Decorating for Christmas is one of the many joys of the holiday season. Each winter, with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, we pull out the boxes from the garage or attic, robotically open them up and throw up all of the red and green garlands and twinkle lights. Stockings go here. Lights up there. Garland along the staircase. We’ve got it down to a routine. But where’s the holiday magic? If Christmas morning is more like Groundhog’s Day, it might be time to channel your inner elf. There’s no need for a Christmas miracle. You can make it happen with a little creativity and these three DIY projects that put your old holiday trappings to work like new.
Ornament Upgrade
When the kids were young, unbreakable ornaments were a must. Now that they are older, a few chic glass or ceramic bulbs would provide your Christmas tree with a more sophisticated look. Upgrade from your plastic ornaments and put them to use in other holiday-themed DIYs. Easy for busy moms, a quick DIY can give your home a festive look. Large, clear hurricane candle holders make for the perfect receptacle to hold your old ornaments. Once filled, you can display the repurposed candle holders in clusters or individually.
Turn Christmas On Its Head
Guaranteed to be an instant conversation starter, an upside-down Christmas tree makes for a whimsical way to decorate for the holidays. With this new, trendy tree you can put your old tree ornaments to work. Garland and tinsel will take on new life when hung from the modern tree, creating a fresh holiday look your friends and family will talk about well after the holiday season is over.
Garland Makeover
Put all of that old garland to good use and create something festive to wear. No, we’re not talking about ugly sweaters here. Great for holiday parties, for Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, this festive DIY uses old holiday garland in a fun and wearable way. Studio DIY takes a little Mod Podge, glitter and holiday garland and turns it into a sparkly party hat! Put out a set of these at your next Christmas party and you’ll be the the talk of the playground — “How’d she do it all?!” For instructions and to view the entire DIY visit the Studio DIY website.
Greeting Card Garnishes
Collectors and clutter bugs, this one is for you. Have trouble throwing away all of the holiday greeting cards you get each year? Instead of boxing them up put them on display. But before you do so, whip out the scissors and round up some clothespins. The Martha Stewart website has a fabulous DIY on how to gussy up the clothespins with recycled wrapping paper, too, if you’re feeling extra creative when you tackle this project.
