Hey girl, listen up. You know those Christmas decorations you’ve been eyeing? Well, forget about dropping a fortune on store-bought stuff. I’ve got the inside scoop on 21 DIY Christmas decoration ideas that’ll make your place look like a winter wonderland without breaking the bank.
From cozy indoor vibes to jaw-dropping outdoor displays, these easy Christmas decor hacks cover it all.
We’re talking festive front door makeovers, porch prettiness, and high-end looking pieces you’d never guess were homemade.
Whether you’re decking out an apartment or a whole house, these fun and creative ideas will have you covered.
Plus, they’re perfect for getting your Christmas spirit on without the stress. So grab some hot cocoa and get ready to unleash your inner decorator. Trust me, your Christmas-loving self won’t want to miss this.
Unique Christmas Decorations Ideas
1. Pot Flowering Bulbs
Michael Partenio
Amaryllis blooms may be tried-and-true, but this display proves that it’s worth mixing it up with delicate paper whites. Create your own white Christmas by wrapping the containers in birch bark and scattering snow-spritzed pinecones.
2. Light Up the Mantel
Mike Garten
Grab a Sharpie, draw simple patterns on paper cups (kids can decorate them, too!), fill with moss and nestle a taper inside each. The result? Lovely caroler-style holders that add a glow to your space.
3. Make a Candy Centerpiece
Stephanie Stanley
A bowl of treats sounds appealing, but you can take the presentation to the next level by color-coding red, green and silver candy in a glass vase.
4. Give Ornaments a Different Use
French Country Cottage
Shiny ball ornaments don’t just look good on trees — they actually make for a lovely holiday centerpiece, tucked neatly into a bowl full of greens.
See more at French Country Cottage »
5. Dangle Shiny Ornaments
On Sutton Place
If there are too many ornaments for the tree, add any leftovers to an evergreen garland. Use different shapes and sizes for a more creative display.
6. Revamp the Coffee Table
MIchael Partenio
Nix the traditional candy dish and dress up a plain tray with peppermint puffs. Light a few candles and your centerpiece is complete.
7. Plant a Row of Trees
MIchael Partenio
Plunked in galvanized pails, spruce seedlings add greenery to mantels, bookshelves and tables. Add some sparkle by securing ornaments to a bead garland with floral wire.
8. Accessorize Candleholders
Michael Partenio
Glass candleholders can be used all year long, but trimming them with ribbon and buttons get votives ready for the holidays. Just glue on leftovers after wrapping gifts.
9. Style Some Stockings
Stacey Brandford
Dress up store-bought stockings by adding ball fringe or ribbon with a glue gun. Stick to stockings in the same color, as shown here, or feel free to go for a multicolored arrangement.
10. Get a Mini Tree
Domestically Speaking
A small version of your large Christmas tree perfectly fits any tabletop. Instead of a traditional star, try a neat bow as the topper.
See more at Domestically Speaking »
11. Convert Glass Bottles Into Candle Holders
Mike Garten
Rather than tossing your wine or beverage bottles, turn them into elegant holiday decor. Place evergreens into bottles and fill with water, adding a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color. Rub sticky candle wax to the bottom of a taper candle and place it in the bottle opening. Then, just remember to replace the water every few days to keep greens looking fresh.
12. Use Pantry Items for Garlands
Mike Garten
Thread a needle and sturdy monofilament through leftover pantry items like popcorn, dried fruits, bay leaves or candy to create a one-of-a-kind garland. For an unexpected twist, loop decorative ribbon around pretzels and dried pasta. Once the holidays are over, remove the monofilament or ribbon and pop the pantry items into a compost bin.
13. Turn Artwork Into Presents
Mike Garten
Disguise artwork by wrapping it with a big, beautiful bow — instant holiday decor that doesn’t cost a thing. Simply cut a length of ribbon and wrap around the frame as you would a gift.
14. Decorate Your Own Wreath
Mike Garten
Upgrade a pine wreath by layering in faux and dried foliage and flowers. Simply lay the bundles on your evergreen wreath and wrap wire around to secure, following the direction of the evergreens. Overlap bundles to hide any visible wires and don’t forget to add a bow made from decorative ribbon.
15. Display a Christmas Village
Sean Litchfield
Put your china into storage for the holiday season and instead, show off your holiday village, complete with ceramic white houses, wooden Christmas trees and fresh garlands. Designer Becky Shea suggests: “Incorporate garland on surfaces such as window sills, cabinets, tabletop centerpieces, none of which require you to drill for support and can be easily taken down.”
16. Create Christmas Tree Place Settings
Mike Garten
These origami-inspired napkins are sure to strike up a conversation during Christmas dinner. Once you fold a cloth napkin into the shape of a Christmas tree, decorate it with miniature ornaments.
17. Gild a Candle Holder
Mike Garten
Upcycle old or thrifted glass jars into elegant candle holders using gold leaf sheets, which is a surprisingly simple project. Begin with a clean surface, then lightly cover the area with adhesive using a paint brush. After the adhesive turns clear, place a sheet of gold leaf over the area and lightly smooth it with your handles. Keep adding sheets until you’re pleased with your design.
18. Frame a Doorway With Garland
SARAH ALSATI
Use multiple extra-large Command hooks to drape lush garlands around a doorway. Here, Grace Frederick Design ensures no hooks can be seen by layering in colorful ribbons and bows.
19. Apply Gold Leaf to… Anything
mike garten
Add a glamorous touch to your holiday decor by experimenting with gold leaf sheets. Apply gold leaf to actual dried leaves or faux leaves to upgrade a table setting, decorate a mantel or add to a holiday garland.
20. Build Snowman Shelves
It’s Always Autumn
Turn a hexagon shelf set into an adorable snowman figure, perfect for displaying a woodland scene. With the help of a hot glue gun, you can complete this project in well under two hours.
Get the tutorial at It’s Always Autumn »
21. Tie a Bow on… Everything
Mike Garten
Add a seasonal touch to your holiday table by quickly tying a bow on stemmed glassware, candle holders and a bundle of flatware. A silky ribbon in a jewel-toned hue can make all the difference.
22. Cut Out Paper Snowflakes
mike garten
Hang paper snowflakes of various shapes and sizes from the ceiling in a hallway, the railing of a staircase or the molding around a doorway to create a winter wonderland. Use a bit of double-sided tape and stick them to walls and windows. Keep in mind: You don’t need to limit yourself to white paper — consider silver, gold, light blue or even a vibrant hue!
23. Embellish a Simple Wreath
Troy Thies Photography
Turn a simple pine wreath into a unique display by adding citrus fruits and a blush ribbon. Take note from Kate O’Hara, CEO and creative director of Martha O’Hara Interiors, by hanging it on the bookshelf.
24. Forge for Pinecones
Mike Garten
If your backyard is covered in ’em, turn them into adorable homemade ornaments. Using sturdy floral clippers, cut off the bottom half of a pinecone. After you make a few cuts, twist until the pinecone breaks. Hot glue the bottom of the pinecone to a round wooden disk, then glue a ribbon loop on the back for hanging.
25. Make a Cranberry Garland
The House That Lars Built
Rather than spending money on a garland, why not craft one from fresh cranberries? All you’ll need is a dark-colored string, tapestry needle, cranberries and a pair of scissors — you don’t need to be an expert crafter for this one!
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
26. Style a Festive Bar Cart
Emily Henderson Design; Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Ensure your bar cart is fit for holiday entertaining by adding festive touches like a decorated tabletop tree. Add a bunch of candy canes for your houseguests to enjoy as they walk by.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
27. Go for a Reindeer Tablescape
Evin Krehbiel
This sophisticated dining room by HomeGoods Style Expert Jenny Reimold features natural colors, metal reindeer silverware and faux fir wreaths at each place setting. Her advice: “to make a space more cohesive, replicate your larger-than-life theme on a smaller scale with a top-notch tablescape.”
28. Deck Out Your Mantel
Danielle Daly
If you’re short on storage space, DIY your own paper garland, holly berries and all. That way, once the season wraps, you can take it off your mantel or banister and lay it flat until next December.
29. Round Up Vintage Bulbs
Danielle Daly
Head to your local flea market (or grandma’s attic!) to find a bunch of festive-colored bulbs. Then, glue them around a wreath form, dusting a few bulbs with glitter as you go along.
30. Bring Reindeer to Your Table
Mike Garten
Make these friendly-faced reindeer fit for the occasion by covering their antlers with gold and silver glitter. Dot them around your mantel, bookshelf or table throughout the month, then use them as place card holders for your holiday feast.
31. Triple the Wreaths
Mike Garten
Why only decorate with one wreath, when three looks can be even more festive? Pin a trio of all-green wreaths to your front door to impress your neighbors and houseguests.
32. Get Festive With Felt
Danielle Daly
Turn your dining room table into a forest of Christmas trees by placing a felt cut-out at every setting. Use this pattern to ensure that everything is uniform and the flatware slides through easily.
33. Trade Stockings for Mugs
Max Kin-Bee
Perhaps, it’s time to start a new tradition: This year, keep your stockings packed away and round up matching Christmas mugs, one for each family member. Fill them with sweet treats, tiny trinkets or whatever else Santa normally leaves behind.
34. DIY a Christmas Card Tree
Brian Woodcock
You probably receive a countless number of Christmas cards (which isn’t a bad thing), so pick the very best to display on your wall. Arrange them in a Christmas tree shape for a festive look.
35. Award Your Family Members
Brian Woodcock
Considering all of the times you snagged prize ribbons as a kid, there’s no reason why you can’t find a spot for some on your Christmas tree. String a collection of colorful ribbons together to make a playful garland.
36. Put Holiday Cards on Display
Danielle Daly
Tie a trio of fresh greens to a wooden hanger and display it somewhere within reach, so you can clip on Christmas cards as soon as they arrive.
37. Hang Mini Wreaths
It All Started with Paint
When it comes to mini wreaths, the more, the merrier. Use red and white striped ribbon to hang adorable pine wreaths from kitchen cabinets. Hint: Use an upside-down Command hook on the inside of the cabinet door to secure ribbons.
See more at It All Started with Paint »
38. Use Popsicle Sticks to Make a Wreath
Mike Garten
Start with a rounded foam wreath (we suggest a 12″ one). Paint about 50 small and 20 to 30 large popsicle sticks in three different shades of green before you start layering and hot gluing this adorable creation together. Finish it off with a beautiful red bow.
39. Craft Your Own “Tree”
Mike Garten
Use yarn to style an abstract version of a Christmas tree onto an empty wall. Enlist your kids to dress it to the nines with paper-circle “ornaments” and felt attached with tape.
40. DIY a Rope Tree Collar
A Beautiful Mess
That old red tree skirt you’ve been using? Store it for next year and try a monochromatic rope collar instead, like this one made from cotton rope and jute cord.
See more at A Beautiful Mess »
41. Decorate a Tabletop Tree
Brian Woodcock
A diminutive tree feels just as majestic as an eight-footer when perched atop a table. Bonus: Santa will love the space beneath the table for stashing larger gifts!
42. Build a Makeshift Fireplace
Mike Garten
No fireplace? No problem! Attach this cloth wall hanging, hang stockings with care and easily remove it once the festivities are over.
43. Go for the Candy Effect
Brian Woodcock
Skip the traditional red and green, and opt for candy-colored ornaments instead. Add some candy canes and peppermint garland for good measure.
44. Have Fun With Santa
Marcus Nilsson
Once Santa does his yearly duties, he can let his hair (or beard?) down. Show everyone his true colors — red, white and wild — with a cute, mantel-ready display.
45. Deck the Walls
Mike Garten
When you have too many gifts underneath the tree, it’s time to get creative. Enter this gift-covered bookshelf, complete with matching wrapping paper and black, white and silver touches.
We hope these DIY Christmas decoration ideas have inspired you to get creative and add your own personal touch to your holiday decor.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a space that brings you joy. With a little time, effort, and imagination, you can create a beautiful and festive home that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Happy holidays!