According to Nielsen Research “Approximately 21.6 million real trees and 12.9 million artificial trees will be purchased by U.S. households this Christmas”. Though decorating a Christmas tree, after purchasing, is a cherished holiday tradition, it doesn’t always require an elaborate collection of store-bought decorations. You can craft a beautiful, personalized Christmas tree using items you already have at home.
Here’s how to turn your home into a Christmas wonderland with minimal effort, along with insights from various experts on making the most of what you have. In this article of Tugela Wave, we’ll share innovative Christmas tree decorating ideas for 2024 that use simple, household materials to create a tree that’s full of charm and personality. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic look, a minimalist vibe, or a colorful holiday explosion, these tips will help you design a tree that’s as special as the season itself. Let’s get started!
Christmas Tree Decorating Tips
Start with Lights
Lighting is the foundation of any Christmas tree decoration. If you already have string lights from past years, they can still shine bright with a little TLC as light positioning is the key.
“When it comes to lights, it’s less about brand new items and more about how you position them,” says lighting expert Claire Williams. “Wrap them evenly around the tree, working from the inside out for a soft, glowing effect. If the lights are a little old and some bulbs aren’t working, don’t worry—just space them out so they still provide that twinkling effect.”
Use a mixture of fairy lights and larger bulbs if you have both to create contrast.
Repurpose Everyday Items
You don’t need fancy ornaments to make your tree sparkle. Look around your house and see what could be repurposed. Simple items like buttons, ribbons, and leftover craft supplies can make charming and personalized decorations that give your tree a unique flair.
| Buttons and Thread | “Buttons can make beautiful, quirky ornaments,” says Anna Carter, a professional crafter. “Simply tie a few buttons together with twine or string to create a homemade garland or ornament.” Decorate button to create an eclectic and colorful look depending on their sizes, colors and patterns. You could even arrange the buttons into the shape of stars, hearts, or trees, adding a playful, handcrafted touch to your décor. |
| Old Jewelry | Broken necklaces, dangling earrings, or colorful beads can be turned into creative ornaments and decorate the Christmas tree. “Old jewelry is a great way to add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your tree,” says stylist Linda Marks. “Repurpose a bracelet as a garland, hang dangling earrings as ornaments, or even use brooches as tree toppers.” The intricate details and shimmering facets of old jewelry pieces will catch the light beautifully, making your tree sparkle with a touch of vintage charm. |
| Dried Flowers and Leaves | If you’ve dried flowers or pressed leaves from previous seasons, these can be tied together with ribbon to create a rustic, natural look on your tree. Dried flowers like lavender, rosemary, and rose petals can evoke a warm, cozy scent, while pressed leaves bring in organic shapes and colors that reflect the beauty of nature. You can also create small flower wreaths or attach the flowers to twine for an earthy garland. “It’s an eco-friendly option that adds beauty and fragrance to the holiday,” says environmentalist Sarah Johnson. Not only does this bring a natural aesthetic to your tree, but it also allows you to incorporate memories of nature and the outdoors into your holiday decor. |
Use Fabric Scraps and Old Clothes
To add a unique and personalized touch, you can use old fabrics and garments. Rather than throwing out items that no longer fit or are past their prime, you can breathe new life into them by turning them into beautiful tree decorations.
From old t-shirts and sweaters to scrap fabric or scarves, these materials can be cut, twisted, or folded into a variety of creative shapes, adding a cozy, handmade feel to your holiday decor.
| Fabric Ornaments | “Cut old fabric into strips or circles and fold them into small flowers, or simply twist them into bows,” advises home decor expert Jessica Ruiz. “This gives your tree a soft, textured look without spending any extra money.” Fabric can be used to create a range of charming ornaments. You create tiny fabric balls, flower-like rosettes, or delicate ribbons. You can also use fabric scraps to make fabric beads by rolling them tightly and securing them with glue. You can use the texture and pattern of the fabric to bring an added layer of visual interest to your tree. Consider using plaid, floral, or metallic fabrics, which can instantly elevate the look of your ornaments. |
| Upcycled Sweaters as Tree Skirts | Cut your old sweater, scarf, or blanket into a circular shape to turn your tree a skirt. “Using an old sweater is a great way to introduce a cozy, knitted texture to the base of your tree,” says Ruiz. “It gives the tree a warm, inviting look, especially if you’re going for a rustic or country-style theme.” Sweaters with cable-knit patterns, in particular, lend themselves beautifully to this project, as the texture adds visual warmth and charm. Not only does this upcycled sweater tree skirt save you money, but it also enhances your tree’s aesthetic with a handmade, nostalgic touch. For an extra cozy effect, you could layer multiple fabric pieces, such as old scarves or soft blankets, for a thicker, more textured skirt that wraps around the base. |
Create a Homemade Garland
Make garlands by yourself at home with the items available and unused. “Use string and thread popcorn, cranberries, or even cereal like Cheerios or Fruit Loops,” suggests food stylist and designer Maria Stevens. “This classic method adds a fun, nostalgic feel to your tree, and kids can easily get involved.”
Create a rustic approach by using twine and dried oranges or cinnamon sticks. “Cinnamon sticks give off a lovely fragrance, while dried fruit adds color and texture,” says Stevens. “Just use a needle and thread to string them together for an all-natural garland.”
Repurpose Paper for Ornaments
Paper is one of the easiest materials to repurpose for decorations. Old newspapers, magazines, or even gift wrap can be used to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind ornaments.
| Origami Ornaments | If you’re handy with folding paper, try making simple origami designs like cranes, stars, or even tiny paper boxes. “Origami adds a personal, crafted touch to your tree without needing any special supplies,” says Green. |
| Paper Stars and Snowflakes | “Cutting snowflakes out of old newspapers or magazines is a fun activity, especially for families with young children,” says lifestyle expert Laura Green. “You can hang them from the tree using simple twine or string for an artsy, wintery look.” |
Incorporate Natural Elements
You can use nature in your favor as it provides a wealth of free materials to decorate with, and using these elements can bring an organic, earthy vibe to your tree.
| Pinecones | If you have access to a forest or park, gather fallen pinecones to add a rustic touch to your tree. “Pinecones look beautiful when placed directly on the branches, or you can spray-paint them gold or silver for a more festive feel,” says botanical expert Emma Brooks. |
| Citrus Slices | “Dried citrus slices are both beautiful and aromatic,” says Brooks. “Slice an orange, lemon, or lime, and dry them in the oven or by air drying. They can be used as ornaments or garland accents.” |
Embrace DIY and Handmade Decorations
Use your imagination and creativity for the holiday. The holidays are the perfect time to get crafty. DIY decorations add a personal touch and make your tree truly unique. Whether you make your ornaments, create a custom tree topper, or craft a special tree skirt, these homemade items will reflect the spirit of the season.
| Salt Dough Ornaments | “Salt dough ornaments are simple to make and incredibly customizable,” says crafting expert Denise Matthews. “You just need flour, salt, and water, and you can create any shape or design you want. Once baked, these can be painted or decorated to match your tree’s theme.” |
| Handmade Tree Topper | “You can make your own tree topper by repurposing materials around your home,” says Matthews. “For example, an old mason jar lid can become the base for a star made from twigs or branches you find outside.” |
Get Creative with Ribbon
Use ribbons on your tree. If you have leftover gift wrapping supplies, don’t hesitate to use them. Cut long strips of ribbon, fabric, or even an old scarf, and drape them around the tree for a chic, textured look. “Ribbons can add a soft, elegant element to your tree,” says Ruiz. “Tie them into bows or use them to create a cascading garland.”
Anna Carter aptly sums up: “The holidays are about making memories and celebrating with loved ones. There’s no better way to do that than by decorating your tree with things that are meaningful to you, no matter where they come from.”
Decorating a Christmas tree with whatever you have at home is a wonderful way to embrace the season’s spirit of creativity, sustainability, and togetherness. By thinking outside the box, you can craft a beautiful and meaningful tree that reflects your personality and style. Whether it’s upcycling old items, creating handmade ornaments, or incorporating natural elements, the possibilities are endless.