Christmas is definitely a special time of year, but some of us go overboard with decorations and details: thousands of twinkling lights, reindeer dancing, laughing Santa Claus, glowing elves hanging from the ceilings…you name it!
What if I tell you something? It’s the only time of year when more is always better!
However, we understand that some people still prefer a “less is more” approach to Christmas decorating, and that’s okay. So if you’re looking for simple DIY ideas to add a little (but not too much) Christmas cheer to your home, look no further…
1. Natural Touches
What’s Inspirational the easiest and fastest way to DIY Christmas decorations? Mother Earth herself.
If you are not directly exposed to pines, pine cones, or mistletoe, choose a more unique design for your home. Everything from freshly picked flowers to old tree branches can be brought indoors to decorate a Christmas table, windowsill, or mantel…
2. Grow your holly for the holidays.
If you want to have a common holly (one of the pure symbols of Christmas) to decorate your house but you can’t find one (or don’t want to pay for it), we have a little DIY trick for you. Spice up our sleeve style. .. All you will need are bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon sticks and star anise, and your favorite fruits, such as apples, plums, pears, grapes, etc.
1. Dice the fruit (6 mm should suffice);
2. Gently dry all fruit slices with a paper towel;
3. Roast the slices in the oven at a very low temperature until they are dried out but still soft (this could take several hours);
4. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.
5. Glue all of the pieces together and experiment with different designs!
3. Christmas tree bases made of wood
Not a new trend, and also not likely to go out of style anytime soon…Wooden bases for displaying Christmas décor, table centerpieces, hot dishware stands, bases for bowls of festive sweets, cheese boards, and so on.
These can be purchased in stores; however, if you want to do it yourself (i.e. cut them yourself), we recommend that you keep safety in mind!
4. Pinecone Christmas decoration
Want to keep the kids busy? Create a circular foam base for each (which can be picked up from nurseries, florists, or DIY stores). Allow them to choose their decorations, such as pine cones, nuts, leaves, branches, etc. Give everyone some glue (and safety gloves), clear the table, and get to work!
The finished product can be as perfect as our example (ideal for a centerpiece with a candle in the center), or it can be something much more unique and personal, the choice is yours!
5. Use a simple plate
Do you have an old plate lying around? Make it a pretty Christmas centerpiece!
Even better if the plate is white or gold (or red or green or any other traditional Christmas color). However, we’re always open to unconventional designs, so if your centerpiece is bright blue (or hot pink…), go for it!
Choose your favorite Christmas decorations that didn’t make it to the tree this year. Items such as pinecones, baubles, holly, candles, colored ribbons, etc. Combine your different options and create unique designs to ensure your Christmas decor is truly unique.
6. Straight and simple
Do you prefer a more is more approach Do the following:
1. Take old glass jars and wash them thoroughly;
2. Decorate the outside with a pretty ribbon or leave it bare for a more understated look.
3. Insert a candle inside. If you wish, you can add some decorative touches to the other pots, such as dry branches, holly, colored balls, etc. Of course, mixing flames and dry branches in the same jar is not a good idea!
4. Place it on the flat surface of your choice (dining table, windowsill…) and enjoy!
7. Soft Green Accents
If you don’t have the time (or energy) to create your own Christmas decorations, the least you can do is collect some green leaves or dry branches (in relatively good condition) and use them as a table runner. It’s minor and subtle, but believe us when we say it makes a difference!
8. Edible Christmas decorations
The best kind of anything is one that can be eaten! And, since no one is sticking to their diets during the holidays, indulge in some homemade cookies!
Of course, the end result is simply more festive if the cookies are in festive shapes such as Christmas trees, reindeers, Santa’s, stars, and so on.
9. Experiment with candles.
Picking up a few candles is another simple way to add some Christmas glow (literally). Colors should be chosen with care – will they complement your table setting, for example, or will they bring your fireplace mantel to life?
Feel free to strew a few decorations (colorful baubles, pine cones) in between those candle stands, or tie some ribbons around them!
10. Make Your Own Christmas Candles
How about making your own Mason Jar Christmas Candles? Here’s how…
Make sure the poured wax can be easily cleaned.
1. Prepare the jars for use. Ascertain that they are clean and completely dry. Place them on a sheet of wax paper to ensure that any spilled wax is easily cleaned up.
2. Place a wick from a candle in the center of each jar. If you use wick clips (small metal discs on the end of the wick), the wicks should stand up straight. If you’re using wicks without clips, simply tie the top of the wick to a pencil and balance the pencil across the top of the container.
3. For safety reasons, wax should always be heated in a double boiler, which is essentially a pan inside of a pan. Fill the bottom pan with water, then place the second pan (which will hold the wax) inside.
4. Break up the wax and place it in the pan-within-the-pan. Cook on medium heat until the wax has melted.
6. Never leave your stove unattended while the wax melts! When the wax has completely melted, turn off the heat.
7. Carefully pour the wax into your jar with oven mitts or pot holders until it reaches the top (or the desired height).
8. Allow the wax to cool for a few hours – best if you leave it until it has completely hardened.
9. Once the wax has hardened, trim the wick to size and your candle is ready to use!