90 DIY Christmas Decorations to Create a Winter Wonderland in 2023
Easy, elegant decorating ideas guaranteed to ignite holiday joy.
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Holiday decorating is a Christmas tradition that sparks joy, excitement and feelings of nostalgia year after year — one reason we believe it's never too early to start planning. Craft your holiday home by filling every room, small or large, with twinkly string lights, colorful ornaments and tons of gorgeous greenery, like garlands, wreaths and Christmas trees. You may choose to buy a few of the best Christmas decorations, but there's nothing quite like DIY Christmas decorations to give your space a cozy style.
Browse this list of elegant decorating ideas to find inspiration for every space, whether it's indoors or outdoors. Discover creative ways to decorate the front door, set a holiday table and hang holiday garlands — many of which require supplies you already own or easily found at the dollar store. Save money by experimenting with cheap and clever Christmas crafts, like making your own snow globe, cutting out white paper snowflakes or creating homemade wreaths from popsicle sticks. Plus, get inspired to use recycled materials like glass jars, pipe cleaners and even old light bulbs to create unique holiday displays.
Whether you're decorating the kitchen, living room, dining room or home office, we've got a DIY Christmas decoration you'll love recreating. Find a favorite and get started, because the holiday season isn't in full swing until the Christmas tree is decked out, the garlands are hung and string lights glow throughout the house.
Convert Glass Bottles Into Candle Holders
Rather than tossing your wine or beverage bottles, turn them into elegant holiday decor. Place evergreens into bottles and fill with water, adding a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color. Rub sticky candle wax to the bottom of a taper candle and place it in the bottle opening. Then, just remember to replace the water every few days to keep greens looking fresh.
Use Pantry Items for Garlands
Thread a needle and sturdy monofilament through leftover pantry items like popcorn, dried fruits, bay leaves or candy to create a one-of-a-kind garland. For an unexpected twist, loop decorative ribbon around pretzels and dried pasta. Once the holidays are over, remove the monofilament or ribbon and pop the pantry items into a compost bin.
Turn Artwork Into Presents
Disguise artwork by wrapping it with a big, beautiful bow — instant holiday decor that doesn't cost a thing. Simply cut a length of ribbon and wrap around the frame as you would a gift.
Decorate Your Own Wreath
Upgrade a pine wreath by layering in faux and dried foliage and flowers. Simply lay the bundles on your evergreen wreath and wrap wire around to secure, following the direction of the evergreens. Overlap bundles to hide any visible wires and don't forget to add a bow made from decorative ribbon.
Display a Christmas Village
Put your china into storage for the holiday season and instead, show off your holiday village, complete with ceramic white houses, wooden Christmas trees and fresh garlands. Designer Becky Shea suggests: "Incorporate garland on surfaces such as window sills, cabinets, tabletop centerpieces, none of which require you to drill for support and can be easily taken down."
Tie a Bow on... Everything
Add a seasonal touch to your holiday table by quickly tying a bow on stemmed glassware, candle holders and a bundle of flatware. A silky ribbon in a jewel-toned hue can make all the difference.
Cut Out Paper Snowflakes
Hang paper snowflakes of various shapes and sizes from the ceiling in a hallway, the railing of a staircase or the molding around a doorway to create a winter wonderland. Use a bit of double-sided tape and stick them to walls and windows. Keep in mind: You don't need to limit yourself to white paper — consider silver, gold, light blue or even a vibrant hue!
Embellish a Simple Wreath
Turn a simple pine wreath into a unique display by adding citrus fruits and a blush ribbon. Take note from Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director of Martha O'Hara Interiors, by hanging it on the bookshelf.
Forge for Pinecones
If your backyard is covered in 'em, turn them into adorable homemade ornaments. Using sturdy floral clippers, cut off the bottom half of a pinecone. After you make a few cuts, twist until the pinecone breaks. Hot glue the bottom of the pinecone to a round wooden disk, then glue a ribbon loop on the back for hanging.
RELATED: Unique Homemade Christmas Ornaments to Easily Make for the Holidays
Make a Cranberry Garland
Rather than spending money on a garland, why not craft one from fresh cranberries? All you'll need is a dark-colored string, tapestry needle, cranberries and a pair of scissors — you don't need to be an expert crafter for this one!
Create Christmas Tree Place Settings
These origami-inspired napkins are sure to strike up a conversation during Christmas dinner. Once you fold a cloth napkin into the shape of a Christmas tree, decorate it with miniature ornaments.
Gild a Candle Holder
Upcycle old or thrifted glass jars into elegant candle holders using gold leaf sheets, which is a surprisingly simple project. Begin with a clean surface, then lightly cover the area with adhesive using a paint brush. After the adhesive turns clear, place a sheet of gold leaf over the area and lightly smooth it with your handles. Keep adding sheets until you're pleased with your design.
Frame a Doorway With Garland
Use multiple extra-large Command hooks to drape lush garlands around a doorway. Here, Grace Frederick Design ensures no hooks can be seen by layering in colorful ribbons and bows.
Apply Gold Leaf to... Anything
Add a glamorous touch to your holiday decor by experimenting with gold leaf sheets. Apply gold leaf to actual dried leaves or faux leaves to upgrade a table setting, decorate a mantel or add to a holiday garland.
Build Snowman Shelves
Turn a hexagon shelf set into an adorable snowman figure, perfect for displaying a woodland scene. With the help of a hot glue gun, you can complete this project in well under two hours.
Use Greenery as a Centerpiece
Put greenery sprigs on display in a tall glass vase, a perfect yet subtle way to decorate in the kitchen. To complete the look, PURE Design fills a bowl with pinecones.
Add Wreaths to Dining Chairs
Use sturdy ribbon to secure tiny wreaths to the backs of your dining chairs — whether you decorate just the armchairs at each head or every seat.
Make Your Own Snow Globe
Turn an old glass jar into a shimmering holiday scene. Once you've cleaned the glass, fill it with bottle-brush trees and animal figurines. Glue down all elements with silicone glue, then spoon in glitter and/or fake snow. Fill the jar with distilled water, add a few drops of glycerin and stir. When you're content with your creation, glue on the lid.
Add Tinsel to the Tree
If you're short on ornaments, no problem — fill in the gaps on your Christmas tree with tons of tinsel. Use a mix of gold and silver to keep it classic, or experiment with a bold hue.
DIY Trash-to-Treasure Pears
Before you throw out those old lightbulbs, consider this adorable craft. Hot glue twine (we used sage green and metallic gold) around a light bulb, starting from the large side and adding dots of glue as you go. Use a small piece of twig as the stem, then fold squares of gold paper in half and cut into crescent shapes to create leaves.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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