If you’re one of those whiners who complains that the holidays seem to come earlier and earlier every year, we can’t be friends. Personally, I love getting out our old decorations and making the house feel cozy for the season. Every year I like to add a few new extra decorations, just to spruce things up.
There are so many amazing and downright adorable holiday decorations you can make, and a lot of them won’t break the bank. Instead of busting your budget on pricey store-bought decor, try these creative (and easy) ideas. It’ll mean more to you and your family for years to come.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your home, here’s my complete list of inexpensive and festive holiday decor ideas to DIY this year. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Holiday Ideas:
- DIY Emoji Ornaments
- 31 Genius Holiday Party Themes You Haven’t Seen Before
- The Definitive Guide to Christmas Music that Doesn’t Suck
101 Inexpensive and Festive Holiday Decorations
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Edible Fruit Wreath
Looking for something completely different? Try making a gorgeous (and delicious) holiday wreath.
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Handmade Holiday Napkins
If festive napkins aren't in your holiday budget, try making your own! This easy and creative DIY will be a gorgeous addition to your holiday table.
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Wall Light Christmas Tree Shelf
Maximize your wall space with this dazzling alternative to the traditional christmas tree. It looks great during the day, all bright white and snowy, but it’s also a stunner at night.
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Craft Stick Trees
These impressive woodsy holiday trees will look great on the mantle or centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table.
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Paint Chip Wreath
Who says Christmas has to be red and green? Choose a palate of your favorite colors and turn them into a festive, creative, and unique wreath to display for all to admire.
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Glittered Tealight Log
Bring nature into your holiday decor by turning a log or thick branch into a tealight holder. It makes the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or gracing a mantel or windowsill.
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Paper Strip Ornaments
Use paper strips to create the shape of teardrops and hearts with this fun and festive DIY project.
See more over on Curbly.
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Gold Dipped Holiday Glasses
Gold is just about the most festive color out there. Turn any set of wine glasses into a gorgeous holiday entertaining set.
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5 Dollar, 5 Minute Wreath
This easy-peasy wreath will look fabulous on your front door (and no one will guess how cheap and easy it was to make!).
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Holiday Card Tree
If you're getting a lot of holiday cards this time of year, why not try something different with your card display by hanging the cards from silver-painted twigs?
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Ice Lanterns
These ice lanterns are easy to make, practically free, and absolutely beautiful when lit on your doorstep through a cold night.
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Wooden Starburst Wreath
Break from tradition with this craft, post-modern chic wreath. All you need is a few items from the hardware store.
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Mason Jar Snow Globes
DIY Mason Jar Snow Globe are supr fun to make, and perfect for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and adorning your own mantle. And you can do them in a variety of ways.
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Metallic Garland
Make your house instantly more festive with these easy and fun metallic garland ideas. Great for doorways, windows, the fireplace, or even the tree!
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Ornament Pillows
DIY Christmas ornament pillows are the most adorable additions to kids rooms, and the kids will enjoy helping make them, too.
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Felt Christmas Bow
Every Christmas wreath needs a fluffy, red bow. And they're easy to make, too!
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Paint Chip Tree Garland
Get into the holiday spirit with this super easy (and very cheap) red and green garland.
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Felt Candy Cane Ornaments
Add a personalized touch to your Christmas tree by making your own adorable felt ornaments -- they make great gifts, too!See more over on Saidos da Concha.
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Pinecone Trees
Line these cute little pinecone trees on a mantle, or place one on your child's nightstand to bring the seasonal spirit to your house. A great craft to do with the little ones!
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Paper Straw Wreath
Those red-and-white striped paper straws aren't just for sipping your fave beverage. With this DIY, you can turn them into a bright and festive Christmas wreath! See more over on Tater Tots & Jello.
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Polka Dot Garland
If you're tired of red-and-green everything, why not incorporate more color with this vivid, festive felt garland that can be hung on the mantle, on the walls, or even on your christmas tree!
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Pottery Barn Inspired Holiday Throw Pillows
Customize your own festive throw pillows for instant one-of-a-kind holiday decor.
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Tree Advent Garland
Grab your green paint samples and cut them into little pine trees with this fun and festive Christmas garland idea. Get the kids to help by writing the numbers on each tree!
See more over on A Simple Nest.
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Poinsetta Wreath
This gorgeous wreath screams 'holiday festive'. We chose gold, but do yours in any color!
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Candy Cane Wreath
Tape together some yummy candy canes for this sweet twist on the traditional wreath. Don't you just love how 2 candy canes together make a heart shape?
See more over on All You Need Is Christmas.
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Sparkly Sequin Trees
Nothing says Christmas like some sparkle. These gorgeous little trees are a great addition to your holiday table or mantle, and will dazzle your guests, too.
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Snowflake Flurry
Turn your home into a winter wonderland with this indoor snowflake flurry. A great weekend project to do with kids!
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Snowflake Wall Art
Heirloom quality snowflake wall art canvases are are gorgeous way to spruce up your holiday decor, and you'll cherish them for years to come.
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Swirled Modern Ornaments
Not only are these Christmas tree ornaments totally cool-looking, but they're made with broken crayon nubs (and come on, we've all got those lying around the house).
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Christmas Card Holder
If you're looking for a cool way to display your holiday cards this season, try this colorful DIY pinboard. Make as many as you like to house all the incoming cards.
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Giant Bow
Bring some holiday magic into your home with these fun and festive oversized holiday bows. A great way to decorate any area of your home that needs a little extra oomph.
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Sparkly Branches
Sparkling branches make a big impact on holiday decor. Sure you can order them from a catalog, but why not make your own?
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Ornament Frames
Showcase your most treasured ornaments with this cool wreath alternative. It'll be the perfect decoration to welcome your guests during the holiday season.
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Candy Cane Wreath
This adorable red-and-white wreath is a great way to make your home seem warm and cozy this festive season.
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Winter Picture Memory Wreath
Display your winter memories in a unique way by adorning a frosty holiday wreath with pictures of friends and family.
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Toilet Tissue Flower Wreath
Flower wreaths are easy to make and look absolutely beautiful. For a festive touch, try spray painting yours gold, silver, red, or green (and a little glitter never hurt)!
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Wooden Tree Advent
Build an advent tree for your trinkets and goodies leading up to Christmas this year. It's easier than it sounds, and the kids will love it!
See more over on A Beautiful Mess.
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Boxes Advent Calendar
Little kraft boxes with removable lids will make a super cool and modern looking advent calendar.
See more over on Shim & Sons.
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Paper Bag Advent Garland
This DIY advent calendar is a fun and festive way to get kids ready by counting down to the big day with small gifts and treats.
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Advent Garland
DIY garlands to hang around the house are great for holiday decor. Not to mention, the little ones can't reach the calendar and discover what surprise treats and gifts you have in store for them!
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Moss Wreath
Bring an earthy, woodsy feel to your holiday decorating by adorning a wreath with bright green moss and mini red ornaments. Use a square wreath to give it an additionally unique flair.
See more over on BHG.
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Card Wreath
Make a wreath out of spray-painted clothes pins and it can double as a handy and creative way to display your Christmas cards.
See more over on Craftiness Is Not Optional.
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Fabric Wrapped Wreath
A wreath made of fabric strips is a great way to bring a little personal flair, creativity, and warmth to your home this holiday season.
See more over on That's My Letter.
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Felt Wrapped Wreath
Jump on the ombre bandwagon with these colorful and creative felt wreathes. Use any color pattern you like and bring simplicity and beauty into your home.
See more over on Burlap + Blue.
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Waterless Snow Globes
This is a fun DIY snow globe project with a bit less mess. The possibilities are endless!
See more over on Tidy Mom.
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Ombre Ornaments
These Christmas ornaments are more like works of art than tree baubles. Have fun creating these modern masterpieces, and then hang from the tree, mantle, shelves, or windows.
See more over on Shelterness.
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Plastic Animal Ornaments
Glittery animal Christmas ornaments? Yes please! Grab your favorite small toy animals, some spray paint, and get started!
See more over on Curbly.
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Stained Glass Cookie Ornaments
Add a stained-glass effect to your Christmas cookies by melting Life Savers and Jolly Ranchers in the center, then hang them on the tree (if you and the kids don't gobble them up first!)
See more over on Simply Recipes.
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Felt Ball Garland
Felt balls are bright and colorful and make for epic decorations, any time of year. This festive holiday garland will have you doing the dance of the sugarplum fairies all season long!
See more over on My Sparkle.
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Ho Ho Ho Garland
This fun, easy garland will bring the spirit of Christmas into your home without going overboard.
See more over on Life Design Sky.
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Hand Drawn Geo Ornaments
Decorate porcelain ball ornaments with cool geometric designs. Very eye catching and creative.
See more over on Aesthetic Outburst.
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Paper Ball Ornament
Turn graph paper (or any colored construction paper) into a cool little handmade ornament for your tree this year!
See more over on Aesthetic Outburst.
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Cardboard Tree
These DIY cardboard trees are super cute and lots of fun to put together with the kids.
See more over on Mer Mag.
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Snowman Ornament
Snowmen are among the most quintessential representatives of the winter and the holiday season. You and your kids will love making these cute little snowman heads for the tree.
See more over on Mer Mag.
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Paper Circles Wreath
This wreath looks fresh, clean, and creative, and it couldn't be easier. All you need is a bit of cardboard, glue, and some paper strips. See more over on Mer Mag.
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Mini Gift Garland
This mini gift garland is completely adorable. Very festive, and perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit.
See more over on Oh Happy Day.
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Giant Paper Bells
Find some fun, festive card stock and create your own whimsical bell ornaments to hang from the tree, doorways or windows.
See more over on Oh Happy Day.
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Watercolor Paper Chain
Paper chains are a great project to do with the kids, and if you're looking for a way to make it a bit more fun and creative, why not try watercolor painting the paper before you cut it into strips?
See more over on Oh Happy Day.
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Painted Ornaments
A little effort goes a long way with these gorgeous little holiday ornaments. Choose your own color scheme and get creative!
See more over on Oh Happy Day.
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Wooden Garland
Bring Scandinavian flair to your Christmas decorations by incorporating this lovely wooden garland made of straw and wooden beads.
See more over on The House That Lars Built.
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Glitter Paper Trees
Christmas trees made of old magazines are very creative. Spray paint them and drizzle in glitter for an extra helping of holiday cheer.
See more over on The House That Lars Built.
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Cinnamon Candles
Nothing screams 'holidays' like cinnamon. Your home will feel warm and cozy as soon as you light these pretty (and easy to make) candles.
See more over on Natural Curtain Company.
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Moss Joy Door Hanging
Go bold this holiday season with bright, moss-covered letters that you can hang from your front door.
See more over on Uncommon Designs Online.
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Joy to the World
With this free printable, you can make your own festive Joy To The World artwork. Put it in a simple or ornate frame and rest it on the mantle to spread the joy.
See more over on Angela Hardison.
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Crushed Candy Trees
Bring a little 'Frozen' flair into your home with these beautiful and unique dyed crystal candy trees.
See more over on Furnish Burnish.
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Merry and Bright Sign
Create a giant, decorative wall art piece with your favorite holiday phrase. A big yet understated way of spreading holiday cheer.
See more over on Paper & Stitch.
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Decorative Trees
Use fabric, paper, or paint to turn cardboard cones into fabulous little trees to decorate your house all season long.
See more over on Little Inspiration.
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Cement Tree Ornaments
Use chocolate moulds to make these cool, modern-looking cement ornaments. Paint them after, or leave as-is for a simple look.
See more over on Fellow Fellow.
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Sweet Pine Cone Garland
Bring the outdoors into your holiday decor with this simple yet attractive pine cone garland.
See more over on The Sweetest Occasion.
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Pine Cone Wreath
Send the kids out to collect a variety of different pine cones, and then have fun with them as you all assemble into a stylish, woodsy wreath.
See more over on Real House Design.
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Pine Cone Lights
Hang pine cones from your Christmas lights for a look that is sure to dazzle guests and bring holiday cheer into your home.
See more over on Real House Design.
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Easy Table Runner
Design a fun and creative table runner. The secret to getting your decorations to stay in place? No-slip shelf liner!
See more over on Creating Really Awesome Free Things.
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Snowflake Table Runner
Give your table a frosty makeover with these fun and unique snowflake.
See more over on HGTV.
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Peppermint Candy Ornaments
Sweeten up your Christmas tree with these adorable homemade candy-inspired ornaments.
See more over on All You.
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Leather Pine Cone
Get your craft on with these adorable little leather pine cones. Spruce up your mantel, hang from the tree, or display a collection of them in a bowl.
See more over on Anthology.
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Pretty Pine Cone Garland
Turn pine cones into flowers with this pretty, festive DIY project. Simple, easy, and beautiful.
See more over on Two Shades of Pink.
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Paper Table Trees
Bookworms will love this unique twist on DIY christmas trees. Create them for the mantel, the table centerpiece, or a windowsill decoration.
See more over on Philzendia.
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Pipe Cleaner Chain
This is the perfect DIY activity for you and the kids. Not only will you have fun making them, but the house will look festive and Christmas-ready when you're through.
See more over on In My Own Style.
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Balsa Wood Diamond Ornament
Make your own diamonds with this fun DIY project. Your tree will dazzle!
See more over on A Beautiful Mess.
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Cube Ornaments
Add a hook and turn cool wooden cubes into Christmas tree ornaments. If you've got kids, surely you've got a few extra blocks lying around!
See more over on Scrap Hacker.
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Thumbtack Votive Candles
Turn simple votive candles into a shiny holiday centerpiece with this fab project that is easy and looks great!
See more over on Spark & Chemistry.
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Gift Bow Napkin Rings
Cute, festive napkin rings don't have to be expensive. With just a few craft store materials you can create your own present-bow napkin rings to brighten your table scape. See more over on Minted Strawberry.
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Toilet Paper Roll Wreath
Looking for something to do with all those extra toilet paper tubes? Why not turn them into a festive wreath that the kids can help make.
See more over on Reading Confetti.
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Paper Stars
These 3D paper stars are a creative and pretty way to make your house more festive this holiday season.
See more over on Crafty Nest.
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Leather Embellished Pillow
Homemade pillows are a great way to add decorative flair to your home over the holidays. Faux leather embellishments will give it an elegant touch of class, too.
See more over on Grey Luster Girl.
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Fringe Paper Tree
Grab some fringe scissors and tissue paper and have fun making this adorable Christmas tree that will add a touch of fun and playfulness into your home. See more over on Curbly.
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Wooden Geometric Trees
Give these wooden geometric tabletop trees a try if you're feeling the urge to veer from tradition and go for a more modern approach this holiday.
See more over on Curbly.
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Jenga-ish Tree
This fun, fresh take on a tabletop Christmas tree is easy to make, and leaves room for creativity, too.
See more over on Curbly.
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Dowel Rod Tree
Wooden Christmas trees make great displays for the mantel or table scape. Try this one made of dowels for a simple, elegant look.
See more over on Northstory.
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Bead Ornaments
This is a great crafty project for the kids. They'll enjoy coming up with their own patterns and then hanging them from the tree after.
See more over on Shelterness.
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Animal Ornaments
These animal ornaments are delicate and beautiful, and make for wonderful gifts. It's okay if you're not an artist -- try writing words, or adding feathers to these ornaments instead.
See more over on Voyages of the Creative Variety.
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Branch Tree
A rustic twist on the usual Christmas tree alternatives. Make this tree-shaped branch stack and weave twinkle lights throughout for extra flair.
See more over on Laole Blog.
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Felt Ball Tree
Turn a felt ball garland into an outline of a Christmas tree for your wall. It's a fun, vibrant way of bringing the holiday spirit into your home.
See more over on Down to the Woods.
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Collection Tree
Use tiny trinkets and create a meaningful Christmas tree alternative. Might be time consuming, but you'll take everyone's breath away.
See more over on Apartment Therapy.
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Light Tree
If you've got twinkly lights to spare, this is a fun way to use them up and create a burst of light and sparkle to your wall.
See more over on A Merry Mishap.
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Pine Cone Trees
Another take on pine cone trees -- these ones incorporate tiny beads as ornaments for a delicate aesthetic.
See more over on Recycle Art.
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Tassel Trees
Using yarn is another fun alternative for tabletop trees. The tassels look great bunched up as leaves on branches, and they're so soft, too!
See more over on Two Shades of Pink.
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String Art Tree
Find a cool piece of wood and some old nails and fashion a little Christmas tree that you can hang from the wall. Kids will love helping out with this one, too.
See more over on Domestically Speaking.
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Pom Pom Tree Pillow
These fun, festive, 3-dimensional pillow accents will add instant flair to your holiday home decor. See more over on Thistlewood Farms.
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Pom Pom Paper Trees
Pom poms are a big hit with holiday decorating, so why not wind some around cute trees and wreathes for a blast of color and fun.
See more over on Tater Tots & Jello.
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Stocking Advent Calendar
This is another fun idea for an advent calendar. Perfect for putting small toys or treats, and it won't take up too much space on the wall, either.
See more over on Hello Natural.
