90 Easy DIY Christmas Decorations

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.

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.

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.

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.

SHOP WREATH

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.”

SHOP VILLAGE HOUSES

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.

SHOP RIBBON

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 »

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.

SHOP PINE WREATH

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 »

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.

SHOP GOLD LEAF SHEETS

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.

Put greenery sprigs on display in a tall glass vase, a perfect yet subtle way to decorate in the kitchen. To complete the look, PURE Design fills a bowl with pinecones.

Use sturdy ribbon to secure tiny wreaths to the backs of your dining chairs — whether you decorate just the armchairs at each head or every seat.

See more at Kaleidoscope Living »

Turn an old glass jar into a shimmering holiday scene. Once you’ve cleaned the glass, fill it with bottle-brush trees and animal figurines. Glue down all elements with silicone glue, then spoon in glitter and/or fake snow. Fill the jar with distilled water, add a few drops of glycerin and stir. When you’re content with your creation, glue on the lid.

If you’re short on ornaments, no problem — fill in the gaps on your Christmas tree with tons of tinsel. Use a mix of gold and silver to keep it classic, or experiment with a bold hue.

SHOP TINSEL

See more at Bless’er House »

Before you throw out those old lightbulbs, consider this adorable craft. Hot glue twine (we used sage green and metallic gold) around a light bulb, starting from the large side and adding dots of glue as you go. Use a small piece of twig as the stem, then fold squares of gold paper in half and cut into crescent shapes to create leaves.