The calendar pages are turning quickly. Suddenly, the holidays are just around the corner. You look around your home, and something feels missing. That warm, festive glow hasn’t quite arrived yet. It can feel like you’ve run out of time to create a special atmosphere.
But you haven’t. You do not need weeks of planning or a huge budget to fill your space with holiday spirit. A little creativity and a few spare moments are all it takes. Simple, handmade touches often make a home feel the most warm and inviting.
This list is your guide to getting there fast. Here are 45 beautiful and simple decor ideas that you can create in minutes. Get ready to transform your home and welcome the holiday season with open arms.
1. Snowy Pine Mason Jar Lanterns
A soft glow can truly change a room’s atmosphere. These simple lanterns bring a touch of a winter forest into your home. The design uses basic materials to create a peaceful and warm scene. Clear glass jars hold little candles, nestled in what looks like freshly fallen snow.
A small piece of evergreen and a simple twine bow finish the look. It is a clean and rustic style. This decoration works well on a dining table, a mantelpiece, or lining a windowsill. The gentle light from the candles makes any space feel more cozy and inviting during the holidays.
DIY Instructions:
Making these is very easy. Here is how you can do it step-by-step.
What You Will Need:
- Clean, empty glass jars (like mason jars or old food jars)
- Fake snow (you can find this at a craft store)
- Small, battery-operated candles (these are safer than real ones)
- Twine or string
- Small sprigs of greenery (like pine or rosemary)
- Scissors
Step 1: Get Your Jars Ready Make sure your glass jars are clean and completely dry on the inside and outside. If you just washed them, wipe them with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Add the Snow Carefully pour the fake snow into each jar. You want to fill it about one-quarter to one-third of the way up. You can add a little more or less if you like.
Step 3: Place the Candle Take your battery-operated candle and gently push it into the center of the fake snow. Wiggle it a little bit so it sits flat and is stable.
Step 4: Decorate the Outside Cut a piece of twine long enough to wrap around the mouth of the jar and tie a bow. Tie the twine around the rim. Before you make the final bow, slip a small sprig of greenery under the twine. Now, tie your bow to hold it in place.
That’s it! Switch on your candles and enjoy your new winter lanterns.
2. Peppermint Candy Candle Holders
This idea adds a pop of vibrant, festive color to any table. Using clear glass containers filled with peppermint candies creates a cheerful and sweet display. The bright red and white swirls instantly signal that the holidays are here. A simple white candle placed in the middle provides a warm glow that complements the candy’s playful look.
You can make a single centerpiece or a collection of them in various sizes. This is a quick way to build a fun and eye-catching arrangement for your dining table or a side table. It looks impressive but takes only moments to put together.
DIY Instructions:
You can create this sweet-looking decor in just a few minutes.
What You Will Need:
- Clear glass vases or hurricane holders in any size
- Peppermint swirl candies (enough to fill your vases)
- White pillar or votive candles that fit inside the vases
- Optional: A festive ribbon
Step 1: Prepare Your Vase Choose a clean, dry glass vase. Make sure the candle you picked can stand up straight inside it with some room around the sides.
Step 2: Place the Candle Put the white candle in the very center of the vase. Try to get it as centered as you can.
Step 3: Add the Candies Carefully pour the peppermint candies into the vase, filling the space around the candle. Pour slowly so the candle doesn’t move. Fill it as high as you like.
Step 4: Add a Finishing Touch If you want, you can tie a colorful ribbon around the outside of the vase to make it even more festive. A simple bow is a great addition.
3. Gilded Nature Centerpiece
Bring the outdoors in with an elegant twist. This centerpiece combines natural elements like pinecones and branches with a touch of glamour. A little gold spray paint transforms ordinary items from your yard into a sophisticated arrangement. The mix of textures, from the smooth magnolia leaves to the rough pinecones, makes it interesting to look at.
Tiny fairy lights woven throughout the display add a magical, warm shimmer. The whole piece rests in a low bowl, making it a wonderful focal point for a holiday meal. It’s a beautiful way to blend rustic charm with a bit of sparkle.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a fancy centerpiece that looks like it came from a store.
What You Will Need:
- A wide, shallow bowl or dish
- Pinecones, small twigs, and large leaves (like magnolia)
- Gold spray paint
- A few round, gold ornaments
- A string of battery-powered fairy lights (the kind with thin wire)
Step 1: Go for the Gold Take your pinecones and twigs outside and place them on some newspaper. Spray them with the gold paint until they are covered. Let them dry completely.
Step 2: Build Your Base Arrange the large leaves in the bottom of your bowl. They should cover the bottom and create a nice, green base.
Step 3: Arrange the Items Place your now-dry golden pinecones and twigs on top of the leaves. Put the biggest ones in the middle and arrange the smaller ones around them. Add the gold ornaments to fill in any empty spots.
Step 4: Light It Up Take your fairy lights and gently weave the wire in and around the pinecones, branches, and ornaments. Hide the small battery pack behind some of the leaves. Turn it on for a beautiful glow.
4. Aromatic Citrus and Spice Garland
This decoration is a treat for the eyes and the nose. The garland is made from dried orange slices, which look like little stained-glass windows when the light shines through them. Mixed in are cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaves. This combination fills the room with a warm and spicy holiday scent.
Clove-studded oranges, also known as pomanders, add another layer of fragrance and visual appeal. Hanging this on a door or a wall is a wonderful, natural way to decorate. It’s a craft that engages multiple senses and brings a traditional feel to your home.
DIY Instructions:
This project will make your whole house smell like the holidays.
What You Will Need:
- 2-3 large oranges
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise pods, bay leaves
- Sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Twine or strong string
- A large needle that the twine can fit through
Step 1: Dry the Orange Slices An adult should help with this part. Cut one or two oranges into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at a very low temperature (around 200°F or 100°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping them halfway through, until they are dry. Let them cool.
Step 2: Make a Pomander Ball Take a whole orange and use a toothpick to poke little holes in it. Then, push the whole cloves into the holes. You can make fun patterns or cover the whole orange.
Step 3: String Your Garland Cut a long piece of twine and thread your large needle. Start stringing your items. You can make a pattern, like orange slice, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, another orange slice. Leave some space between items.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches Tie your pomander ball and some rosemary sprigs onto the garland wherever you think they look good. Now you can hang your beautiful, fragrant garland.
5. Cozy Sweater Candle Holders
Wrap your candles in warmth with this simple idea. This craft gives glass jars and candles a soft, textured look, much like a cozy winter sweater. It’s a great way to add a bit of “hygge”—a feeling of contentment and coziness—to your decor. The neutral colors of the yarn feel calm and peaceful.
A glass jar with fairy lights inside, covered with a knitted sleeve, gives off a particularly soft and diffused glow. This project is a fantastic way to recycle an old sweater that you no longer wear. It’s a quick craft that adds a lot of charm and texture to a little corner of your room.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s give your candles and jars a warm little sweater.
What You Will Need:
- An old sweater with long sleeves (one you don’t wear anymore)
- Clean glass jars or pillar candles
- Scissors
- A hot glue gun (with adult help) or fabric glue
Step 1: Measure Your Jar Stand your jar or candle up. You need to see how tall the sweater sleeve piece should be.
Step 2: Cut the Sleeve Lay the sweater sleeve flat and cut a piece that is the same height as your jar. It will look like a little tube of fabric.
Step 3: Dress the Jar Gently stretch the piece of sweater sleeve and slide it over your glass jar or candle. Wiggle it until it is smooth and fits nicely. The bottom of the fabric should be at the bottom of the jar.
Step 4: Secure It (If Needed) If the sweater sleeve is a little loose, you can fold the top edge down inside the jar. Or, an adult can help you put a few tiny dots of hot glue on the glass at the top and bottom to hold it in place.
6. Falling Stars Ceiling Display
Create a little bit of winter magic right in your home. This decoration gives the feeling of a sky full of twinkling stars cascading from the ceiling. It’s made from simple paper stars in shades of silver and glitter, which catch the light beautifully. The strings are hung at different lengths, making it look like a shower of stars.
This display is especially effective in a corner, over a dining table, or near a window where the light can make the glitter sparkle. It’s a project that looks very intricate but is quite simple to create. It can transform a room into a whimsical, starry wonderland.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make it look like stars are falling from your ceiling!
What You Will Need:
- Silver and glittery cardstock paper
- A star-shaped paper punch (or you can trace a star shape and use scissors)
- Thin string, thread, or clear fishing line
- Clear tape or a glue stick
Step 1: Make Lots of Stars Use your paper punch to make a big pile of stars from the cardstock. If you don’t have a punch, trace a star shape onto the paper many times and carefully cut them all out.
Step 2: Cut Your Strings Cut several pieces of your string. Make them all different lengths. Some can be long, and some can be shorter. This will make it look more interesting.
Step 3: Attach the Stars Lay a string down on a table. Place stars along the string, leaving some space between them. You can attach them in two ways: put a small piece of tape over the string on the back of the star, or put glue on one star, lay the string on it, and press another star on top to make a sandwich.
Step 4: Hang Your Star Strings Once you have several strings full of stars, use a small piece of clear tape to attach the top of each string to the ceiling. Scatter them around to create your starry sky.
7. Simple Evergreen Bottle Display
Sometimes, the simplest decorations are the most beautiful. This idea uses clear glass bottles of different shapes and sizes to hold single cuttings of evergreen branches. The look is clean, fresh, and minimalist. It brings a touch of nature inside without being overwhelming.
The clear glass and water let you see the entire branch, adding to the simple beauty. Grouping the bottles together creates a small, artistic forest on your table or windowsill. A few small candles placed among the bottles can add a warm and gentle light, making the display even more special.
DIY Instructions:
This is like making a little forest for your table.
What You Will Need:
- A few clean, empty glass bottles or small vases (different shapes and sizes look great)
- Water
- A few small branches from an evergreen tree or bush (like a pine or fir tree)
- Scissors or garden clippers
Step 1: Prepare Your Bottles Make sure all your glass bottles are clean inside and out. You can even peel off the labels if you want.
Step 2: Add Water Pour a little bit of water into each bottle. You don’t need to fill them up; about one-third full is good.
Step 3: Trim Your Branches Look at your evergreen cuttings. Cut them to different heights so they will look nice in your different bottles. Cut off any little leaves or needles at the very bottom of the stem that will be in the water.
Step 4: Arrange Your Display Place one or two trimmed branches into each bottle. Now, group your bottles together on a shelf or table. You can arrange them in a line or in a little cluster.
8. Cranberry Floating Candle Vases
This centerpiece is full of vibrant color and light. Tall, clear glass vases are filled with bright red cranberries and sprigs of green rosemary, classic colors for the holiday season. The cranberries float in the water, creating a beautiful effect. A single white candle floats on top, casting a warm and gentle glow.
The combination of natural elements with the candlelight creates an elegant and festive mood. You can use vases of different heights to create a more dynamic display. This is a very quick and easy way to make a stunning centerpiece for a holiday dinner.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a beautiful candle that floats on water and berries.
What You Will Need:
- Clear glass vases (tall, cylinder shapes work well)
- A bag of fresh cranberries
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Water
- Floating tea light candles
Step 1: Get the Vases Ready Start with clean, empty glass vases. You can make one or a group of three in different sizes.
Step 2: Add Greenery and Berries You can place a sprig of rosemary inside the vase if you like. Then, pour in the fresh cranberries. You can fill the vase about halfway with them.
Step 3: Add Water Slowly and carefully pour water into the vase over the cranberries. Fill it up until the water is about an inch from the top. You will see the cranberries float up!
Step 4: Float the Candle Gently place a floating candle on the top of the water. An adult should light the candle for you. The flame will look so pretty reflecting in the water.
9. Festive Card Garland Display
Turn your holiday greetings into a cheerful decoration. This is a lovely and personal way to show off the Christmas cards you get from family and friends. Simple strings of twine are stretched across a doorway, and cards are hung using little clothespins. It creates a welcoming and festive entrance to a room.
As you receive more cards throughout the season, the display grows and becomes even more full and colorful. It’s a wonderful reminder of the people you care about. This is a very low-cost decorating idea that brings a lot of personal meaning and warmth into your home.
DIY Instructions:
Here’s a great way to show off all the pretty cards you get.
What You Will Need:
- Twine, string, or a festive ribbon
- Mini clothespins (you can find these at a craft store)
- Removable wall hooks or strong, clear tape
- All the holiday cards you receive!
Step 1: Plan Your Space Decide where you want to hang your cards. A doorway is a great spot, but a blank wall works too.
Step 2: Hang the String Cut a piece of twine that is a little longer than the space you want to hang it in. This way, it can hang down a little in the middle. Attach the ends to the a wall or doorframe using removable hooks or tape. You can hang several rows, one below the other.
Step 3: Clip Your Cards As your holiday cards start to arrive in the mail, open them up and enjoy them. Then, use one of the mini clothespins to clip each card onto one of the strings.
Step 4: Watch It Grow! Keep adding cards as you get them. Your garland will become a full and happy part of your holiday decorations.
10. Glowing Paper Bag Luminaries
Create a magical and welcoming path of light with these simple paper bag lanterns. Luminaries are a beautiful tradition, often used to light up walkways or porches on a special night. The soft light glowing through the paper creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere. You can even use a craft punch to make little star shapes in the bags for the light to peek through.
Using battery-operated candles makes them safe to use indoors along a fireplace hearth or on a deep windowsill. This is a very inexpensive way to make a big impact, creating a warm and inviting glow for your family and guests to enjoy.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make pretty lanterns out of paper bags to light up a path.
What You Will Need:
- Plain paper bags (white or brown lunch bags work well)
- A star-shaped or snowflake-shaped craft punch (optional)
- Sand, cat litter, or small pebbles
- Battery-operated tea light candles (important for safety!)
Step 1: Decorate Your Bag (Optional) If you want to add designs, fold the top two inches of the bag down to make a cuff. This makes the bag sturdier. Then, use your craft punch to make shapes on the front of the bag.
Step 2: Weigh It Down Open the bag and pour a few scoops of sand or pebbles into the bottom. This is very important because it will keep your lantern from tipping over.
Step 3: Add the Light Take your battery-operated candle, switch it on, and place it inside the bag. Push it down into the sand a little bit so it is stable and standing up straight.
Step 4: Set Up Your Path Make a few more luminaries. Then you can place them in a line along your front walk, on your steps, or on your fireplace hearth to create a beautiful, glowing welcome.
11. Book Page Ornaments
Add a personal, literary touch to your tree with these unique ornaments. Clear glass or plastic globes are filled with curled strips of paper from an old book. This gives them a classic and thoughtful appearance. It’s a wonderful project for book lovers and a great way to give a second life to a damaged book you might otherwise discard.
Hanging them with a simple red ribbon adds a traditional pop of color against the neutral paper tones. These ornaments feel both handmade and sophisticated. They can also be a special way to commemorate a favorite story or song during the holidays.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s create an ornament that’s filled with stories.
What You Will Need:
- Clear plastic or glass fillable ornaments
- Pages from an old, damaged book
- Scissors or a paper cutter
- A pencil
- Ribbon for hanging
Step 1: Prepare Your Paper Use scissors to cut the book pages into long, thin strips. A width of about half an inch is good.
Step 2: Curl the Strips Take one paper strip at a time and wrap it tightly around a pencil to make it curl into a little spiral. Slide it off the pencil. Do this with many, many strips of paper.
Step 3: Fill the Ornament Take the metal top off of your clear ornament. Carefully push the curled paper strips inside the globe one by one. Keep adding them until the ornament is as full as you like it.
Step 4: Finish It Off Put the metal top back on the ornament. Cut a piece of ribbon, thread it through the little loop on top, and tie a knot to create a hanger.
12. Modern Ornament Wreath
This isn’t your traditional green wreath. It offers a sleek and contemporary take on holiday decor by using shiny and matte ball ornaments in a stylish color scheme. The mix of black, white, silver, and deep blue creates a dramatic and elegant look. Attaching ornaments of different sizes to a simple grapevine wreath form gives it depth and interest.
A few sprigs of evergreen tucked in add a subtle hint of tradition and texture. This kind of wreath makes a bold statement on a front door or as an art piece on a wall inside your home. It’s a fun way to play with color and shine.
DIY Instructions:
You can make a very cool and modern wreath with Christmas balls.
What You Will Need:
- A wreath form (a wire or grapevine one works well)
- A hot glue gun and plenty of glue sticks (get an adult’s help)
- A variety of ball ornaments in different sizes and finishes (like shiny, matte, and glittery) in your chosen colors.
Step 1: Get Ready to Glue An adult should plug in the hot glue gun. Lay your wreath form flat on a table that is protected with newspaper. Take the little metal hangers off the tops of your ornaments.
Step 2: Start with the Big Ornaments Take your largest ornaments first. An adult can put a generous dot of hot glue on the back of an ornament and press it firmly onto the wreath form. Hold it for a few seconds until it sticks. Space these large ornaments out around the wreath.
Step 3: Fill in with Medium Ornaments Now use your medium-sized ornaments to start filling in the gaps between the large ones. Glue them on in the same way.
Step 4: Add the Smallest Ornaments Use the smallest ornaments to fill in any little holes that are left. This will make your wreath look very full. Let the glue dry completely before you hang it.
13. Cozy Scarf Garland
For a truly cozy and unexpected decoration, try using winter scarves. This garland brings wonderful texture and pattern to a staircase banister or mantel. A thick rope or twine acts as the base, and various scarves are simply knotted onto it. Using scarves with classic winter patterns like plaid and cable-knit adds to the warm, rustic feeling.
The mix of different colors and textures makes the garland visually interesting. This is a very quick decoration to assemble, and it uses items you probably already have in your closet. It’s a creative way to bring the feeling of a warm sweater into your holiday home.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s decorate with something soft and warm from your closet.
What You Will Need:
- A long piece of thick rope or twine
- Several winter scarves in different colors and patterns
Step 1: Prepare Your Rope Measure your rope so it is the right length for your mantel or staircase. Tie a loop at each end to make it easy to hang.
Step 2: Tie a Simple Knot Take your first scarf. Find the middle of it. Lay the rope over the middle of the scarf.
Step 3: Loop and Pull Take the two ends of the scarf, bring them up and over the rope, and then pull them through the loop you created. Pull it snug. It’s the same simple knot you might use to start tying your shoes.
Step 4: Add More Scarves Do the same thing with your other scarves. Slide them along the rope so they are spaced out nicely. That’s all there is to it! Hang it up and enjoy your cozy garland.
14. Floating Winter Centerpiece
Create a serene and beautiful centerpiece with elements from nature. This display uses a wide glass bowl filled with water as its base. Fresh evergreen cuttings rest in the water, creating a green, woodsy foundation. A handful of bright red cranberries are scattered on top, adding a festive burst of color.
Several white floating candles are nestled among the greenery. When lit, they cast a soft, flickering light across the water. This decoration is simple, elegant, and brings a sense of calm to a holiday table. It takes only minutes to assemble but looks truly special.
DIY Instructions:
This is a very fast way to make a beautiful table decoration.
What You Will Need:
- A large, wide glass bowl
- Water
- Several cuttings from an evergreen bush
- Fresh cranberries
- 3-4 floating candles
Step 1: Lay the Greenery Place your evergreen cuttings in the bottom of the empty glass bowl. Arrange them so they cover the bottom in a nice layer.
Step 2: Add the Water Carefully pour water into the bowl. Pour it in gently so you don’t disturb the greenery too much. Fill it about three-quarters full.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cranberries Take a handful of cranberries and scatter them over the top of the water. They will float among the green branches.
Step 4: Place the Candles Gently set your floating candles on the surface of the water. An adult can help you light them. Your beautiful centerpiece is ready!
15. Vibrant Gift Bow Wreath
This wreath is all about fun, color, and cheer. It is made entirely from the peel-and-stick bows we use for presents. The result is a burst of bright, happy color that is full of texture. Using bows of all different colors and sizes makes the wreath look joyful and celebratory. A large, glittery red bow at the bottom can serve as a festive focal point.
This is a very easy project to make, and it’s a great way to use up any extra gift bows you might have. It’s a playful and modern take on a holiday classic that will surely make anyone who sees it smile.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make the most colorful wreath on the block.
What You Will Need:
- A foam wreath form (you can get this at a craft store)
- A large bag of peel-and-stick gift bows in many different colors and sizes
- Optional: A larger, special bow for the bottom
Step 1: Start Sticking Take your first bow. Peel the little paper off the back to reveal the sticky part. Press it firmly onto the foam wreath.
Step 2: Cover the Wreath Keep sticking bows all over the wreath form. Place them very close together so you can’t see the foam underneath. Mix up the colors and sizes. Make sure you cover the front, the inside ring, and the outside ring of the foam.
Step 3: Keep Going! Continue until the entire wreath is completely covered in a fluffy pile of colorful bows.
Step 4: Add a Final Touch If you have a larger bow, stick it at the bottom center of the wreath. Now it’s ready to hang on your door!
16. Charming Cork Reindeer
These tiny reindeer are a delightful craft made from recycled wine corks. They are full of personality and rustic charm. The body and head are made from corks, while little twigs become the antlers and legs. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose something you might normally throw away.
A few simple craft supplies, like googly eyes and a tiny red pom-pom for the nose, bring these little characters to life. You can make a whole herd to stand on a windowsill or mantelpiece. They are a cute and eco-friendly decoration that is fun for all ages to create.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make some super cute little reindeer from corks.
What You Will Need:
- Wine corks (you’ll need two for each reindeer)
- A hot glue gun (with adult help)
- Small twigs from the yard
- Tiny googly eyes
- Tiny red pom-poms
- Small garden clippers or strong scissors
- A little bit of festive ribbon or string
Step 1: Build the Body An adult should use the hot glue gun. Lay one cork on its side. This is the body. Place a dot of glue on top of it, near one end. Stand the second cork up on the glue dot to make the head and neck. Hold it for a moment until it’s secure.
Step 2: Add Legs and Antlers Use clippers to cut four small, straight pieces of twig that are all the same length. These are the legs. An adult can glue them to the bottom of the body. Find two more twigs that have a little “Y” shape. These are the antlers. Glue them to the top of the head.
Step 3: Give It a Face Glue two tiny googly eyes onto the front of the head. Then, glue a little red pom-pom onto the very tip of the cork for the nose.
Step 4: Add a Scarf Tie a tiny piece of ribbon or string loosely around the reindeer’s neck to look like a little scarf.
17. Sweet Gingerbread Garland
Nothing says “holidays” quite like the smell and look of gingerbread. This garland is a decoration you can almost taste! It features beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies in festive shapes like stars and gingerbread men. They are strung along a simple piece of kitchen twine, interspersed with cinnamon sticks.
This is a wonderful decoration to hang in a kitchen or dining area, where it will add a touch of sweetness and a lovely spicy scent to the air. It’s a craft that combines the joy of holiday baking with the fun of decorating your home.
DIY Instructions:
This decoration is so sweet, you’ll want to eat it!
What You Will Need:
- Your favorite gingerbread cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Holiday cookie cutters
- A drinking straw or a skewer
- White icing
- Twine or string
- Cinnamon sticks
Step 1: Make Your Cookies Roll out your gingerbread dough and cut out shapes with your cookie cutters. Before you bake them, use a straw to poke a hole in the top of each cookie. This hole is for the string. Bake the cookies according to your recipe and let them cool completely.
Step 2: Decorate! Once the cookies are cool, use your white icing to draw fun designs on them. You can add eyes and buttons to your gingerbread men or pretty swirls on your stars. Let the icing dry until it is hard.
Step 3: String the Garland Cut a long piece of twine. Carefully thread the twine through the hole in your first cookie. Slide it down the string a bit. Then, thread on a cinnamon stick. Then add another cookie.
Step 4: Keep Going and Hang Continue your pattern of cookie, then cinnamon stick, until your garland is the length you want. Now you can hang your delicious-looking decoration.
18. Frosted Snowflake Windows
Turn your windows into a winter wonderland with this clever technique. Using paper snowflake cutouts as stencils, you can create beautiful, frosty patterns right on the glass. A can of spray snow creates the effect of delicate ice crystals forming on the pane. It lets the light shine through while adding a touch of holiday magic and privacy.
This is a great way to decorate windows that face the street. The designs look beautiful from both inside and outside your home. When the holidays are over, the snow spray cleans off the glass easily, leaving no trace behind.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make it look like Jack Frost visited your windows.
What You Will Need:
- White paper
- Scissors
- A can of spray snow (you can find this at most stores during the holidays)
- Tape
Step 1: Make Paper Snowflakes Take a piece of paper and fold it several times. Then, use your scissors to cut little shapes along the folded edges. When you open it up, you’ll have a unique snowflake! Make several of these in different sizes and patterns. These will be your stencils.
Step 2: Tape Them to the Window Using small pieces of tape, stick your paper snowflakes onto the inside of a clean window. You can arrange them however you like.
Step 3: Spray the Snow An adult should do this part. Shake the can of snow spray well. Standing a little bit away from the window, spray a light, even coat over the entire window, covering the paper snowflakes.
Step 4: The Big Reveal Wait a minute or two for the spray to dry. Then, carefully peel the paper snowflakes off the window. You will see a beautiful, frosty snowflake shape left behind!
19. Festive Ribbon Chandelier
Add a cascade of color and movement to a room with this joyful decoration. This project transforms a simple embroidery hoop and a collection of ribbons into a festive chandelier. Long strands of ribbon in various colors, textures, and widths are tied to the hoop, creating a waterfall of holiday cheer.
This is a great way to add a celebratory touch above a dining table or in the center of a room. It catches the light and gently moves with the air currents. This is a no-fuss project that provides a big visual impact with very simple materials.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a beautiful hanging decoration that looks like a party.
What You Will Need:
- A wooden embroidery hoop (just the inside ring is fine)
- Lots of ribbon in many different colors, widths, and textures
- Scissors
- String or fishing line for hanging
Step 1: Cut Your Ribbons Decide how long you want your ribbons to hang down. Cut many, many pieces of ribbon to that length. The more ribbons you have, the fuller your chandelier will be.
Step 2: Tie the Ribbons to the Hoop Take your first piece of ribbon and tie a simple knot onto the embroidery hoop. Let the two ends hang down. Take another ribbon and tie it right next to the first one.
Step 3: Fill the Hoop Keep tying ribbons all the way around the hoop until it is completely full and you can’t see the wood anymore. Slide the knots close together.
Step 4: Make a Hanger Cut three or four long, equal pieces of string. Tie them to the hoop, spaced out evenly. Then, gather the ends of the strings together at the top and tie them in a single knot. You can now use this to hang your ribbon chandelier from the ceiling.
20. Glowing Birch Log Bundle
Bring a touch of the rustic winter forest into your home with this simple and elegant decoration. A bundle of birch logs, known for their beautiful white bark, stands upright near a fireplace or in a cozy corner. The logs are held together with a thick wrapping of twine, which adds to the natural, earthy feel.
Woven around the bundle is a string of warm, white fairy lights. The gentle glow of the lights highlights the unique texture of the birch bark. This decoration is wonderfully simple yet creates a significant feeling of warmth and comfort in any room.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a decoration that looks like it came from a cozy cabin.
What You Will Need:
- A bundle of birch logs (you can find these at a craft store or garden center)
- Thick jute twine
- A string of battery-operated fairy lights with a warm glow
- Scissors
Step 1: Stand Up Your Logs Gather your birch logs and stand them up on the floor in a tight bundle. You might need to lean them against a wall to get started.
Step 2: Wrap Them Up Take your thick twine and start wrapping it around the middle of the log bundle. Wrap it around many times—at least 10 or 15—so you have a nice, wide band of twine. Keep the wraps tight to hold the logs together.
Step 3: Tie It Off When you are done wrapping, cut the twine and tie a tight knot at the back of the bundle to secure it.
Step 4: Add the Lights Take your string of fairy lights. Start at the bottom and begin wrapping the light string around the bundle, going up towards the top. Tuck the small battery pack in at the back where it can’t be seen. Switch on the lights for a lovely, warm glow.
21. Winter Wonderland Terrarium Jars
Capture a tiny, magical world in a jar. These displays create a miniature forest scene that looks like it’s been dusted with fresh snow. Using small bottlebrush trees and tiny animal figures, you can build an enchanting diorama inside any clear glass container. It’s a peaceful and charming decoration for a shelf or windowsill.
A string of delicate fairy lights woven through the scene adds a warm, inviting glow, making the little world come to life. This is a craft that lets you be creative, designing your very own pocket-sized winter wonderland. It’s a joy to look at and simple to assemble.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s build a tiny, snowy forest inside a glass jar.
What You Will Need:
- A clean, empty glass jar with a wide mouth
- Fake snow
- Miniature bottlebrush trees
- Tiny plastic animal figures (like deer or foxes)
- A short string of battery-powered fairy lights
Step 1: Create a Snowy Ground Pour a layer of fake snow into the bottom of your jar. An inch or two is a good amount to create a nice, snowy base for your scene.
Step 2: Plant Your Forest Take your little bottlebrush trees and gently push them into the snow. Arrange them however you like. You can put taller ones in the back and shorter ones in the front.
Step 3: Add Your Animals Now, place your little animal figures in the scene. Maybe a deer is peeking out from behind a tree, or a fox is sitting in the snow.
Step 4: Make It Glow Carefully tuck the string of fairy lights in and around your trees. Hide the wire in the snow and try to hide the battery pack behind the jar. Tie a festive ribbon around the rim of the jar for a final touch.
22. Classic Holly Leaf Garland
This garland brings a traditional and cheerful holiday feel to any space. It is crafted from simple green paper or felt, cut into the iconic shape of holly leaves. Bright red pom-poms are used for the berries, adding a pop of classic Christmas color. The simple, repeating pattern is both charming and timeless.
This is a light and airy garland that can be draped over a mantel, a doorway, or even on the Christmas tree itself. It is a very easy and low-cost craft that is fun for kids and adults to make together. It’s a wonderful way to add a handmade touch to your decorations.
DIY Instructions:
You can make this classic Christmas decoration in no time.
What You Will Need:
- Green craft paper or felt
- Scissors
- A pencil
- Small red pom-poms
- Twine or string
- A hole punch
- Craft glue
Step 1: Make Your Leaves Draw a holly leaf shape on a piece of your green paper or felt. It looks like a wavy leaf with pointy tips. Cut it out. Use this first one as a template to trace and cut out many more leaves.
Step 2: Punch the Holes Take two leaf cutouts and use your hole punch to make a hole in the stem part of each one.
Step 3: String the Leaves Cut a long piece of twine. Thread the twine through the hole in one leaf, and then through the hole in a second leaf. Slide them down the string a bit. Leave some space and repeat with two more leaves. Continue until your garland is the length you want.
Step 4: Add the Berries In the space where your two leaves meet, put three little dots of glue. Press three red pom-poms onto the glue to look like a cluster of holly berries. Do this all along your garland. Let it dry completely before hanging.
23. Aromatic Holiday Wax Sachets
These beautiful ornaments are a delight for both the eyes and the nose. They are solid tablets of scented wax, filled with dried holiday botanicals. Things like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and little bits of evergreen are suspended in the wax, creating a tiny piece of art.
When you hang these on a tree, in a closet, or on a doorknob, they release a gentle, festive fragrance into the room. They are a unique and elegant handmade gift or decoration. Making them is a calming process that fills your kitchen with wonderful holiday smells.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a decoration that looks beautiful and smells amazing.
What You Will Need:
- Soy wax flakes
- A microwave-safe bowl for melting
- A silicone mold (a rectangle shape is nice)
- Dried decorations: thin orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, small evergreen sprigs
- A wooden skewer
- Ribbon for hanging
Step 1: Melt the Wax An adult should do this part. Put the soy wax flakes in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and clear.
Step 2: Pour Into the Mold Carefully pour the melted wax into your silicone mold. Fill each section evenly.
Step 3: Let It Cool a Little Wait for 5-10 minutes. You want the wax to get a little cloudy and firm, but not completely hard.
Step 4: Decorate! Gently press your dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and other pretty things into the top of the slightly-set wax. Arrange them in a nice design. Before it gets too hard, use the skewer to poke a hole at the top for the ribbon. Let it cool and harden completely for a few hours.
Step 5: Finish and Hang Once it is solid, carefully pop the wax sachet out of the mold. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole and tie a loop.
24. Rustic Jingle Bell Door Swag
Welcome guests with the cheerful sound of jingle bells. This door decoration has a wonderful rustic charm, combining natural elements with festive sounds. A cluster of large pinecones forms the centerpiece, surrounded by big, silvery jingle bells. The whole arrangement hangs from a wide burlap ribbon, adding to its farmhouse style.
A touch of plaid ribbon and a few sprigs of greenery add a bit of color and traditional holiday flair. This is a substantial and eye-catching piece that looks great on a front door. Every time the door opens or closes, you’ll be greeted by a happy holiday jingle.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a door hanger that jingles when guests arrive.
What You Will Need:
- 3-4 large pinecones
- Several large jingle bells in different sizes
- A hot glue gun (with adult help)
- Wide burlap ribbon
- A second, more colorful ribbon (like plaid)
- A few small sprigs of fake greenery
Step 1: Build the Center An adult should use the hot glue gun. Put a line of hot glue along the side of one pinecone and press another one against it. Hold them until they stick. Add one or two more pinecones to create a tight cluster.
Step 2: Add the Bells Now, glue the jingle bells all around and under your pinecone cluster. Fill in the spaces to make a nice, full shape.
Step 3: Create the Hanger Cut a very long piece of burlap ribbon. Find the middle and fold it in half to make a loop. Glue the back of your pinecone and bell cluster right onto the folded part of the ribbon.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches Glue a few sprigs of greenery near the top of the pinecones. Cut a few shorter pieces of your plaid ribbon and glue them so they hang down behind the bells. Tie a simple bow with the burlap ribbon at the very top.
25. Ombré Bottlebrush Trees
Give a classic holiday decoration a fun, modern update. This project takes simple white bottlebrush trees and turns them into colorful, custom decor using a simple dyeing process. The ombré, or gradient, effect is beautiful, with the color fading from dark to light. It allows you to create trees that perfectly match your home’s color scheme.
You can make a whole forest of these in different colors and sizes. They look wonderful grouped together on a mantel, shelf, or as part of a larger centerpiece. It’s a simple way to add a personalized, artistic touch to your holiday decorations.
DIY Instructions:
You can give plain white trees a cool, colorful new look.
What You Will Need:
- White or cream-colored bottlebrush trees
- Fabric dye or food coloring
- Small bowls or jars
- Warm water
- Paper towels
Step 1: Prepare Your Dye Pour some warm water into a small bowl. Add a few drops of your dye or food coloring and stir until it’s mixed well. The more dye you add, the darker the color will be.
Step 2: Dip Your Tree Take one of your white bottlebrush trees. Dip just the tip of it into the dye bath. Hold it there for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Create the Gradient To make the color fade, slowly push the tree a little deeper into the dye, maybe halfway up. Hold it for another 30 seconds. This will make the bottom part darker than the top part.
Step 4: Let Them Dry Carefully pull the tree out of the dye and let any extra drips fall back into the bowl. Stand the tree up on some paper towels to dry completely. The color will get a little lighter as it dries.
26. Holiday Memory Jar
This decoration is all about what the holiday season truly means: spending time with loved ones and making memories. A large glass jar is turned into a beautiful time capsule. Throughout the holiday season, family members and guests are encouraged to write down a favorite moment or something they are grateful for on a slip of paper and add it to the jar.
The jar fills up as the days go by, becoming a collection of happy thoughts and shared experiences. Reading the notes together on New Year’s Day can be a wonderful tradition. It’s a simple idea that puts the focus on connection and gratitude.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a special place to keep all your happy holiday memories.
What You Will Need:
- A large, clean glass jar with a lid
- Paper
- Scissors
- Pens or pencils
- Ribbon and a tag for decorating
Step 1: Get Your Jar Ready Make sure your jar is clean and dry. You can create a nice label for the front that says “Holiday Memories” or “Our Favorite Moments of the Year.” Glue it onto the jar.
Step 2: Prepare the Paper Cut your paper into small slips that are easy to write on. You can put them in a smaller jar or a little basket right next to your big memory jar.
Step 3: Set It Up Place your big jar, the slips of paper, and some pens in a spot where everyone can see them, like on a coffee table or a kitchen counter.
Step 4: Start a Tradition Tell your family and friends about the jar. Encourage everyone to write down a happy memory from the day, something funny someone said, or something they are thankful for. At the end of the holiday season, you can sit together and read all the wonderful memories you collected.
27. Modern Eucalyptus Hoop Wreath
This wreath offers a fresh and stylish alternative to traditional, heavy evergreen wreaths. It has a minimalist and airy feel, using a simple gold metal hoop as its base. Just one side of the hoop is decorated with a beautiful arrangement of greenery, creating an elegant asymmetrical design.
The soft green of eucalyptus leaves, mixed with other textures like dusty miller and delicate white berries, gives it a sophisticated look. This style of wreath is very versatile and looks stunning on a modern door or as a piece of wall art inside the home. It’s simple, graceful, and beautiful.
DIY Instructions:
We can make a very pretty and modern-looking wreath.
What You Will Need:
- A metal craft hoop (gold or brass looks nice)
- Several branches of faux or fresh greenery (eucalyptus is a great choice)
- Thin floral wire
- Wire cutters
Step 1: Make a Small Bunch Take two or three small sprigs of your greenery and hold them together to create a little bundle.
Step 2: Attach It to the Hoop Place the bundle against the metal hoop. Cut a small piece of floral wire. Wrap the wire tightly around the stems of your greenery and the hoop to hold it in place.
Step 3: Layer Another Bunch Make another small bundle of greenery. Place it so that it overlaps the stems of the first one. Use your floral wire to attach this second bundle to the hoop. This will hide the wire from the first bundle.
Step 4: Keep Going Continue adding bundles of greenery, layering them as you go, until about one-third or one-half of your hoop is covered. Add in any other interesting bits like berries or lavender. That’s all!
28. Mason Jar Snow Globes
Create your own little winter wonderland with this fun and easy craft. These are not your typical water-filled snow globes; they are a simpler, waterless version that is just as charming. A miniature winter scene, complete with little trees and festive figures, is created on the inside of the jar’s lid.
When the lid is screwed onto a jar filled with fake snow, it creates a magical little world. Turning the jar upside down reveals the scene. These are delightful to make and can be customized with all sorts of tiny treasures. They look wonderful lined up on a windowsill.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a magical snow globe without any water.
What You Will Need:
- A clean mason jar with its lid and ring
- A hot glue gun (with adult help)
- Small bottlebrush trees and tiny holiday figures (like a snowman or a deer)
- Fake snow
- A festive ribbon
Step 1: Create Your Scene An adult should use the hot glue gun. Take the flat part of the jar lid. Put a big dot of hot glue on it and press the base of your little tree into the glue. Hold it until it stands up on its own. Add another dot of glue for your snowman or deer and place it next to the tree.
Step 2: Let It Dry Let the glue on the lid dry completely for a few minutes so your scene is nice and strong.
Step 3: Add the Snow While the lid is drying, pour some fake snow into the glass part of your jar. About an inch of snow is a good amount.
Step 4: Put It All Together Take your lid with the scene on it and carefully screw it onto the jar. Turn the jar upside down and give it a gentle shake. You have a snow globe! Tie a ribbon around the metal ring for a final festive touch.
29. Sparkling Ornament Bowl Display
This might be the fastest holiday decoration you can possibly make, and it looks fantastic. It’s a simple but very effective way to add a lot of color and sparkle to a room. All you need is a clear glass container and a collection of your favorite Christmas ball ornaments. The mix of different colors, sizes, and textures creates a rich and festive display.
Adding a thin, wire string of fairy lights among the ornaments takes it to the next level, making the whole bowl glow from within. This is a great centerpiece for a coffee table or a dining table. It’s an easy way to use extra ornaments that didn’t make it onto the tree.
DIY Instructions:
This is the world’s easiest fancy decoration.
What You Will Need:
- A large, clear glass bowl, vase, or apothecary jar
- A variety of Christmas ball ornaments in different colors and sizes
- A string of battery-powered fairy lights (the thin wire kind)
Step 1: Start with Lights Place the battery pack for your fairy lights at the very bottom of the bowl, near the back where it will be hidden. Turn the lights on.
Step 2: Add a Layer of Ornaments Gently place a layer of your largest ornaments in the bottom of the bowl, arranging the string of lights among them.
Step 3: Keep Layering Continue adding ornaments and weaving the light string as you go. Mix in your medium and smaller ornaments to fill in all the gaps.
Step 4: Tidy Up Make sure the end of the light string is tucked in among the ornaments at the top. And you’re done! It’s a beautiful, glowing bowl of holiday cheer.
30. 3D Newspaper Star Garland
Turn yesterday’s news into today’s beautiful holiday decor. This project is a creative and eco-friendly way to make a stunning garland. Using simple folding and cutting techniques, you can transform pages from a newspaper into intricate, three-dimensional stars. The black and white text of the paper gives the stars a unique and graphic look.
Once you have a collection of these stars, they can be strung together on a piece of twine to create a garland. This is a very low-cost craft that looks surprisingly chic and modern. It’s a wonderful project for a quiet afternoon.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make amazing-looking stars out of an old newspaper.
What You Will Need:
- Newspaper
- A ruler and a pencil
- Scissors
- A glue stick
- Twine
- A hole punch
Step 1: Cut a Square From a sheet of newspaper, measure and cut out a perfect square. A 6-inch by 6-inch square is a good size to start with. You will need eight of these squares for each star.
Step 2: Fold the Paper Take one square. Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle. Open it up. Then fold it in half diagonally the other way. When you open it, you should have an “X” crease.
Step 3: Fold Again Now fold the square in half like a rectangle. Open it up. Fold it in half the other way. When you open it, you should have a “plus sign” crease and an “X” crease.
Step 4: Make the Points Push in on the sides along the “plus sign” creases, and the paper will collapse into a smaller, double-layered triangle. This is the hardest part! Once you have this triangle, use your glue stick to glue the two top flaps together to make one of the star’s points. You need to make eight of these points.
Step 5: Assemble the Star Glue the eight points together in a circle to form your 3D star. Once you have made a few stars, punch a hole in one point of each star and thread them onto your twine to make a garland.
31. Minimalist Winterberry Display
Sometimes, less is more. This decoration is all about clean lines and a powerful pop of color. Tall branches of winterberry, with their bright red berries, are placed in simple, modern white vases. The dramatic contrast between the vibrant red and the stark white creates a look that is both festive and incredibly chic.
This is a wonderful way to add a touch of the holiday season to a room without adding clutter. The sculptural quality of the branches makes this feel like a piece of living art. It’s an effortless way to make a sophisticated and elegant statement.
DIY Instructions:
This is one of the simplest and prettiest decorations you can make.
What You Will Need:
- A tall, simple vase (white or clear looks best)
- A few branches of real or faux winterberry
Step 1: Prepare Your Vase Make sure your vase is clean. If you are using fresh winterberry branches, add some water to the vase.
Step 2: Trim Your Branches Look at your branches and decide how tall you want them to be. Use garden clippers to trim the bottoms of the stems to the right height. You can make them all one height or vary them slightly.
Step 3: Arrange Them Place the branches in the vase one by one. Arrange them so they stand up nicely and have a little bit of space between them. That’s it! Your beautiful, modern display is ready.
32. Book Lover’s Christmas Tree
For anyone who loves to read, this is a special kind of Christmas tree. It’s built not from pine branches, but from a happy pile of books. By stacking books of similar sizes in circular layers, you can create the conical shape of a holiday tree. It’s a wonderfully personal and creative alternative to a traditional tree.
A string of warm fairy lights woven around the books gives it a magical glow, and a star on top completes the look. This is a great solution for small spaces and a fantastic conversation starter. It celebrates a love of stories during the most wonderful time of the year.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s build a Christmas tree out of your favorite stories.
What You Will Need:
- A lot of books (hardcover books work best as they are sturdy)
- A string of fairy lights
- A star tree topper
Step 1: Build the Base Find a spot on the floor where your tree can live. Start by laying your largest books down in a big circle. This is the bottom layer of your tree, so make it wide and strong.
Step 2: Keep Stacking For the next layer, use slightly smaller books, or place them in a slightly smaller circle on top of the first layer. Keep stacking layers of books, making each circle a little bit smaller than the one below it. This will create the triangle shape of a tree.
Step 3: Add the Lights Once your tree is as tall as you want it, take your string of fairy lights. Start at the bottom and gently wrap the lights around your book tree, tucking the wire in between the books.
Step 4: Top It Off Gently place your star on the very top book to finish your unique Christmas tree.
33. Fragrant Herb Garden Wreath
This wreath is a feast for the senses, especially the sense of smell. It is made from a variety of fresh and fragrant kitchen herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. The different shades of green and the varied textures of the leaves make it visually beautiful. The wreath is built on a simple grapevine base, which adds to its rustic, natural feel.
Small bundles of cinnamon sticks and bright red chili peppers are tucked in, adding a spicy aroma and a pop of color. This is a wonderful wreath to hang on a kitchen door, where its lovely scent can be enjoyed every day.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a wreath that smells as good as it looks.
What You Will Need:
- A grapevine wreath form
- Bunches of fresh, sturdy herbs (like rosemary, sage, and thyme)
- Thin floral wire
- Cinnamon sticks and dried red chili peppers for decoration
- Twine or ribbon
Step 1: Make Herb Bundles Take a few sprigs of your different herbs and hold them together to make a small bundle.
Step 2: Attach to the Wreath Lay your first bundle on top of the grapevine wreath. Use a small piece of floral wire to wrap tightly around the stems and the wreath, securing it in place.
Step 3: Layer and Cover Make another herb bundle. Place it so it overlaps the stems of the first one. This will hide the wire. Secure this bundle with more floral wire. Keep doing this, always going in the same direction, until the whole front of the wreath is covered in green herbs.
Step 4: Add Your Spices Use a little bit of twine or wire to tie a few cinnamon sticks together. Tuck them into the wreath. Do the same with the chili peppers. Add a bow at the bottom if you like.
34. Framed Ornament Art Display
Turn your most cherished ornaments into a piece of holiday art. This idea uses a large, ornate, and empty picture frame as a stage. Instead of a painting, the frame holds a collection of beautiful ornaments hanging from ribbons at different lengths. This creates an elegant and unexpected focal point on a mantel or a wall.
It’s a wonderful way to display those special, fragile ornaments that you might not want to risk putting on the tree. The frame elevates them, drawing attention to their unique beauty and detail. This project mixes classic elegance with a touch of creative fun.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s turn your pretty ornaments into a fancy art display.
What You Will Need:
- A large, empty picture frame (the more ornate, the better!)
- Several of your favorite ornaments
- Ribbon in one or two colors
- Small hooks or a sturdy piece of wire
- A hot glue gun or strong tape
Step 1: Prepare the Frame Make sure your frame is clean. Turn it over to the back. You can either screw several small hooks along the top edge of the frame’s opening, or you can stretch a piece of wire tightly across the back from one side to the other.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ornaments Cut pieces of ribbon to different lengths. Tie one end of a ribbon to the loop on top of an ornament.
Step 3: Hang the Ornaments Tie the other end of the ribbon to the hooks or the wire on the back of your frame. Hang your ornaments at different heights to make the display look interesting.
Step 4: Display Your Art Lean your frame against the wall on a mantelpiece or shelf. You can even place a smaller framed ornament in front of it for a layered look.
35. Felt Ball & Wood Bead Garland
This garland adds a touch of soft, modern charm to your holiday decor. It is made by stringing together colorful wool felt balls, often with natural wooden beads in between. The texture of the felt is cozy and warm, and the simple, repeating pattern has a clean, Scandinavian feel.
This is a very versatile decoration. You can choose colors that match your room, from traditional reds and greens to more modern pastels or neutrals. These garlands look great draped on a Christmas tree, swagged across a mantel, or even wrapped around a staircase banister.
DIY Instructions:
Making this soft and pretty garland is as easy as stringing beads.
What You Will Need:
- Wool felt balls in various colors
- Wooden beads (optional)
- A long, sharp needle with a large eye
- Thick thread, embroidery floss, or thin twine
Step 1: Thread Your Needle Cut a piece of your thread or twine to the length you want your garland to be. Thread it through the eye of your needle. Tie a big knot at the other end of the string so your beads don’t fall off.
Step 2: Start Stringing Take your first felt ball. Carefully push the needle straight through the center of it. It might be a little tough, so push hard! Slide the ball all the way down to the knotted end of your string.
Step 3: Create a Pattern Now, string your next item. Maybe it’s a wooden bead, or maybe it’s a felt ball in a different color. Keep adding balls and beads, creating a pattern that you like.
Step 4: Finish It Off Once your garland is full, take the needle off and tie another big knot at the end. You can leave some space between the balls or push them all close together.
36. Classic Mistletoe Kissing Ball
Invite some holiday romance and tradition into your home with a classic kissing ball. This decoration is a sphere of green mistletoe, often dotted with little white berries, hanging in a doorway. It’s a cheerful and charming piece that carries a long history of holiday fun.
Hanging it with a beautiful, two-toned ribbon adds a festive and elegant touch. A few small jingle bells can be added to the bottom for a bit of happy sound. It’s a simple decoration that is sure to bring a smile (and maybe a smooch) to your guests’ faces.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a traditional decoration for a holiday smooch!
What You Will Need:
- A small foam ball (about 4-6 inches across)
- Many sprigs of artificial mistletoe
- A hot glue gun or craft glue
- A long piece of festive ribbon
- A floral pin or a paperclip
Step 1: Start Covering the Ball Take a sprig of your faux mistletoe. Put a dot of glue on the stem and poke it firmly into the foam ball.
Step 2: Keep Going! Continue adding sprigs of mistletoe, placing them very close together. You want to cover the entire foam ball until you can’t see any of the foam. Make it look like a full, green sphere.
Step 3: Make a Hanger Take your long piece of ribbon and tie it into a beautiful bow, leaving two very long tails.
Step 4: Attach the Hanger Use your floral pin to attach the center of the bow to the very top of your mistletoe ball. If you don’t have a floral pin, you can unbend a paperclip, form it into a “U” shape, and use that to push through the ribbon and into the foam.
37. Cookie Cutter Christmas Ornaments
This is a wonderfully charming and rustic way to decorate. It takes a simple kitchen tool—the cookie cutter—and turns it into a festive ornament. The clean, metal shapes of stars, gingerbread men, and Christmas trees are instantly recognizable and feel very homey.
Decorating them with a small sprig of fresh rosemary and a tiny jingle bell adds a touch of nature and a bit of sound. The baker’s twine hanger completes the farmhouse-inspired look. These are very quick to make and would look lovely on a tree or even as a decoration on a wrapped gift.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s turn some baking tools into cute tree decorations.
What You Will Need:
- Metal cookie cutters in holiday shapes
- Baker’s twine or thin ribbon
- A tiny jingle bell for each ornament
- Small sprigs of fresh or faux rosemary
- A hot glue gun (optional, for adult help)
Step 1: Make a Hanger Cut a piece of twine about 8 inches long. Thread it through the top of your cookie cutter and tie the ends together in a knot to make a loop for hanging.
Step 2: Add the Bell Before you tie your final knot, you can thread a tiny jingle bell onto the twine so it sits at the top of the cookie cutter.
Step 3: Add Some Greenery Take a small sprig of rosemary. You can either tie it on with another piece of twine to make a little bow, or an adult can help you use a tiny dot of hot glue to attach it near the top.
Step 4: Make a Set Make several of these with different cookie cutter shapes to create a cute, matching set of ornaments.
38. Festive Holiday Lantern Centerpiece
Create a warm and inviting glow with a classic holiday lantern. This decoration feels both traditional and cozy. A sturdy lantern, often in a festive color like red, holds a large, battery-operated candle. The flameless candle provides all the warm ambiance without any of the worry.
The lantern is nestled in a bed of lush winter greenery, like pine and holly. Pinecones and bright red berries are tucked in, adding texture and color. A plaid bow tied to the top of the lantern is the finishing touch. This makes a wonderful centerpiece for a table or a welcoming accent on a hearth.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make a warm and cozy lantern for a table.
What You Will Need:
- A lantern with glass sides
- A battery-operated pillar candle that fits inside
- A small wreath of faux winter greenery, or several loose sprigs
- A festive, wired ribbon
Step 1: Place the Candle Open the door of your lantern and place the battery-operated candle right in the center. Make sure it stands up straight.
Step 2: Arrange the Greenery Place your lantern in the middle of the small wreath so the greenery surrounds the base. If you are using loose sprigs, just arrange them in a circle around the bottom of the lantern.
Step 3: Add a Bow Take your wired ribbon and tie a nice, full bow. Because the ribbon has wire in it, you can shape the loops to look perfect.
Step 4: Attach the Bow Use the tails of the ribbon to tie your bow to the loop or handle at the very top of the lantern. And that’s it! Switch on your candle and enjoy the glow.
39. Elegant Dining Chair Wreaths
Make your holiday meal feel extra special by decorating your dining chairs. This simple touch adds a surprising amount of elegance and festive spirit to the room. A small wreath is hung on the back of each chair, instantly elevating the look of your tablescape. Using long, luxurious ribbons makes the decoration feel even more grand.
You can customize the look to match your table settings. A small monogram or initial in the center of the wreath adds a thoughtful, personal touch for each of your guests. It’s a simple detail that makes a big impression.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make your dining chairs look fancy for a holiday dinner.
What You Will Need:
- A small wreath for each chair (about 6-8 inches across)
- Wide, long ribbon
- Scissors
Step 1: Cut Your Ribbon For each chair, cut a very long piece of ribbon. It needs to be long enough to loop over the top of the chair and still have long tails hanging down.
Step 2: Attach the Ribbon to the Wreath Find the middle of your ribbon. Loop it around the top of your wreath. You can do this by simply laying the middle of the ribbon over the wreath, or by threading it through the wreath and making a simple knot at the back.
Step 3: Hang it on the Chair Drape the two ends of the ribbon over the top of your dining chair so the wreath hangs nicely in the center of the chair back.
Step 4: Tie a Bow or Let It Hang You can either let the ribbon tails hang down long and elegant, or you can tie them into a beautiful bow at the front or back of the chair, right under the wreath.
40. Scented Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
These ornaments are a delight to make and will fill your home with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon. Using whole cinnamon sticks, you can create simple, rustic shapes like Christmas trees and stars. They have a lovely, natural look that is both simple and festive.
A hot glue gun is all you need to assemble them. Small details, like a little button for a tree trunk or a star anise in the center of a star, add extra charm. These are light enough to hang on any tree, and they also make wonderful, fragrant gift toppers.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make ornaments that smell like holiday baking.
What You Will Need:
- Whole cinnamon sticks
- A hot glue gun (with an adult’s help)
- Twine or string for hanging
- Small buttons or star anise for decoration
- Garden clippers or strong scissors
Step 1: Design Your Shape (For a Tree) An adult should do the gluing and cutting. For a tree, you need one full cinnamon stick for the trunk. Then, cut other cinnamon sticks into three or four pieces of different lengths, getting shorter and shorter.
Step 2: Glue It Together Lay the long trunk stick down. Put a dot of hot glue on the back of your longest cross-piece and stick it near the bottom of the trunk. Add the next-longest piece above that, and so on, until you have a tree shape.
Step 3: Decorate and Add a Hanger Glue a small button onto the trunk. Cut a piece of twine, make a loop, and glue the ends to the back of the ornament at the top.
Step 4: Try Other Shapes! You can also make a star by cutting five pieces of cinnamon stick that are the same length. An adult can glue them together at the points to form a star shape.
41. Delicate Paper Snowflakes
Fill your windows with the beauty of a gentle snowfall, no matter the weather outside. These large, intricate paper snowflakes are a classic craft for a reason. They are light, airy, and create a magical wintery scene when hung in a group. Made from simple white paper, they look elegant and delicate, especially when the light shines through their cutout patterns.
Hanging them at different heights in front of a window gives the illusion of a soft, continuous flurry. It is a very low-cost project that can have a huge visual impact, turning any room into a serene winter wonderland.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make beautiful, lacy snowflakes out of paper.
What You Will Need:
- White paper (printer paper works well)
- Scissors
- String or fishing line for hanging
- A hole punch
- Tape
Step 1: Make a Square If your paper is a rectangle, you need to make it a square. Fold one corner down to meet the opposite edge, making a triangle. Cut off the extra rectangular bit at the bottom.
Step 2: Fold the Accordion Open your square. Now, fold the paper back and forth like you are making a paper fan. Each fold should be about one inch wide.
Step 3: Fold in Half and Secure Once your whole paper is a long, folded strip, fold that strip in half in the middle. You can staple or glue the middle part together where the two sides meet.
Step 4: Cut Your Pattern and Fan It Out Use your scissors to cut little notches and shapes along the outside edges of your folded fan. Then, bring the two outside edges around to meet each other, forming a circle. Glue or staple them together. You’ve made half a snowflake! Do this all again to make another half, and then glue the two halves together to make a full snowflake.
Step 5: Hang Them Up Punch a small hole in the top of your finished snowflakes, thread a string through, and hang them in your window.
42. Rustic Birch Bark Votives
Bring the cozy feeling of a forest cabin into your home with these beautiful candle holders. This craft wraps simple glass votives in the unique, papery bark of a birch tree. The natural texture and pattern of the bark add a rustic and warm touch to your decor. When the candle inside is lit, it casts a soft, warm glow that highlights the details of the bark.
These are wonderful for creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere. Grouping a few of them together on a table or mantel creates a lovely, woodsy display. A simple twine bow is the perfect finishing touch.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s give your plain glass candle holders a rustic new look.
What You Will Need:
- Simple glass votive holders or small glasses
- A sheet of birch bark (you can find this at a craft store)
- A hot glue gun (with adult help)
- Scissors
- Twine
Step 1: Measure Your Bark Take your sheet of birch bark and wrap it around your glass holder to see how much you need. It should be tall enough to cover most of the glass and long enough to wrap all the way around with a little overlap. Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut.
Step 2: Cut the Bark Carefully cut the birch bark to the size you marked.
Step 3: Glue It On An adult should do this part. Put a line of hot glue down one side of the glass holder, from top to bottom. Carefully press one end of the birch bark onto the glue. Now, wrap the bark tightly around the glass. Put another line of hot glue on the glass where the bark will end, and press the other end down firmly.
Step 4: Add a Bow Cut a piece of twine. Wrap it around the center of your new birch bark candle holder and tie a simple, pretty bow.
43. Twinkling Twig Star Ornaments
These ornaments bring a touch of natural, rustic charm to your Christmas tree. They are crafted from small twigs gathered from the yard, creating a beautiful five-pointed star shape. The simple, earthy materials make these ornaments feel very wholesome and handmade.
Wrapping the joints of the stars with jute twine not only makes them stronger but also adds another layer of texture and detail. A simple loop of twine for a hanger completes the look. These are fun to make after a walk outdoors and are a great way to bring a little bit of nature inside for the holidays.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s make beautiful star ornaments from twigs you find outside.
What You Will Need:
- 5 straight-ish twigs of about the same thickness for each star
- A hot glue gun (with adult help)
- Jute twine
- Garden clippers or strong scissors
Step 1: Prepare Your Twigs Use your clippers to cut all five twigs to the exact same length. A good size to start with is about 4-5 inches long.
Step 2: Form the Star An adult should handle the glue gun. Start by making a triangle with three of your twigs, gluing the corners together. Then, take your fourth twig and lay it across the triangle, gluing it where it touches. Take your last twig and lay it across the other way to complete the star shape. Let the glue dry.
Step 3: Wrap the Joints Cut a long piece of twine. Put a tiny dot of glue on the back of one of the star’s joints to hold the end of the twine. Now, start wrapping the twine tightly around that joint, crisscrossing it to make it look nice and secure. When you’re done with one joint, move to the next.
Step 4: Add a Hanger When all the points are wrapped, cut another piece of twine, tie it into a loop, and glue it to the back of the top point of the star.
44. Elegant Velvet Bow Accents
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. A beautiful, classic bow made from luxurious velvet ribbon can instantly add a touch of elegance and holiday spirit to almost anything in your home. The deep, rich colors and soft texture of velvet feel special and festive.
You can add these bows to wreaths, lampshades, mirrors, or even a stack of plates on an open shelf. It is the quickest way to spread a consistent, festive theme throughout your house. Learning to tie a simple, beautiful bow is a skill that will make your holiday decorating effortless and chic.
DIY Instructions:
A beautiful bow can make anything look festive in an instant.
What You Will Need:
- A roll of wide velvet ribbon
- Scissors
- Thin floral wire (optional)
Step 1: Cut Your Ribbon Cut a long piece of ribbon. The longer the piece, the bigger your bow and the longer the tails will be.
Step 2: Make the Loops Find the middle of your ribbon. Take the right side and fold it over to make a loop, leaving a long tail. Now take the left side and fold it over the first loop to make a second loop of the same size. You should have a shape that looks like a floppy number 8 with two tails.
Step 3: Tie the Knot Pinch the center of your “8” where the ribbons cross. Take the loop that is on top (the one you made with the left side of the ribbon) and tuck it through the hole in the bottom, just like you are starting to tie your shoelaces. Pull it tight to form a knot in the center.
Step 4: Fluff and Trim Adjust your loops to make them even and full. Trim the tails of your ribbon at an angle to make them look neat. You can now use the tails to tie the bow onto a wreath or lamp, or use a small piece of wire on the back to attach it.
45. Colorful Painted Pinecones
Pinecones are a classic sign of the winter season, but they don’t have to be plain brown. A little bit of paint can transform them into a vibrant and versatile holiday decoration. You can choose any colors you like—from bright and cheerful blues and pinks to more traditional metallic golds and silvers.
A bowl full of these colorful pinecones makes a wonderful and long-lasting centerpiece. You can also tuck them into wreaths, garlands, or even hang them on the tree as ornaments. It’s a fun and easy craft for a cozy afternoon, and a great way to use the natural treasures you find outdoors.
DIY Instructions:
Let’s give some plain pinecones a colorful makeover.
What You Will Need:
- Pinecones (make sure they are clean and dry)
- Craft paint in various colors
- A small paintbrush
- A paper plate or something to put your paint on
- Newspaper to protect your work area
Step 1: Get Your Pinecones Ready If you collected your pinecones from outside, it’s a good idea for an adult to bake them in the oven on low heat (about 200°F or 100°C) for an hour to get rid of any little bugs. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Set Up Your Painting Station Lay down some newspaper. Squeeze a little bit of your different paint colors onto a paper plate.
Step 3: Start Painting Hold a pinecone by the top. Dip your brush in your first color and start painting the tips of the pinecone scales. You can paint the whole pinecone one color, or just the tips, or even make each row a different color!
Step 4: Let Them Dry Once you are done painting a pinecone, set it down on the newspaper to dry completely. This might take an hour or two. When they are dry, they are ready to be displayed in a bowl or used in your other holiday decorations.
See? Adding that missing holiday spirit to your home is easier than you might have thought. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by elaborate projects. A few simple materials, a bit of time, and your own two hands are enough to create something truly special.
From the fragrant scent of a cinnamon stick ornament to the gentle glow of a birch bark votive, each of these ideas adds a layer of warmth and personality to your space. Your home is now a reflection of your own holiday cheer, ready for making memories with family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Use What You Have: Everyday items like cookie cutters, books, and winter scarves can be transformed into unique and charming holiday decor.
- Embrace Nature: Bringing natural elements indoors is a fast and affordable way to create a cozy feel. Pinecones, twigs, and fresh greenery add instant rustic warmth.
- Simple Changes, Big Impact: You don’t need to redecorate an entire room. Small touches like an elegant velvet bow or a beautiful centerpiece can instantly make a space feel festive.
- Crafting is Quick: Most of these ideas require no special skills and can be completed in under an hour, making them suitable for any busy schedule.