Easy DIY Christmas decorations

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
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Christmas is undoubtedly a special time of year, but some of us really go overboard with décor and details – thousands of flickering lights, dancing reindeer, laughing Santas, glowing elves dangling from ceilings… you name it! 

But you want to know something? This is the one time of the year where more is more!

However, we understand that some still prefer a ‘less is more’ approach in terms of Christmas décor, and to each his own. Thus, if you’re looking for some easy DIY ideas to bring a little (and not an overload of) Christmas cheer into your home, look no further…  


1. Touches of nature

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The easiest and quickest source of inspiration for DIY Christmas décor? Mother Nature herself.

If you don’t have access to pine trees and –cones or mistletoes, opt for a more unique design for your home. Anything from freshly picked flowers to old tree branches can be brought indoors to style up a Christmas dinner table, windowsill, fireplace mantel…


2. Make your own Christmas holly

If you really want to have common holly (one of Christmas’ pure symbols) adorning your home but can’t find any (or refuse to pay for it), we have a little DIY trick up our stylish sleeves… All you’ll need is some bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon sticks, and star anise – and your choice of fruit like apples, plums, pears, grapes, etc. 

1. Slice up the fruit into small pieces (6mm should be suffice);

2. Gently dry all the fruit slices with a paper napkin;

3. Place in the oven on a very low temperature and roast those slices until they are dried out, yet still soft (this could take several hours);

4. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool;

5. Glue all the pieces together and get creative with your designs!


3. Wooden bases for Christmas décor

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Definitely not a new trend and also not something that’s likely to go out of fashion anytime soon… Wooden bases for displaying Christmas décor, centrepieces for tables, stands for hot dishware, bases for bowls of festive sweets, cheese boards, etc. 

These can be purchased in the shops; however, if you want to go the DIY route (i.e. cutting them yourself), we recommend keeping safety in mind! 

How charming as these wooden boards serving as display stands?

4. Pine cones for your Christmas decorations

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Want to keep the kids busy? Give each a circular base made from foam (which can be picked up at nurseries or flower shops, or DIY stores). Let them choose their own decorations such as pine cones, nuts, leaves, branches, etc. Hand each some glue (and safety gloves), clear the table, and have at it!

The finished result could be as perfect as our example (ideal for a table centrepiece with a candle in the middle), or can be something much more unique and personal – your choice!


5. Use a simple plate

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Got an old plate lying around? Use it to create a beautiful Christmas centrepiece!

If the plate is in white or gold (or red or green or any of the other colours usually associated with Christmas), even better. However, we are always up for designs that go against the norm – thus, if your table centrepiece is striking blue (or hot pink… ), have at it!

Take your pick from your favourite Christmas decorations that didn’t make it to the tree this year. Items like pine cones, baubles, holly, candles, colourful ribbons, etc. Combine your various choices and come up with one-of-a-kind designs to ensure your Christmas décor is most unique. 

6. Simple and minimalistic

Want the less-is-more approach? Do the following:

1. Take some old glass jars and wash them thoroughly;

2. Decorate with a beautiful ribbon on the outside, or leave bare for an even subtler look;

3. Place a candle inside. For other jars you can add a few choice touches (if you want) like dried branches, holly, colourful baubles, etc. Of course we don’t recommend mixing flames and dried branches in the same jar!;

4. Place on your flat surfaces of choice (dinner table, windowsill… ) and enjoy! 


7. Simple green touches

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No time (or energy) for DIY Christmas décor? The least you can do is pick up a few green leaves or dried branches (make sure they’re still in relatively good condition) and use as table runners. It’s small and subtle, but trust us when say it makes a difference! 


8. Edible Christmas décor

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The best kind of anything is the kind you can eat! And since no one is sticking to their diets during the festive season, have at it with some homemade cookies! 

Of course the end result is just more festive if said cookies are in special shapes like Christmas trees, reindeers, Santas, stars, etc. 

9. Get creative with candles

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Another very easy thing you can do for some Christmas glow (literally) is pick up a few candles. Be smart with your colours – will it complement your table’s setting, for instance, or bring your fireplace mantel to life? 

Feel free to strew a few decorations in-between those candle stands (colourful baubles, pine cones), or tie some ribbons around them! 

10. DIY candles for Christmas

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How about making your own Christmas candles in glass jars? Here’s how…

1. Prep your jars for use. Make sure they are clean and completely dry. Place them on a sheet of wax paper to ensure that any wax that spills will be easy to clean up.

2. Insert a candle wick in the centre of each jar. If you are using wicks with wick clips (little metal disks on the end), the wicks should easily stand up straight. If you are using wicks without clips, just hold the wick in position by tying the top of the wick to a pencil and balancing the pencil across the top of the container.

3. Wax should always be heated in a double boiler for safety precautions, which is essentially a pan inside of a pan. Fill the bottom pan with water and then place the second pan (where the wax will go) inside of it.

4. Cut the wax into small pieces and place it in the pan-within-the-pan. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted. 

5. Want your candle to be a certain colour? Add bits of crayons to the wax and heat until melted. Continue adding bits of crayon until you’re happy with the colour – the more you add, the darker it will become. 

6. Don't ever leave your stove unattended while the wax is heating! When the wax has melted completely, turn off your stove. 

7. Use oven mitts or pot holders to carefully pour the wax into your jar until it reaches the top (or the desired height). 

8. Give the wax a few hours to cool down – best is to leave it until it has completely hardened.

9. Once the wax has hardened, simply trim the wick down to size, and your candle is ready for use! 

Merry Christmas! 

Want your home to look slightly different this festive season? See these 20 amazing alternatives to traditional Christmas trees

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