This is the season for decking the halls and trimming the trees! Christmas is a magical time of year when homes are transformed into winter wonderlands. If you’re looking for new ideas to make your home merry and bright with DIY Christmas decor, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything from Christmas tree decorating to mantel styling and outdoor decor. You’ll find unique DIY ornament ideas, ways to incorporate greenery throughout your home, and tips for displaying your beloved Christmas collections. We’ve also included simple crafts the kids can help with and elegant touches to make your holiday table shine. Follow our creative Christmas decor ideas and you’ll have the jolliest home on the block! Let’s get started decking those halls.
Christmas Tree Decorating
The Christmas tree is the heart of holiday decorating. This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Here are some DIY Christmas decor for decorating a showstopping tree this season.
Themed Trees
Move beyond traditional green and red with a themed Christmas tree. Some fun themes include:
- Woodland tree with pinecones, birch logs, and fuzzy critters
- Vintage tree with mercury glass ornaments and old-fashioned silvers and golds
- Rainbow tree with every color ornament you can find
- Gingerbread tree with cookie ornaments and lots of peppermint and sweets
- Snow globe tree that appears to be inside a globe when decorated with glitter and confetti
Pick a theme that fits your style or collectibles. The more consistent you are, the better a themed tree will look.
Dollar Tree DIY Christmas Decor
Dollar Tree DIY Christmas decor is a great way to save money on holiday decorations without sacrificing style. There are many easy and creative projects that you can make using Dollar Tree supplies, such as:
- Snowy pinecone luminaries: These luminaries are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your Christmas decor. Simply fill a glass jar with snow and pinecones, then light a candle inside. You can decorate the outside of the jar with ribbon, twine, or other embellishments.
- Dollar Tree snowy lanterns: These lanterns are another easy and affordable way to add some Christmas cheer to your home. Simply spray paint a Dollar Tree lantern white and then add some faux snow to the top. You can also add other embellishments, such as glitter, ribbon, or bells.
- Christmas lantern: This lantern is a bit more involved, but it’s still relatively easy to make. You’ll need a wood frame, some glass panels, and some Christmas-themed decorations. Simply assemble the frame, add the glass panels, and then decorate the lantern with your favorite Christmas items.
- Dollar store snowman candle: This snowman candle is a fun and festive addition to your Christmas decor. Simply glue a Dollar Tree snowman ornament to the top of a pillar candle. You can also decorate the candle with glitter, ribbon, or other embellishments.
- Snowball candleholder: This candleholder is a simple but elegant way to dress up a pillar candle. Simply glue a Dollar Tree snowball ornament to the top of a pillar candle. You can also decorate the candleholder with glitter, ribbon, or other embellishments.
These are just a few ideas for Dollar Tree DIY Christmas decor. With a little creativity, you can make all sorts of festive decorations using Dollar Tree supplies. So next time you’re at Dollar Tree, take a look around and see what Christmas-themed items you can find to use in your DIY projects.
DIY Ornaments
Personalized ornaments really make a tree special. DIY ornaments also allow the kids to get involved. Here are some fun ideas:
- Handprint ornaments – trace your child’s handprint on construction paper and decorate
- Photo ornaments – print out wallet sized photos and modge podge onto ornaments
- Clay ornaments – roll clay into balls or cut out shapes and bake according to package directions
- Nature ornaments – tie pinecones, acorns, cinnamon sticks, etc. onto ornaments with ribbon
- Popcorn garland – string popped popcorn to make an edible garland
Display the front and center of the special ornament so they really stand out on the tree.
Tree Toppers
The tree topper serves as the focal point for your Christmas decor. Have some fun with unique ideas:
- Lighted starburst or floral pick topper
- DIY angel, fairy, or snowflake tree topper
- Handmade pom pom tree topper
- Tree jewels attached to a ribbon tree collar
- Giant bow tree topper
- A floral arrangement in a wire basket tree topper
Look for inspiration from nature or childhood favorites when choosing your tree topper.
Tree Skirts
Tree skirts create a polished look for your Christmas tree. Use a tree skirt that matches your decor style:
- Velvet or brocade fabric for formal living rooms
- Knitted or quilted skirt for farmhouse style
- Sparkly tulle skirt for whimsical decor
- Skirt with appliques or sequins for glam decor
- Plaid or buffalo check for rustic cabins
An alternative is to decorate the base of the tree with wrapped gifts in festive paper.
Tree Collars
Tree collars add decorative flair around the base of the tree. Try making one of these easy options:
- Ribbon – tie lengths of ribbon around the tree trunk
- Garland – wrap faux greenery garland
- Tree jewels – pin jewels, beads, buttons to a ribbon
- Pom poms – use decorative mini pom poms
- Snow – decorate with fake snow flakes
Tree collars help hide gaps or uneven shaping in the tree for a polished look.
Mantel Decorating
The mantel is prime real estate for showing off Christmas decor. Here are 5 quick tips for decking your mantel:
- Pick a focal point – This will anchor your design. A large nutcracker, a faux Christmas tree, or frosty lantern work nicely.
- Incorporate greenery – Faux garland, pine sprigs, eucalyptus, and wreaths add organic texture.
- Use plaid – Buffalo check or plaid ribbon sashes create Christmas charm.
- Add Christmas cards – Prop up greeting cards for pops of color.
- Display ready-made stockings or hang socks with each family member’s name.
For small mantels, stick to your anchor focal point, greenery, and an accessory like stockings. Avoid cluttering narrow spaces.
Christmas Wreaths
Wreaths are a classic way to decorate for the season both inside and out. Here are unique ideas:
- Felt wreath with snowy pinecones
- Gold ornament wreath with oversized baubles and bow
- Fruit wreath made from sliced oranges and apples
- Candy wreath created using peppermints and candy canes
- Shadowbox frame wreath decorated with Christmas postcards
- Bulletin board wreath decorated with holiday pins
Make your wreath suit the location. Bold and bright is perfect for front doors while neutral wreaths work for indoors.
Holiday Centerpieces
The Christmas table deserves special attention. Craft DIY centerpieces with these ideas:
- Evergreen branches and red berries low centerpiece
- Frosted pinecones and glittery snowflake confetti
- Glass cloche covering mini Christmas trees
- Cut birch logs surrounded by candles and pine sprigs
- Stack of vintage books with poinsettia flowers
For kid-friendly tables, set mini potted evergreens or small wood slices as place card holders. Top with a name tag snowman.
Outdoor Christmas Decor
Transform your home into a magical winter wonderland using these outdoor decorating ideas:
Entryway Decor
Greet guests with festive flair:
- Hanging wreaths or lantern on the front door
- Evergreen garland around the porch columns
- Lighted Christmas trees lining the walkway
- Faux presents underneath benches
- Winter planters with pine, red berries, and twigs
Quick touches like a plaid bow or faux snow on the railings make a big impact.
Christmas Yard Art
Yard art turns your home into a landmark of Christmas spirit:
- plywood cutout scenes like a gingerbread house or nativity
- lighted wire or metal deer, snowmen, candy canes, sleighs, etc.
- painted scenes on windows like a Christmas tree or wreath
- illuminated wire sphere trees in bright colors
- lighted trail lining the driveway or walkway
Display your Christmas yard art pieces in strategic spots for maximum visibility.
Inflatable Decorations
Inflatable Santas, snowmen, sleighs, and soldiers are classic blow up decorations. For extra impact:
- Group 3-5 inflatables together in one section of the yard
- Keep characters anchored with stakes and ties
- Place the tallest in the back and smaller ones up front for a layered look
- Plug into a timer so the pieces stay inflated overnight
Inflatable decorations maximize Christmas cheer with minimal setup and storage.
Christmas Decor for Small Spaces
If you live in an apartment, dorm, or small home, you can still deck out your space for the holidays. Here are some space-saving diy Christmas decor ideas:
Mini Tree
For those living in small spaces, a great option for a Christmas tree is a small 3-4 foot tree that can be placed on a tabletop or TV stand. Despite their size, these trees can still make a big impact when decorated with mini ornaments, allowing you to fully embrace the holiday spirit without taking up too much space.
Wall Tree
To save valuable floor space, you can create a unique “wall tree” by securing tree branches onto a wall in the shape of a tree and decorating it with ornaments. This is a creative and interesting alternative to a traditional Christmas tree.
Mantel Garland
To spread the festive vibe across the room, opt for garland with ornaments and stockings instead of a traditional Christmas tree. This way, you can decorate your mantel and create a beautiful holiday display.
Window Clings
Make your home more festive this holiday season with reusable Christmas window clings! These cheery decorations can be easily applied to sliding glass doors, windows, or mirrors, instantly spreading holiday cheer throughout your entire home. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to effortlessly add some extra holiday spirit to your living space – get your reusable Christmas window clings today!
Door Decor
Make your home stand out this holiday season by adding festive wreaths, garlands, and decorations to your front or bedroom doors. With the use of removable hooks, you can easily add these beautiful decorations without causing any damage to your doors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give your home a warm and welcoming holiday feel. Add some holiday cheer today!
Floating Candles
Create a cozy and inviting ambiance at your event without sacrificing table space by incorporating clusters of floating candles in elegant glasses or small bowls. These stunning centerpieces will add a touch of warmth and joy to any table setting.
With a little creativity, you can trim a small space to create a cozy Christmas retreat.
DIY Christmas Crafts
Handmade crafts add personal touches to Christmas decor. Display these proudly or as a gift to spread extra holiday cheer.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Kids will love getting their hands messy by making these:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or cups.
- Use a straw to cut a hole in the top for hanging.
- Place ornaments on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 1-2 hours until hard.
- Decorate with paint, markers, or glitter.
Pom Pom Garland
This colorful garland takes some time but is easy to make:
Materials:
- Yarn in assorted colors
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
- Wrap yarn around 4 fingers about 80 times.
- Slide loops off fingers, tie tightly in the center.
- Cut ends to create a pom pom. Make pom poms in various sizes.
- Attach in a line by tying yarn through the center of each pom pom.
- Wrap garland around the tree or hang over the mantel.
Snow Globe Ornament
Give your tree frosted snow globe vibes with these:
Materials:
- Glass or plastic ornament balls
- Distilled water
- Glycerin
- Glitter flakes or fake snow
- Small figurines
Instructions:
- Open ornament caps and empty water.
- Fill 1/3 with desired fillers – glitter, snow, small toys.
- Add water until halfway full.
- Add a teaspoon of glycerin and a drop of super glue to weight the fillers.
- Seal tightly with the ornament cap.
Gently shake the ornaments to create magical snow globes!
Displaying Christmas Collections
One of the best parts of Christmas is bringing out beloved collections for display. Here are creative ideas for showing off your Nativities, snowmen, Santas, and more.
Christmas Village
Under-lit ceramic Christmas buildings create a magical glow. Arrange them on a large table or shelf to build your village display. Start with a focal piece like a church or townhall. Fill in with houses, shops, and accessories. Use fake snow to create wintry roads and add tiny Christmas trees.
Santa Collection
Group all your different Santa figurines in one space for a cohesive display. Try arranging on mantel steps or a bookshelf. Mix media like plush fabric Sanatas, porcelain figures, plastic Santas, and Santa collectibles.
Snowman Collection
Snowmen make people smile. Showcase your snowmen in fun vignettes:
- On a side table with mini trees and fake snowballs
- Lined up tallest to smallest on the mantel
- Grouped in snowy scenes on shelves
Nativity Scenes
Display your favorite Nativity front and center or set up several through the home. Use fabric like burlap or gauze to create backdrops and define the display area. Drape string lights above the arrangements. Blend stable figurines like animals, stars, and angels into the scene.
Christmas Cards
Transform greeting cards into an art arrangement. Attach cards with mini clothes pins to a wire strung on the wall or lay them on a table or mantel for color pops. Display the faces of the cards or alternating directions.
Collections represent cherished memories. Give them a place of honor with thoughtful displays.
FAQs
When should I put up Christmas decor?
Most people decorate for Christmas after Thanksgiving, usually the last weekend of November and first weekend of December. However you can decorate as early or late as you like to suit your Christmas spirit!
Is it better to have an artificial or real Christmas tree?
This comes down to personal preference. Artificial trees are reusable, mess-free, and avoid drying out. Real trees offer that fresh pine scent, support tree farms, and feel more traditional. Evaluate your lifestyle and space when deciding.
Where should Christmas decorations be stored?
Store Christmas decor in a cool, dry place away from natural light to help preserve them. Label bins clearly and pack carefully to prevent damage. Attics, basements, and spare closets work well for off-season storage.
How do I decorate a Christmas tree with lights?
Follow the tree shape, starting at the bottom and stringing lights around inside branches to the top. Space lights 4-6 inches apart. Wrap strands around the outside of the tree at eye level for dimension. Hide cords in the branches.
What are Christmas tree worms and are they dangerous?
These small white cocoons appearing on Christmas trees are completely harmless! They are formed by microscopic tree mites and resemble spun cotton. Simply trim off and dispose of them. Wipe leaves with soapy water to deter mites.
Conclusion
Creating a warm, festive home is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Hopefully this comprehensive guide provided all the inspiration you need to deck those halls from floor to ceiling!
The key is choosing decor that fits your family’s traditions and style. The most popular Christmas decoration varies, but a timeless favorite involves mixing classics like greenery and candles with fun touches that create new memories annually; displaying treasured collections and involving the kids in DIY Christmas decor adds an extra layer of joy to the festive season.
Follow this advice and your home will be glowing with comfort and joy this Christmas! Wishing you a very happy and bright holiday season.
