DIY Fall Scented Pinecones

DIY Fall Scented Pinecones

There’s just something about that first hint of fall that makes me want to make the whole house feel a little cozier. The windows are open, there’s a blanket tossed over the couch, and suddenly I want everything to smell like cinnamon.

I’m also a big believer that decorating for fall doesn’t have to mean buying a house full of new decorations every year. Sometimes the prettiest things are also the simplest.

That’s exactly why I love these DIY scented pinecones.

They’re easy, inexpensive, and look so pretty piled into a bowl with a few cinnamon sticks. I love that they feel a little imperfect and natural rather than like a perfectly styled store-bought centerpiece.

And the best part? They make the house smell like fall.

What You'll Need

You really don't need much for this one:

If you’re able to collect pinecones yourself, even better. Just make sure the ones you use are clean and completely dry before adding your oils.

How I Make My Scented Pinecones

This is one of those DIYs that sounds like it should have more steps than it actually does.

1. Put your dry pinecones in a large Ziploc bag.

I like using a mixture of different sizes and shapes. I actually think they look prettier when they don't all match.

2. Add 15–25 drops of cinnamon essential oil.

You don't need to completely coat the pinecones. I just add the drops throughout the bag so the scent isn't concentrated in one spot.

3. Add 5–10 drops of orange essential oil if you want a warmer fall scent.

This is optional, but I love the combination. The cinnamon still gives you that cozy fall smell, while the orange makes it feel a little warmer and softer.

4. Close the bag and give everything a good shake.

Nothing fancy here. Just shake and turn the bag around enough to help distribute the oils.

5. Leave the bag sealed overnight or for 1–2 days.

I usually just tuck mine away and come back to them the next day. Leaving them sealed gives the pinecones time to really take on the scent.

6. Take them out and put them in your bowl.

Making Them Look Pretty

This might actually be my favorite part.

I use a simple white ceramic bowl and loosely fill it with the scented pinecones. Then I tuck whole cinnamon sticks in between them.

I don't try to arrange every single pinecone perfectly. Some are upright, some are sideways, and the cinnamon sticks are scattered throughout. I want it to look like something I casually put together at home—not something that took an hour to style.

Set the bowl on the kitchen counter, dining table, coffee table or entryway and you have the easiest little piece of fall decor.

I love mine next to a warm burnt-orange waffle towel because it adds just enough fall color without making everything feel overly decorated.

When They Stop Smelling Like Cinnamon

Don't throw them away!

When I notice the scent starting to fade, I just add a few more drops of cinnamon essential oil. You can even put the pinecones back into the Ziploc bag, add a little more oil and leave them sealed overnight again.

It makes this one of those fall decorations you can keep using instead of replacing every year.

Simple Fall Things Are Usually My Favorite

I love decorating for fall, but I don't think every corner of the house needs pumpkins and signs to make it feel like the season.

Sometimes it's just a bowl of pinecones on the table, a cinnamon smell in the kitchen and a cozy towel tossed beside it.

It's simple, warm and feels like home.

And that's exactly how I like fall around here. 🤎

From Our Farm to Your Home,
Blue Willow Farm

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