10 Reasons Not to Throw Old Christmas Decorations Away
It's time to dust off our boxed-up Christmas ornaments and put them proudly on display in an inventive way
It’s finally an appropriate time to get serious about Christmas decorating. Although there’s nothing wrong with tradition – it’s what makes this season so special – it might be time to trade in some of your tattered, old-school decorations for newer, shinier models. Before you head out and brave the Christmas shopping chaos, though, look no further than your own ornament stash.
Throughout the years you’ve probably accumulated an embarrassingly large ornament collection – after all, most of us have been to more than a few of those super-cheap after-Christmas sales. Instead of keeping those pieces boxed up until the end of time, put them to use by creating your own festive holiday masterpiece. These ideas, ranging from quick crafts to complex DIYs, will give you a new, sparkly centrepiece or decked-out mantel that fits the times.
Show us your Christmas house!
Throughout the years you’ve probably accumulated an embarrassingly large ornament collection – after all, most of us have been to more than a few of those super-cheap after-Christmas sales. Instead of keeping those pieces boxed up until the end of time, put them to use by creating your own festive holiday masterpiece. These ideas, ranging from quick crafts to complex DIYs, will give you a new, sparkly centrepiece or decked-out mantel that fits the times.
Show us your Christmas house!
Instead of placing ornaments on a tree, why not make a tree out of ornaments? This clever, adorable craft makes great use of clearance-sale ornaments and an old window screen.
Beautify your fireplace mantel by dressing it up. Here, a traditional green wreath gets a remix, and a festive sleigh gets filled to the brim with favorite bright, seasonal accessories.
Hanging ornaments from a tree is so typical. Instead, use ceiling beams (if you have them) to display these sparkly globes, but be sure to use strong wire or ribbon so nothing falls from the sky.
If you don’t have room to celebrate Christmas with a full-fledged tree, opt for this cute, bite-size one instead. Fill a vase with painted branches, colour-coordinated ornaments and some sort of sturdy foundation, like pebbles or rice.
Enhance your outdoor Christmas decor by hanging ornaments from a front porch or trees. Use plastic instead of glass incase it rains, and hang pieces with thick red ribbon or heavy-duty wire.
Bring a contemporary twist to your holiday wreath by using ornaments instead of greenery and winterberries. Becky from Matt & Becky used a Styrofoam wreath, red ribbon and a hot-glue gun to make this colourful, fun decoration.
Place ornaments in a bowl for a quick, last-minute centerpiece. Paired with snowflake dishes and purple accents, this table setting brings plenty of holiday cheer without seeming over the top.
Welcome your houseguests the right way by placing oversize ornaments in a weatherproof étagère. Add some greenery and lights for additional Christmas spirit.
Bring a trendy twist to your seasonal get-together by opting for an ornament-laden centrepiece. Shelley from The House of Smiths used branches, small picture frames, a tray and globe-filled hurricanes to create this conversation starter.
If you’re entertaining outdoors during the Christmas period, celebrate by hanging ornaments from your trees.
MORE CHRISTMAS IDEAS
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MORE CHRISTMAS IDEAS
Christmas DIY: Mini Advent Village
Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
Christmas DIY: Starry Night Illuminated Metal Wreath