How to Decorate for Christmas

Looking for the perfect Christmas decor for your home? The Hometalk community can help you get your home festive for the holiday season. We have all the hacks and tips you need in our video tutorials, discussion boards, and slideshows. Find the inspiration you've been looking for in our top and newest projects. We can't wait to see what you create!

25 Christmas Wreath Ideas You Don't Want To Miss This Year

Decorating for Christmas

Pick out the perfect tree: The focal point of Christmas décor is your tree. Choose one that suits your wants and needs, including its size.
Decorating the tree: Decorate your tree with tinsel, ornaments, and lights as you see fit.
Deck the halls: Decorate your house with tinsel, lights, and ornaments to match the theme of your tree.
Hang up stockings: Stockings are an integral part of Christmas. Buy one for each member of the family or make them yourself to hang on the mantel.
Put up outdoor lights: Decorate the outside of your house for Christmas using lights.

More decorating categories

Top Christmas Decoration Projects

Visit our top DIY Christmas decoration projects and decorate your space.

Frugal Four Season Burlap Wreath

Need a cheap, quick and versatile wreath? This one's for you! All you'll basically need is a pool noodle, glue gun, burlap, and a needle and thread to make a few easy stitches.

Skilled Thrifty Creatives

Decorating a Cheap Garland for Christmas

Turn a cheap looking garland into a not so cheap looking garland with chalk powder, paint, and pinecones. The best time to buy Christmas decorations over here in Japan is right after Christmas and I found a bunch of lengths of garland for about a buck a piece. Yes!

Bryan's Workshop

Twinkling Fall Topiary With Lights in Just 30 Minutes!

Fall has always been my favorite time of year -- between the crisp weather, the coziness of the season, football games, and good food, what's not to love?? More than all of those things though, I am a color girl -- I love color in my life -- so when the trees are turning, I start getting giddy! This project livens up my living room, and I'm so surprised of just how quick and easy it was. (I did this in just 30 minutes!)We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Christmas Angel

Back in the 1960's my mom made two angels, and last year I wanted to try and recreate them, but never got around to it. This year I decided to rely on the fuzzy picture and my fuzzy memory and make my version of them.

Vicki Rogers

Hula Hoop Christmas Chandelier

I was looking for a fun little way to really step up my holiday decor game this year. I wanted something to change my dining room a lot with a minimal amount of effort. This was actually difficult, since I practically cover my house with holiday decor (tastefully, of course). So a friend and I came up with this great chandelier idea using a hula hoop and some dollar store crafts for an awesome DIY Christmas project. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Shawna Bailey

Snowman for Christmas :)

My husband and I looked at some Christmas decorations at Michael's and we really liked them but they were too expensive. We especially liked a wooden snowman with lights but he was priced around $70. My husband built our snowman for about 20 dol worth of materials. We already had aluminum flashing from some house projects so we only needed plywood and lights. We can't wait to put this snowman outside for Christmas :) Materials: - 1/2 inch plywood 2x4 - 6 inch aluminum flashing - screws 3/4 to 1 inch - pencil - sand paper 16 grit - tape measure - pliers - knife or heavy duty scissors ( to cut aluminum) - jigsaw - hammer - screwdriver - cats paw pry-bar - work bench - drill - drill bit 7/8 for the lights we used - globe light set 10 ft, 10 pc ( available at Michael's) - a scarf of your choice :) Instructions: 1. Draw a design on a plywood ( that was my job :) ) 2. Use a jig saw to cut the design out 3. Sand the edges and wherever you see pencil marks 4. Measure a snowman around 5. Cut out about 12 ft of flashing 6. Fold in half so it is 3 wide ( about) 7. Where the folds come together, fold about 0.5 in to the inside. you can use hammer for this and a hard surface. This is a tricky part and it takes some time 8. Put your snowman on the side and stabilize it. 9. Starting at the bottom work the metal around. Secure with the screws 10. When you get to the curvy spots use the pry-bar to push the aluminum in 11. Cut the excess of the metal 12. Mark where you want to place the lights 13. Drill holes 14. Disassemble each light bulb and put it through the drilled holes 15. All set :) Now you only need a scarf :)

Xena Nierobisz

PVC Lit Candy Canes

These are great for a front doorway if you are wanting more than just a wreath to deck your door this holiday season. These lit PVC pipe candy canes are easy to make and will last for years to come! All it takes is some paint and PVC parts and a good strand of lights to create these fun and festive pieces. I don't personally have a doorway to decorate these with, but I have a very Christmas decoration loving grandma who will be super excited to add these to her arsenal.

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

An OMBRE Pallet Project for Your Fall Porch

I am convinced that pallet projects for your front porch are one of the easiest, cheapest ways to add a ton of color to your home and make a huge statement!

Jennifer Allwood

Cat Proof Crate Christmas Tree

Our family has four cats who last year practically destroyed our traditional Christmas Tree and ornaments. This year I wanted to create something they couldn't ruin, and actually might enjoy climbing in!

Kaete Nazaroff

Turn Empty Jars Into Stylish Christmas Candy Jars

I know Halloween was just the other day, but I'm so excited for Christmas that I'm already getting a jump start on decorations. These jars are adorable (and they're a great place for all of my leftover Halloween candy). They sit perfectly on a mantel or console table. Plus, they are the perfect project for all of my leftover glass jars! They don’t need to just for candy; you can put any small items in them like office supplies or decorative marbles. They really add to any festive décor, and I could imagine doing them in other colors for other holidays. Check out how I make them below. Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Shawna Bailey

Frugal Four Season Burlap Wreath

Need a cheap, quick and versatile wreath? This one's for you! All you'll basically need is a pool noodle, glue gun, burlap, and a needle and thread to make a few easy stitches.

Skilled Thrifty Creatives

Decorating a Cheap Garland for Christmas

Bryan's Workshop

Twinkling Fall Topiary With Lights in Just 30 Minutes!

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Christmas Angel

Vicki Rogers

Hula Hoop Christmas Chandelier

Shawna Bailey

Snowman for Christmas :)

Xena Nierobisz

PVC Lit Candy Canes

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

An OMBRE Pallet Project for Your Fall Porch

I am convinced that pallet projects for your front porch are one of the easiest, cheapest ways to add a ton of color to your home and make a huge statement!

Jennifer Allwood

Cat Proof Crate Christmas Tree

Kaete Nazaroff

Turn Empty Jars Into Stylish Christmas Candy Jars

Shawna Bailey

Christmas Decorating Videos

Browse our DIY video tutorials on how to decorate your home for Christmas.

How to Make a Unique Cactus Christmas Tree That Turns Heads

Are you looking for ideas for a new Christmas tree that livens up your festive decorations and adds something special to them? With an artificial cactus Christmas tree, you will get a stunning focal point in your home this year. Today, I will show you how to make a wonderful, eye-catching tree using very little materials. You will soon have an unusual, delightful cactus Christmas tree to make Christmas even more exciting.

Abbie M

Lit Spare Mitten Tree

This project is very much in the same vein as the yarn ball tree I did a couple weeks ago, but this one is MUCH less time consuming and I think it is a bit cuter too hehe... This mitten / glove tree can be created with your bag of misfits that many households have or you can order some gloves in bulk for crazy cheap as I did! Simply make a chicken wire base and hot glue the gloves on for this Dr. Suess looking mitten tree!

Amanda C, Hometalk Team

Christmas Tree Pallet

Though I'm not a winter lover, a snow lover, or any kind of cold lover, I DO love Christmas time. Just the coziness of the season, the love and kindness, the true meaning of it, and just being with family gives me the feel-goods inside. Part of my love for Christmas is of course the decor. Who doesn't love decorating for an awesome DIY Christmas?! I'm super happy to add this inexpensive and easy project to my decor this year! I had all supplies on hand so this project was 100% FREE to make...gotta love it! :)

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

How To Tie A Christmas Bow in 3 Easy Steps

I don't know about you, but I'm busy planning out my Christmas decor. This Christmas bow has been around for years and this Christmas, I decided to use it as the topper of my tree. I love the look of a nice full bow; it really sets the mood for the holidays. Now don't be intimidated, in just 3 easy steps you will be making Christmas bows like a professional gift wrapper at Macy's!

Kara S.

Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Christmas Decorating Projects

Visit our best DIY Christmas decoration projects and get some ideas.

What Can I Put in a Glass Vase?

With some time, imagination and some glass or plastic tubular vases, you can decorate for the Holidays, Special days or Any days!!

Sandra Allen

Christmas Deco Mesh Wreath!

Want to learn how to make this gorgeous Christmas Deco Mesh Wreath with an in depth tutorial? Watch LIVE on Hometalk at 10 AM EST On Saturday, October 7th!We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.Follow the steps below.Want more free tutorials? Follow me on my social media accounts below!

Nick Kreticos

Winter Wonderland Window Display

Who doesn't love shimmer things and lights?! This is the perfect project to do with kids and get them involved with your Christmas decorating--maybe even have some cookies in the oven while you create this fun window display together.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

The Best Way to Store Christmas Lights

When it comes time to put away your Christmas lights, I hope you remember this amazing decoration storage idea. My lights always tend to get all tangled, and no matter how nicely I store them, I always find them tangled next year when I open my decor box. Well, not anymore! I found this trick online and thought it was genius! You can organize large amounts of string lights and keep them from tangling just with a hanger. So this year when putting away your lights, do this trick and have an easy time putting up your lights next year.

Shawna Bailey

DIY Wood Slice Snowman

Tree stump fun! Trim your tree and make a snowman for your porch or fireplace. This project is quick, easy, and cheap, all wins in my book!

Shelly L Nemeth

DIY Christmas Decorations From Recycled Water Bottles

Ok so this is my second post .As I have recently moved countries, this year for Christmas I have decided to make most of my Christmas decorations from recycled materials without spending money. This project will make 2 individual ornaments using just 2 water bottles and some trimmings.

Candy Imai

What Can I Put in a Glass Vase?

With some time, imagination and some glass or plastic tubular vases, you can decorate for the Holidays, Special days or Any days!!

Sandra Allen

Christmas Deco Mesh Wreath!

Nick Kreticos

Winter Wonderland Window Display

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

The Best Way to Store Christmas Lights

Shawna Bailey

DIY Wood Slice Snowman

Tree stump fun! Trim your tree and make a snowman for your porch or fireplace. This project is quick, easy, and cheap, all wins in my book!

Shelly L Nemeth

DIY Christmas Decorations From Recycled Water Bottles

Candy Imai

Popular Christmas Decorating Discussions

Check out the popular discussions on how to decorate for Christmas.

How would you make an R2D2 Christmas stocking using recycled denim?

/> Lillian

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How do I find the post about 25 Christmas wreaths?

/> Betty

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How to make Swedish Xmas decor?

/> Inge

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Can you give me ideas for making Christmas wreaths?

/> Betty

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New Christmas Decorating Projects

Want to see what's trending in the world of DIY Christmas decor? Check it out.

Make a Fresh Rosemary Wreath!

Just hauled the Rosemary in from the garden (tender perennial here in Delaware), gave it a haircut and made a wreath for the kitchen. Smells heavenly!

Barb Rosen

Easter Fun...My Peeps Mason Jar Candles

Did you know that you can get FREE Mason jars with many brands of store-bought spaghetti sauce? Then save them for a fun project like this one...festive Easter candles made using Mason jars, Dollar Tree votive holders and bunny Peeps...easy peasy and so cute! A full tutorial is on my blog!

Debbie @ Confessions of a Plate Addict

Excellent " How To's " for Holiday Decorating

If you're looking for some fab, DIY tips for Holiday decorating, entertaining and organizing, check out my new Radio Show - At Home with Paisley - Thursdays @ 3pm EST . (http://www.radiosandysprings.com/showpages/AtHome.php ) This week's guests are pros at Holiday decorating and I learned SO much from this show- Bake the Bugs out of your pinecones, How to keep your fresh Christmas tree alive, How to use your old tomato vine wire as outdoor decor and much much more!