I will not pretend to be a Pinterest-perfect crafter who always gets things right. Not in the adorable, rustic sense, half of my Christmas decorations appear to have withstood a snowstorm. The problem is that’s precisely what makes do-it-yourself Christmas décor so incredibly magical. You get to create something that screams “you,” and your living room ends up feeling cozy instead of looking like a department store exploded in it.
So grab your glue gun (careful with those burns, trust me) and let’s turn your living room into a festive wonderland without breaking the bank or your sanity.
1. Paper Snowflake Garland
Remember making snowflakes in elementary school? Yeah, we’re bringing that back, but make it chic.
Get some white paper. Cardstock is a more elegant option, but printer paper will do just fine. You have snowflakes after folding, cutting, and unfolding. Use white twine or red ribbon to tie them together, then hang them from your windows or mantel.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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OuMuaMua Winter Christmas Snow | OuMuaMua Winter Christmas Snowflake Decorations Indoor, 24PCS 3D White Snowflakes Hanging Ornaments for Home Xmas Christmas Holiday Winter Wonderland New Year Party Decorations |
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LIUYAXI Red Double Faced Satin Ribbon, 2″ X Continuous 50 Yards, Ribbons Perfect for | LIUYAXI Red Double Faced Satin Ribbon, 2″ X Continuous 50 Yards, Ribbons Perfect for Gift Wrapping Wedding DIY Craft Bow Making & Other Projects |
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Expert advice: To add visual interest, create snowflakes of varying sizes. In any case, no two snowflakes are alike, right? 🙂
The best part? This costs basically nothing. I made a 10-foot garland last year while binge-watching holiday movies. Multitasking at its finest.
2. Mason Jar Snow Globes
These little guys are so easy, it’s almost embarrassing how impressed people get when they see them.
Here’s what you need:
- Mason jars (any size)
- Fake snow or Epsom salt
- Mini Christmas trees or figurines
- White and red paint for the lid
- Hot glue
Steps:
- Glue your mini tree to the inside of the lid
- Fill the jar with fake snow
- Screw it shut
- Paint the lid in red and white stripes
Set a few of these on your coffee table or bookshelf, and suddenly you’re a decorating genius. Who knew?
3. Red and White Pom-Pom Wreath
Pom-poms are ridiculously satisfying to make. I don’t make the rules.
A foam wreath form, red and white yarn, and patience are required. Create roughly 50–60 pom-poms (it may seem like a lot, but you’ll get into a groove), then adhere them to the wreath form using hot glue. To be honest, either switching up the colors or going with a random combination looks fantastic.
Hang this baby on your living room wall or above the couch. It adds texture and that cozy, handmade vibe that store-bought wreaths just can’t match.
| Material | Cost | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yarn | $8-12 | 2-3 hrs | Easy |
4. Candy Cane Vase Fillers
This one’s so simple it feels like cheating, but it looks amazing.
Fill vases made of clear glass with candy canes. That’s all. That’s the entire ornamentation. Your living room will smell like mint thanks to the beautiful pattern created by the red and white stripes that run through the glass.
FYI, you can also wrap a red ribbon around the vase’s neck for extra flair. Place these on side tables, mantels, or windowsills.
5. Painted Pinecone Display
Ever noticed how pinecones are basically free Christmas decorations just lying around outside?
Gather a few, clean them thoroughly, and then paint the tips white to resemble snow. If you want to go overboard, place some red berries between the scales (craft store fakes work great).
Display them in a bowl, scatter them on your mantel, or string them into a garland. Nature’s giving you decorations—take advantage of it!
6. DIY Felt Ball Garland
These garlands scream “cozy living room” louder than anything else, IMO.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own felt balls or purchase them in bulk online, where they’re reasonably priced. Alternate between red and white as you string them onto thin ribbon or thick white thread. Hang the garland around doorways, along picture frames, or across your fireplace.
Quick tip: Mix in different sizes for dimension. A garland with all same-size balls looks weirdly uniform and kind of boring.
The texture these add is chef’s kiss. Plus, they’re lightweight, so you can hang them anywhere without worrying about them pulling down your decorations.
7. Red-Nosed Reindeer Bottle Art
Do you have any empty wine bottles lying around? (This is not a judgment.) Make them into cute reindeer!
Add googly eyes, a Rudolph-style red pom-pom nose, and hot glue some twigs to the back to create antlers after painting the bottles white. Place three or four of these on your console table or mantel.
Are they a little silly? Absolutely. Do guests love them? Every single time. Sometimes the cheesiest decorations are the most charming.
8. Cranberry and Popcorn String
Old school? Yes. Still works? Absolutely.
You’ll need:
- Fresh cranberries
- Popped popcorn (white, obviously)
- Needle and thread
- Patience (this takes a minute)
As you string them, switch between red cranberries and white popcorn. Wrap the completed garland around picture frames, windows, or your Christmas tree.
Just keep it away from pets. Trust me on this one. :/
9. White Stocking Holders with Red Accents
Can’t drill into your mantel? Join the club.
Use white-painted wooden blocks (available at any craft store) to create basic stocking holders. Write names, “JOY,” “NOEL,” or anything else you want in red letters. Attach self-sticking hooks to the rear.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Melissa & Doug Standard U | Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs) |
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9ft Extra Full Real Touch Ced | 9ft Extra Full Real Touch Cedar Garland Artificial Realistic 9 ft, Faux Cedar Garland Realistic, Thick Realistic Christmas Garland for Mantle, Stairs, Table, Real Touch Garlands Fireplace |
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This works because they are detachable, adjustable, and give the impression that you are not merely balancing stockings awkwardly on the edge of the mantel.
10. Paper Star Lanterns
These give off the prettiest glow, especially in the evening.
Cut out star shapes from cardstock or white paper, pierce them with holes so that light can pass through, and then affix them to string lights. Paper can also be folded and adhered into pointed shapes to make three-dimensional stars. For contrast, add a few red stars.
Hang them near windows or drape them across the room. When you turn them on at night, the whole room feels magical.
Ever wondered why Christmas lights make everything better? There’s actually science behind it, but honestly, I just know they do.
11. Striped Ribbon Christmas Tree
No room for a real tree? Make one from ribbons on your wall.
Use ribbons in different widths that are red and white. To form a triangle, begin at the bottom with the longest and work your way up. Use detachable adhesive hooks or tacks to fasten each piece.
Add a paper star on top and maybe some small ornaments pinned to the ribbons. You’ve got yourself a tree that takes up exactly zero floor space. Small apartment dwellers, you’re welcome.
12. Frosted Branch Centerpiece
This one looks expensive but costs almost nothing.
Locate bare branches in a park or your yard, spray paint them white, and place them in a clear vase. Attach bows made of red ribbon to sporadic branches. Hang little ornaments from them if you want to get fancy.
Expert advice: Attach fairy lights that run on batteries to the branches. White branches, red accents, and sparkling lights combine to create a winter wonderland atmosphere that makes for stunning photos.
Set this on your coffee table or dining table—it works as a centerpiece or a standalone decoration.
13. Fabric Scrap Ornament Garland
Got leftover fabric? Perfect.
Slice the red and white fabric into 1-inch-wide by 6-inch-long strips. To make it appear full, tie them tightly together onto a length of ribbon or twine. Any pattern you have, such as stripes, polka dots, or solid colors, can be combined.
This garland adds texture and that homemade charm that makes your living room feel personal. Plus, you’re using up scraps instead of buying new stuff, which feels responsible and crafty simultaneously.
Hang it anywhere you’d hang a regular garland. It’s lightweight and way easier to store than those bulky tinsel ones.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that you can have a festive living room without making it look like a magazine spread. These do-it-yourself decorations are effective because they are affordable, personal, and can be completed without requiring you to visit the emergency room due to a glue gun accident (though keep those burn cream supplies on hand, just in case).
Everything remains consistent without being overly matchy-matchy thanks to the red and white color scheme. These projects can be mixed and matched according to your patience, time, and financial constraints. Choose what works for you; some may take 20 minutes, while others may require a Sunday afternoon.
And truthfully? They are better because of their flaws. There’s character in that slightly crooked pom-pom wreath. Those imperfectly matched hand-cut snowflakes? They are distinct. DIY Christmas decorations are unique because they share a personal narrative about the maker.
So go ahead and create a warm and festive living space without worrying about perfection or breaking the bank. Instead of feeling like a showroom, your space should feel like home. Now gather your craft supplies and start decorating; hot chocolate is optional but strongly advised.