60 Incredible DIY Christmas Décor Ideas
Updated: Dec. 13, 2019Do unique Christmas decor this year with these 60 amazingly creative ideas.
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Up in Lights
Announce your Christmas tree with marquee lettering like this one from Craftaholics Anonymous. It's a neat idea though it may move a little too far away from the rustic intentions of the antler and snowflake ornaments.
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Marquee Star Tree
A Rustic wood marquee star adorns the top of this tree from BabySavers which makes the glow of the tree that much brighter. Ornaments also include old style skeleton keys and a faux snow globe as the alternating ribbons fit snugly around the tree.
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Home Sweet Home
Gingerbread men come alive with this fantastically sweet Christmas tree from A Thoughtful Place. Candy cane ornaments and popcorn garland will have you hankering for Christmas dinner with this design.
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Winter Wonderland Tree
Blogger Jade Harrington created her own deer antler ornament by combining different elements to create a unique glittery feature. She glued antlers to an ornament ball and added a block of wood with yuletide sayings. She also added in interesting ribbon that resembles tinsel in a way.
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Merry and Bright Christmas
Make It & Love It blogger Ashley Johnston went big and bright with this design. She mixed in big silver stars along with silver letters to spell out "merry" and "bright" on her tree. She sprinkled in some frosted pinecones to complement the silver color scheme as well for a tree that sparkles.
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Nature's Own
The animal kingdom gets pretty well represented with this tree from Decor Asylum. From owls cut from wood and reindeer on burlap ribbon, there area lot of characters cropping up in this tree. If you've got some unwanted guests in your backyard, learn how to get rid of pests.
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Pebble Tree
This tree uses items found at the beach for a unique take on Christmas tree alternatives. So get your hot glue gun out and try using pebbles, star fish, driftwood, pine cones and other beach finds to recreate this look.
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Chalkboard Tree
If you have a chalkboard painted wall, why not draw a tree on it during the holiday season? You can also use a small chalkboard to draw a Christmas tree and hang it in the living room.
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Plywood Tree
This tree is made from sheets of birch plywood with stars cut out for modern Christmas tree alternatives. Search for "plywood Christmas tree patterns" online for dozens of additional options. And a scroll saw works best for cutting the large pieces of plywood for a tree this size.
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Ladder Tree
An eye-catching ladder tree spotted on Pinterest may not save any space, but it is certainly a new take on a traditional Christmas tree. Try decorating with sparkly ornaments, some strands of lights and a star or angel on top.
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Wine Cork Tree
For the wine drinker, try using all those corks to create DIY alternative Christmas trees. And there are several ideas on Pinterest to provide inspiration.
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Christmas Tree Art
If you have a fireplace and no room for a traditional tree, try decorating the mantel with some DIY tree art. Find a piece of reclaimed wood or even canvas for a backdrop, use wire to form a tree shape or simple zigzag and decorate with ribbon or strips of fabric tied to the wire. This ombre effect is on trend!
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Decorated Branch Tree
Christmas decorating doesn't get much easier than this. Go outside and find a branch (or you could purchase a plastic one from a craft store), place it in a vase or pot, or hang it from the ceiling or a chandelier and decorate it with your favorite ornaments. This would work great as a centerpiece or atop a living room table.
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Reclaimed Wood Tree
Pinterest has lots of ideas for using reclaimed wood to build alternative Christmas trees. And once completed, add some paint or stain and wrap a strand of lights around the finished project.
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Craft Project Tree
Kids can help create these alternative christmas trees with simple craft supplies such as sticks, pipe cleaners and glue. And when finished, hang some of your favorite little ornaments from the "branches."
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Rustic Wood Tree
This rustic tree is made from reclaimed wood for a one-of-a-kind design that can be used in the corner of the living room or on a tabletop, depending on how big you make it. And find some wood and grab a saw, hammer and nails to create these primitive christmas tree alternatives.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Broken Furniture Piece Ornaments
Project via Hometalker Debbi from Debi's Design Diary. Turn your broken or salvaged furniture scraps into whimsical Christmas tree ornaments with this awesome tutorial. Cut, paint, and hang these refinished furniture bits and bobs, for holiday decor that's stunning and free! Learn how to make Broken Furniture Piece Ornaments.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Wood Slice Ornaments
Project via Hometalker Katie from Upcycled Treasures. For a simply beautiful holiday design, turn a fallen branch or collected log into a stack of slices perfect for decorating your tree. Add some graphics with this simple transfer method, or write merry messages and draw your own holiday images by hand! Learn how to make the Wood Slice Ornaments.
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Light-Up Porch Presents
Project via Hometalker Holly from Down to Earth Style. Combine two favorite Christmas features, twinkly lights and piles of gifts, and create the perfect attractive and exciting holiday display. These large lit-up wooden gifts are perfect for porch decor, or for arranging around your tree. Learn how to make the Light-Up Porch Presents.
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A Fast Clip
This card holder is a snap to make with wire coat hangers. Twist and bend two hangers together to form a tree, creating a short trunk and a heart-shaped loop at the top for hanging. And paint about 60 wooden clip-on clothespins green and about four more brown. When the clothespins are dry, clip them to the wire, making a green tree with a brown trunk. Tie small strips of red fabric to the wire between the clothespins for added color. All that’s left to do is hang your holiday projects on the wall, attach Christmas cards and enjoy.
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Up a Wall
Have a sofa-size painting or other large wall accent? For the holidays, remove it and use that wall space to hang small picture frames in the shape of a Christmas tree. You’ll create a heartwarming family tree of memories to enjoy all season long. Bright Idea: This wall-hung “tree” is a real space-saver for apartment dwellers.
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Green Thumb
Put your extra terra-cotta pots to good use—turn them into a Christmas tree! Paint three pots of descending sizes with red spray paint and let them dry. Then use round sponges of various sizes to add dots of green acrylic craft paint. When the pots are dry, stack them to form a tree shape and tape a coordinating bow on top. Another terrific gift for a gardener is this cedar potting bench. You don't need any special woodworking skills to build it.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Advent Treasure Hunt
Children will love this treasure hunt idea for Advent. For each day, write a clue to the location of a treat, roll the paper into a scroll and tie it with a ribbon, leaving one end long. Put the scroll into a clear shatterproof ball ornament and glue the long end inside the ornament top, making the scroll hang inside. Number the balls with stickers and cover the tops of the ornaments with ribbon.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Fun Faux Leather Ornaments
Faux leather is a strong material that can endure through multiple craft processes. Cut, glue, sew, and stamp it into an interesting conversation piece that could become a family tradition.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Translucent Painted Christmas Bulbs
The classic Christmas bulb is more memorable when you make it yourself. With a clear glass or plastic bulb, glue, and food coloring, you can make a set of dreamy, translucent balls for your tree or windows. Try expanding your DIY decorations to every room with these outstanding tips.
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Simple Christmas Decorations: Victorian Image Transfer Ornaments
Evoke a 19th-century feel with a homemade ornament using image transfer paper, muslin, lace, and a miniature embroidery hoop. This vision of Christmas past looks lovely hanging among your blinking lights. Make sure you know these Christmas ornament storage tips when it comes time to tear down.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Bit of Birch Ornaments
Bring the outside in with a slice of birch. Use festive rubber stamps, a wire hanger, and ribbon embellishment to convert a bit of wood into a long-lasting slice of woodsy memorabilia. Try putting these super cool coasters out for guests too.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Salt Dough Cookie Ornaments
The smell of baking bread is a sure indicator of happy holidays. Mix up a batch of salt dough and use your favorite cutters and paints to make a set of colorful and durable ornaments with a DIY flair. If you can't bear to throw out those old cookie sheets, then repurpose them by doing this.
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Shiny Pine
Ball ornaments don't have to be tree trims. They can be the tree! This one hangs in a frame with a 10- x 13-in. opening. For each row of the tree, lay a piece of wire horizontally across the back of the opening. Use a staple gun to tack one wire end to the frame, string on the ornaments and staple the other end. Secure the staples with a mallet and bend the wire ends over the staples. Add a bow as a topper. If you're looking for tips and hacks for your real or faux tree, don't miss this collection.
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Simple Christmas Tree Decorations: Ugly Christmas Sweater
Ugly Christmas sweater parties have gone on for the better part of two decades but DIY Candy keeps the party going with this cleverly decorated tree that features tiny ugly sweaters as ornaments. The scarves really sell it. Check out 12 great Christmas gifts for the frugal shopper.
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Grinch Christmas Tree Decorations
It’s OK to have a detached sense of humor when it comes to decorating the tree. This grinch didn't get away but makes for a memorable Christmas tree. Find out the best day to go out Christmas tree shopping.
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Hanging Christmas Wreaths
Some wreaths around the house will add to your holiday decor in an instant and won't take up loads of time trying to find something that will fit perfectly in the room. Check out some DIY holiday tips for this season.
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Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornaments
With a little cinnamon, some garland, buttons and a glue gun you have great-looking ornaments on the fly. These cinnamon stick ornaments fit in anywhere around the house. If you're tired of cutting down a Christmas tree each year, check out some awesome Christmas tree alternatives. Photo: Courtesy of Consumer Crafts
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DIY Candle Holder
These awesome looking candles sit inside cookie tins that hang from a wooden hanger with clothespins. If you have some extra tins sitting around this is a delightful way to light up a room. Get some more holiday decorating tips for your home. Photo: Courtesy of Kifli es levendula
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Tea Light Snowmen
These little snowmen are super easy to make with some dollar store tea lights. Grab a black marker and an orange marker, along with a glue gun, pipe cleaners and some felt. Check other amazing DIY decor ideas for Christmas. Photo: Courtesy of Blog Lovin
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Christmas Tree Napkin Folding
If you're short on time but still want to impress, just fold your napkins into Christmas trees. Your guests will like the look and want to know how you did it. As the holidays approach make sure no one is peaking around at the presents with these incredible gift hiding ideas. Photo: Courtesy of Handimania
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Pine Cone Christmas Tree
A pine cone Christmas tree sparkles after getting dressed up with some paint. This pine cone tree added a star and some white paint for a bit of a flocked look. Learn Christmas tree safety for the holidays. Photo: Courtesy of Amy's Delights
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Christmas Utensil Holders
Utensil holders are super simple to make and you can add a creative flair with what you do. Check out these Santa and elf-inspired utensil holders. Find out how to repair Christmas lights around the home this season. Photo: Courtesy of Stamp With Heather
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Book Christmas Tree
Book Christmas trees are gaining steam as alternatives to an actual Christmas tree but take that creative spirit a step forward and let the pages of a book unfurl your Christmas tree. Learn how to cut down on expenses with keeping the Christmas lights on during the holidays. Photo: Courtesy of Guide Patterns
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Stairs Getting Stares
Don’t forget the stairs when decorating for Christmas. Sure a little garland along the railing is a no brainer but go bigger like this design from Just Destiny Mag. A couple of marquee letters spell out “Ho Ho Ho” and in between some fancy luminaries. Find out how to keep a handrail sturdy so you don't end up having any holiday emergencies. Photo: Courtesy of Just Destiny Mag
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Doorway Garland
This is a classic decoration but check out the large pinecones. Big pinecones can look pretty good with garland. Learn how to install an exterior door. Photo: Courtesy of Setting for Four
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Lantern Ornaments
Lanterns are pretty good ornaments on their own but when you fill up an old one with Christmas ornaments it’s quite the look. Any color ornament will kind of work when you’ve got a neutral colored lantern like this. Find out how to replace an exterior door if you want a new look. Photo: Courtesy of Dimples and Tangles
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Cranberry Luminaries
Grab some cranberries and go wild decorating this sensational Christmas luminaries that can be made in five minutes. Add some cedar greens, a floating candle and some water to create an awesome look at home. Just be careful with those luminaries and learn fire safety tips. Photo: Courtesy of Today's Creative Life
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Advent Ladder
Here’s a new take on an advent calendar, try the advent ladder. Vintage, rustic, sleek and simple, it’s a fantastic addition to any room in the house. Make holiday decorating easier this season. Photo: Courtesy of Ella Claire Inspired
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Vintage Sled Island
Hanging a vintage sled over a kitchen island is a awesome idea that Golden Boys and Me pulled off flawlessly. Adding the wrapped presents and cookie tins fill out the space to complete the look. Drum up some ideas for kitchen island designs for your home. Photo: Courtesy of Golden Boys and Me
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Rudolph Reigns Outside
Rudolph leads the way for Santa each year but he can also lead people to your house during the holiday season. Housepitality Designs stationed a wooden Rudolph outside the door with a plaid scarf for a neat touch. Learn how to make easy Christmas ornaments for your home. Photo: Courtesy of Housepitality Designs
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Forget the Yuletide Log
This DIY centerpiece from Jenna Burger is complete with faux berries, branches and pinecones. Candles can surround it on the table for more dramatic effect during the dining experience. Get some inspiration for your Christmas tree this year with these trees. Photo: Courtesy of Jenna Burger
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Mudroom Magic
This mudroom pops with red plaid against the blue background to give a strong holiday cheer right away. Get some ideas to organize your mudroom. Photo: Courtesy of Golden Boys and Me
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Natural Wreath
A “Joy” board wreath is a neat touch outside the door like what was done at Fynes Designs. It’s a fairly simple project for DIYers and makes your home stand out instantly. Try some clip-and-snip wreaths for your home. Photo: Courtesy of Fynes Designs
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Fa La La La La Foyer
This foyer from Nesting Blissfully Interiors calls up Christmas with carols with the elaborate set up around the foyer table. Check out these 15 awesome ideas for entryways after the holidays. Photo: Courtesy of Nesting Blissfully Interiors
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Ceiling Hung Wreath
Project via Hometalker Emily from Our House Now a Home.
If you're looking for a way to add some interest to your holiday home, try decorating vertically, with a large hanging Christmas wreath. With these directions for safe and simple installation, you can turn your ceiling into a canvas for decor this holiday!
Learn how to make the Ceiling Hung Wreath. 52 / 60
Scrap Wood Wreath
Project via Hometalker Becky from Beyond the Picket Fence.
Who says you need to go traditional? Gather a couple pieces of scrap wood and mix up some paint, for a festive scrap wood wreath that is anything but ordinary, and can be used year after year!
Learn how to make the Scrap Wood Wreath. 53 / 60
Wooden Snowflake
Project via Hometalker Pauline from My Altered State.
Mimic all the beautiful geometry of snowflakes, with this rustic DIY wooden snowflake design that's perfect for adding to your porch this season. Gather together some tools and prepare for a flurry of holiday fun!
Learn how to make the Wooden Snowflake. 54 / 60
Holiday Marquee
Project via Hometalker Jen from Fresh Crush.
Using string lights makes any decoration holiday-worthy, but add them to some festive phrases, and you've got a holiday marquee that's fun to make and a great eye-catching embellishment in any room!
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Holiday String Art
String art is a wildly popular DIY decor idea right now and for a good reason. It's simple, the color combinations are endless, and it can be easily modified for any season or event. Just be sure to pick the right size of nail to sink into the wood and leave enough space between the nails for several layers of embroidery thread or string. And print out or trace an outline to use as a guide or draw your design freehand directly on the wood.
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Spell it Out
This DIY decor idea lets you express yourself in words! You can create any phrase you like with some reclaimed wood for the back and purchased letters. And better yet, create the whole alphabet and you can keep changing the message all year long!
Photo: Courtesy of Kristy Murphy
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Bathroom Decor
The holidays mean lots of visitors, and that means lots of people using the guest bathroom. This neat shelf made from an old sled can hold toilet paper, towels, extra soap, or anything a guest might need, and is a great way to use a repurposed item in your decor. Photo: Courtesy of Funky Junk
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Light It Up
When looking for DIY decor ideas, it's all about the shimmering lights during the holidays. And with these DIY hanging stars, a little wood glue, yardsticks and paint, you can create a multitude of starts to light up the night. Photo: Courtesy of Little Bit Funky
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PVC Wreath
Why go green, when you can go PVC? This neat wreath is a great hack, using PVC plumbing pipe, construction adhesive and spray paint to create a wreath that lets everyone know you are a Family Handyman kind of home.
Photo: Courtesy of Home Depot
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Pine Cone Trees
No room for a big tree in your home? Combine spools of thread, pine cones, glitter and beads to create a grove of miniature Christmas trees! And experiment with color and size to add visual appeal. Just be sure to use these Christmas storage tricks, and they will last for years to come.
Originally Published: November 26, 2018