yes, you inspire me. Do I have a winter tree? No, but i tolerate winter while looking forward to your winter tree display. I love everything about it.
Mary, I always look forward to your winter nesting tree. It certainly adds sparkle to the dark and drab days of winter. I love all of your bird ornaments and am especially fond of the owls. Maybe one year, I will try a nesting tree. I know we would enjoy it! Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous tree and the DIY’s!
Cheery, fun. Will happily help get you through these dreary winter months
Mary, I’m so glad you decided to continue your winter tree tradition! The tree is lovely, and so calm and serene. The twinkly lights must look so pretty in the evening. Your feathered friends and their nests, pine cones, and snowflakes are all adorable and I especially love the bird DIY ones (I must pop back and see how you made the sweater owls (soo cute)). Love the curly ribbon too and what a great idea. Thank you for sharing your pretty tree and happy January!
Hey Mary, I love your nesting winter tree. I too followChristmas with winter decor. I have two small flocked trees, one with cardinals and one with miniature snowmen. This year I am adding a very slim flocked pencil tree for my den, using my many snowmen ornaments usually used on my Christmas tree. I love the white lights and twinkles they bring. As you may remember, I live only about 80 miles from you, so you are aware that snow in Piedmont NC is a rarity. We have to make our own snowy scenes in our homes.
What a beautiful tree to have. It makes those long winter months soothing and cozy. I enjoyed seeing all your ornaments. So many special birds, nests, snowflakes, and sparkle! I enjoyed your tutorial on clay ornaments. So lovely!
Enjoy the sparkle, dear friend!
I absolutely ADORE your winter bird tree. It is stunning, Mary.
Mary, I would love to share my winter tree with you, it’s beautiful all cardinals and tea cups. However, I’m not sure how to do so.
Cathy
Mary, I would love to share my winter tree with you but unsure how to do so. It is beautiful all cardinals and tea cups.
Cathy