45 Elegant Christmas Decorations Ideas

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Written By Olivia Miller

Author at Montessori Expert.

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

Birch Wrapped Paperwhites- Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Christmas Crafts - Paper Cup Candle Holders

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

Candy Vase - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Ornament Bowl - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Ornament Banner - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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.

See more at On Sutton Place »

6. Revamp the Coffee Table

Tray With Peppermints and Candles - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Christmas Topiaries - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Embellished Hurricane Candles - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

holiday fireplace christmas decoration ideas

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

Christmas Tree Table - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

evergreen candle sticks

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

garlands made from pantry items

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

frames wrapped in red ribbon

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

dressed wreath from afloral

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

a wooden cabinet with 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

christmas tree napkin

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.

Get the tutorial »

17. Gild a Candle Holder

gold leaf 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

how to hang 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

diy christmas gold leaves on pine tree branch

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

snowmen 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

table setting with purple ribbons

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

easy 3d snowflakes, paper cut snowflakes, folded paper, christmas decor, christmas diy, holiday decor, winter decor

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!

Download the pattern »

23. Embellish a Simple Wreath

diy christmas decorations

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

pinecone ornament

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

christmas cranberry garland on mantel

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

christmas 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

christmas tabletop decor

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

paper christmas garland, green

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

christmas decoration ideas

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

reindeer place card holders

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

front door decorated for christmas painted tin bucket, painted christmas tree floor mat, three tier wreath holiday decor

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

green felt christmas tree place setting on red table

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

christmas decoration ideas

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

christmas decoration ideas, christmas card display

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

christmas decoration ideas

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

christmas decoration ideas garland hanger

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

Kitchen - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

christmas crafts popsicle 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”

Tree - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

Rope Tree Collar - Christmas Decoration Ideas

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

christmas decorating

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

Christmas Decoration Ideas - Mural 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

Christmas Decoration Ideas- Pink and Blue Tree

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

Christmas Decoration Ideas - Santa Village

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

Christmas Decoration Ideas - Bookshelves

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!