14 DIY Christmas Hacks Martha Stewart Would Approve Of
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The holiday season is here, and with it comes a flurry of festive activities. We all dream of that perfect holiday ambiance but sometimes it takes a little magic—or a little Martha Stewart to make it happen. Do not fear, holiday enthusiast! You don’t need to spend a fortune or lose your mind to turn your inner domestic diva free, with just a few clever DIY tricks.
Whether you’re looking to do a small family affair or a full Christmas extravaganza, these DIY Christmas hacks will leave your guests with grins from cheek to cheek. Whether for quick décor solutions or how to repurpose everyday items, these ideas will bring cheer to your home. So grab a cup of cocoa, crank up the holiday playlist, and let’s get into some really fantastic DIY inspiration.
Dress Up Store-Bought Cookies
No time to bake? Dress up store-bought cookies with icing, sprinkles or chocolate drizzle. No one will guess that your spruced-up cookies came from a box when you put them on a festive platter. Perfect for the time-crunched host, it’s a little culinary magic.
Brown Paper Bags As Gift Wrap
Save yourself the money of the expensive wrapping paper and use brown paper bags. Personalize with your own hand-drawn designs or twine or sprigs of greenery. It’s also eco-friendly as brown paper is usually recyclable.
Create Snowy Mason Jars
It’s a great time to bust out the mason jars you have lying around if you have any. Tag them with faux snow, small pinecones, or teeny tiny figurines, and you’ve got yourself an adorable winter portrait this holiday. For an enchanting glow place a tea light or some string lights inside.
DIY Cinnamon Stick Candles
Create a simple candle hack to bring the smell of Christmas into your home. Glue cinnamon sticks around plain pillar candles with a glue gun or string them around. At the same time as the candle is being lit the warmth of the candle gently heats up the cinnamon sticks, enhancing the subtle, festive aroma when it releases. As a bonus, it makes a lovely centerpiece for your holiday table. Our little secret, your guests will think you’ve spent a fortune on artisanal candles.
Outdoor Ice Lanterns
Ice lanterns add some winter magic to your yard. Fill balloons with water (and a few drops of food coloring, if you’d like) and freeze overnight. Freeze it, peel off the balloon, hollow out a small section, and put a tea light inside. They look great in a row along a walkway or garden bed. On chilliest nights, they’re sure to warm hearts.
How To Turn Ornaments Into A Show-Stopping Wreath
Alternatively, if you’re over the traditional greenery go for a vibrant wreath made from spare ornaments. Just glue a bunch of different-sized ornaments onto a foam ring, stacking them for a full textured look. It’s an easy way to give bold color to your holiday display.
Turn Old Sweaters into Seasonal Decor
Do you have an old sweater sitting in your closet that you haven’t worn since your college days? Repurpose it into a pillow cover or stocking! You just cut to size the fabric, sew up the edges and voilà, you have the chic holiday accent. Not only are you saving money, you’re also saving the planet – a win win.
A Collection of Hanging Lights Using Binder Clips
I think we’ve all been there when stringing up holiday lights is a headache in itself. A fast and fuss-free way to hang your lights, clip them along your gutters, fences, or curtain rods. This method is sturdy, and in addition, it does not damage surfaces with nails or staples. Binder clips are the holiday decorating unsung hero!
Easy DIY Scented Pinecones
Scent pinecones to bring the scent of the season into your home. Spray a mix of essential oils—Cinnamon or Clove are great—with water in a spray bottle and generously spritz all over pinecones. Leave them to dry overnight, then put them in a pretty bowl or around your tree. This is a good way to bring the scents of the season indoors without the cost.
Reimagine Tree Trimmings
Don’t throw away the trimmings from that tree you cut for Christmas! You can use them to make garlands, mini wreaths or fragrant sachets, according to The Ponds FarmHouse. Instead, let’s turn that waste into wonder.
Chalkboard Countdown Calendar
Rather than a traditional advent calendar, create a reusable chalkboard countdown. Take chalkboard paint and paint a wooden plaque, then use chalk to mark out the days until Christmas. It’s fun for kids to get excited for the big day and you can customize the design every year.
DIY Peppermint Stir Sticks
Peppermint stir sticks will add a touch of whimsy to your hot cocoa bar. Melt chocolate, dip candy canes in melted chocolate, coat with crushed candy canes or sprinkles. But they’re an instant upgrade for holiday drinks and a fun project to do with kids.
Use Command Hooks to Hang Garland
No nails? No problem. Hang garlands, stockings or lights without leaving marks on your walls using removable adhesive hooks. According to consumer reviews, Command Hooks can hold up to 7 pounds, and they’re perfect for lightweight holiday décor. This is one simple solution you’ll kick yourself for not having thought about sooner.
Using Coffee Filters, to Make a Snowflake
Give your inner child a grown-up upgrade with DIY paper snowflakes—with coffee filters for a delicate, lacy look. They come in a round-form, which is great for symmetrical designs, and are pretty sturdy. String them together for a snowflake garland that would even make the Grinch smile or hang them in windows.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
