Thanksgiving has come and gone (see you next year, pumpkin pie, turkey and food coma!), so it’s finally an appropriate time to get serious about Christmas decorating. Although there’s nothing wrong with tradition — it’s what makes this season so special — it might be time to trade in some of your tattered, old-school decorations for newer, shinier models. Before you head out and brave the holiday shopping chaos, though, look no further than your own ornament stash.
Throughout the years you’ve probably accumulated an embarrassingly large ornament collection — after all, most of us have been to more than a few of those supercheap after-Christmas sales. Instead of keeping those pieces boxed up until the end of time, put them to use by creating your own festive holiday masterpiece. These ideas, ranging from quick crafts to complex DIYs, will give you a new, sparkly centerpiece or decked-out mantel that fits the times.
Ornament Tree, original photo on Houzz
Instead of placing ornaments on a tree, why not make a tree out of ornaments? This clever, adorable craft, courtesy of Amy from Into Vintage, makes great use of clearance-sale ornaments and an old window screen.
Mustard Seed Interiors, original photo on Houzz
Beautify your fireplace mantel by dressing it up. Here, a traditional green wreath gets a remix, and a festive sleigh gets filled to the brim with favorite bright, seasonal accessories.
Hanging ornaments from a tree is so typical. Instead, use ceiling beams (if you have them) to display these sparkly globes, but be sure to use strong wire or ribbon so nothing falls from the sky.
Atypical Type A, original photo on Houzz
If you don’t have room to celebrate Christmas with a full-fledged tree, opt for this cute, bite-size one instead. Fill a vase with painted branches, color-coordinated ornaments and some sort of sturdy foundation, like pebbles or rice.
Enhance your outdoor holiday decor by hanging ornaments from a front porch or trees. If the weather in your area is harsh, use plastic instead of glass and hang pieces with thick red ribbon or heavy-duty wire.
Ornament Wreath, original photo on Houzz
Bring a contemporary twist to your holiday wreath by using ornaments instead of greenery and winterberries. Becky from Matt & Becky used a Styrofoam wreath, red ribbon and a hot-glue gun to make this colorful, fun decoration.
FOCAL POINT STYLING, original photo on Houzz
Place ornaments in a bowl for a quick, last-minute centerpiece. Paired with snowflake dishes and purple accents, this table setting brings plenty of holiday cheer without seeming over the top.
Welcome your houseguests the right way by placing oversize ornaments in a weatherproof étagère. Add some greenery and lights for additional Christmas spirit.
Enhance an already festive fireplace by draping Mardi Gras beads and ornaments along your mantel. If you just can’t get enough, use ornament hooks to string pieces from the bead garland as well.
Small Ornament Centerpiece, original photo on Houzz
Bring a trendy twist to your seasonal get-together by opting for an ornament-laden centerpiece. Shelley from The House of Smiths used branches, small picture frames, a tray and globe-filled hurricanes to create this conversation starter.
Display Your Holiday Vignette on a Console Table in the Entryway
For those who live in warmer climates, bring your entertaining outdoors by hanging ornaments from your trees. It will still feel like Christmas, even if there’s no snow in sight.