16 Surprising Things You Can Use for Christmas Decorations

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Christmas magic is the power to make such an ordinary place warm and nostalgic. Typically, traditional décor can be a bit predictable or a budget buster. The good news? You don’t need to raid some fancy store to make your home look festive. You’ve probably heard the old adage that the best ideas are often the things that you can find right in front of you.

If you’re looking to add a sprinkle of creativity to your holiday décor, think outside the box. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on decorations; a little DIY panache and resourcefulness, along with everyday household items, can make your home festive and a bit more personal and warm.

Pinecones

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Nature’s gift to holiday decorators may just be the pinecone. Scattered around the mantel, used in a table centerpiece, or spray painted gold for some shimmer, they add a rustic charm to any place. If you’re lucky enough to live near a park or wooded area, you can collect them for free, just make sure to bake them at a low temperature to get rid of any bugs.

Mason Jars

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For the DIY project, Mason jars are the unsung heroes. To create simple, but enchanting décor, fill them with fairy lights, cinnamon sticks, or peppermint candies. Place them together for a nice display or use them as interesting candle holders. Who knew these pantry staples would make great Christmas ornaments?

Books

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Your holiday decorations can get a literary twist from books. You can stack them to make a makeshift Christmas tree or you can arrange open pages in a fan shape as table accents. You can wrap them in holiday themed paper and use them as faux presents under the tree.

Old Sweaters

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Do you have a sweater you’ve outgrown? Give that to a second life as part of your Christmas decorations. Sweater sleeves make a perfect snug, wintry wrapping for small pots, mason jars or even candles. It’s a warm hug for your décor.

Tea Tins

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Your charming tea tins sitting in your cupboard can be chic decorative pieces. Put them to use as mini planters for small poinsettias or fill them with ornaments and pine sprigs. Bonus points if the tins are festive colors to begin with.

Ladders

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Your Christmas decorations could center around that old wooden ladder in your garage. Wrap it in twinkling lights, hang ornaments from the rungs, or drape it with garlands for a rustic, whimsical feel. All of a sudden, your ladder has gone from utility to being a showstopper.

Cookie Cutters

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Think beyond baking! Festive shaped cookie cutters can be strung together to make a unique garland, turned into ornaments, or added to gift wrapping for a little playfulness. It’s a sweet way to cheer others this holiday season.

Fruits

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Pomegranates, cranberries and oranges aren’t just for eating, they can be décor stars too. Use dried orange slices as garlands, pomegranates as table accents or fill clear vases with cranberries for a pop of color. It’s nature’s way of saying “Merry Christmas!”

Wine Bottles

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Wine bottles can shine, literally, when empty. Clear wine bottles can add some holiday bling to your dining room table by inserting fairy lights into them or painting festive colors on them for centerpieces. You can also use them as candle holders, if you’re feeling fancy, for extra festive flair. Cheers to upcycling!

Scarves

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They’re an easy way to make things cozy. Use them as table runners, or tie around chairs, or in wreaths. They’re stylish, versatile and always in season. ‘It’s not about buying the perfect pieces, but about making a space feel like home,’ as interior designer Joanna Gaines once said.

Mirrors

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A mirror can make your home even more festive. You can place candles or string lights on them to reflect the warm glow all over the room. The result? A bright warm, cozy space, all without picking up a hammer.

Tin Cans

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Don’t toss those cans yet. Use them as vases, candle holders, or utensil organizers for your Christmas party and cover them with holiday themed paper or fabric. Americans produce 25 percent more waste during the holidays, according to a study by The Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling tin cans is a sure way to reduce that statistics.

Rope Lights

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Rope lights aren’t just for outlining porches. Hang them on your walls, rolled into shapes such as stars, trees, or candy canes. They are simple to work with and will bring any space to shine.

Family Photos

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Make your cherished memories part of your holiday décor. Hang string up photos with clothespins on a garland or in a wreath. It’s a warm way to keep loved ones close this season.

Kitchen Utensils

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There are hidden treasures in your kitchen drawers. Ribbons can also be tied around whisks, rolling pins and wooden spoons to make quirky tree ornaments or hang them on your cabinet doors for festive fun.

Paper Bags

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Elegant decorations can be made out of simple brown paper bags. String them together for a rustic garland, cut them into star shapes and layer them for a 3D effect. This is proof that beauty does exist in simplicity.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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