How to Make a Bottlebrush Tree Centerpiece

In this post – step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful bottlebrush tree centerpiece.

Do you have a collection of bottlebrush trees? Are you looking for an attractive way to display them? If so, I have the perfect DIY for you!

Bottlebrush Tree Centerpiece Inspiration

Inspired by this Pottery Barn bottlebrush tree centerpiece, this project requires only a few items and a couple of hours to complete. It’s the perfect way to display all of those cute bottlebrush trees!

Supplies Needed

Bottlebrush Trees

I was lucky to come across a set of 21 bottlebrush trees on clearance last year at Michaels. You can find bottlebrush trees everywhere this time of year, and they are typically not that expensive. Amazon also has a good selection, including this set of 30 bottlebrush trees.

30Pcs Christmas Decorations Mini Christmas Trees

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I mixed the trees from Michaels with some I purchased online several years ago. Mixing the color and shape of the trees makes the display even more interesting, so don’t be afraid to combine different kinds of trees in your display.

Other supplies

Besides bottlebrush trees, you will also need:

• One wooden board measuring approximately 24” x 6” x 1” (I bought a 6’ board at Home Depot and cut it)
• 1 bag of Spanish moss
• glue gun and glue sticks (I absolutely love this mini cordless one!)
• black spray paint (or any dark color – I used black to match my dining table)
• spray snow for flocking
• battery operated fairy lights
• Optional: small pine cones or other decor

SuperMoss (26911) Spanish Moss Dried, Natural, 8 Ounces

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Surebonder Cordless/Corded High-Temperature Mini Hot Glue Gun

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Krylon® Décor Selects Paint + Primer, Gloss, Black, 6 oz

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Santa – Snow – 9oz

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Fairy Lights Battery Operated, 1 Pack Mini Battery Powered

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Step 1: Prep the board

To start, use the black spray paint to completely cover one side and the edges of the board. The paint doesn’t need to be perfect because it will be mostly covered by the moss. Allow to dry completely.

Step 2: Add moss

Once the paint is dry, use hot glue to cover the top of the board with the moss. Use a generous amount of glue and gently pat the moss onto the board. It’s ok if some of it is only loosely attached. Trim the moss around the sides as necessary.

Step 3: Add flocking

Use the flocking spray to add “snow” to the moss. Tip: this spray needs to be at room temperature in order to dry, so use it in a warm area. Allow to dry. You can spray on more snow after adding the trees if needed.

Step 4: Arrange trees

Before gluing the trees to the board, I recommend arranging them to your liking next to the board first. Check to see that the display looks good from both sides. I recommend arranging the tallest trees first in the middle, then fill in with shorter trees toward the ends. The smallest trees can be used to fill in gaps around the larger ones.

Step 5: Glue trees

Glue down the largest trees first, by nestling them in holes in the moss that you create with your fingers. The tree bases should sit on the board and not on the moss. Use enough glue so that they don’t tip over.

Some of the flocking may be knocked off of the moss while gluing the trees down. Don’t worry, you can add more at the end if you like.

Step 6: Add fairy lights

Nestle one or two fairy light battery packs in the middle of the display, or tuck them under some moss. Wind the lights gently around the trees, working from the center to the ends.

Step 7: (Optional) Add more flocking or other decorative items

If the moss needs additional flocking, use the spray to add more. The trees I used were already flocked, but the spray can be used to flock them as well if you like. Tip: Add the flocking spray to the trees BEFORE adding the fairy lights. Allow flocking to dry completely before adding the lights.

A Brief History of Bottlebrush Trees as Christmas Decor

Have you ever wondered how these cute little trees became a staple of modern Christmas decor?

The popularity of bottlebrush trees as Christmas decorations can be traced back to the mid-20th century, particularly during the 195s and 196s. Originating in Japan, these miniature trees were initially crafted from synthetic materials such as flocked plastic or wire, designed to resemble the dense, spiky foliage of natural bottlebrush plants. Their compact size and vibrant colors made them ideal for tabletop displays and holiday arrangements.

During this period, the post-war economic boom led to increased consumer interest in home decor and festive embellishments. Manufacturers began producing a variety of bottlebrush trees in different sizes and colors, making them accessible and appealing to a broad audience. Their whimsical appearance complemented the traditional Christmas aesthetic, often used alongside miniature villages and other holiday figurines.

The enduring charm of these trees was further solidified by their versatility; they could be easily incorporated into various decorating styles, from nostalgic vintage setups to modern minimalist arrangements. Over time, bottlebrush trees became a nostalgic symbol of holiday cheer, maintaining their popularity through decades as a beloved element of Christmas decor.

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