Ready or not, here come the holidays! Christmas is right around the corner, and if you’re like the rest of us, you probably still have some last minute shopping and decorating to do. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you deck the halls before your guests arrive…
Repurpose old holiday cards for a quick and easy decoration.
You more than likely have a box full of holiday cards from friends and family because they’re just too pretty to throw away. Instead of letting those cards collect dust, why not use them as a decoration!
What you’ll need:
- A long piece of garland
- Holiday cards from years past
- Clothes pins or pieces of ribbon, depending on how you want to hang each card
Directions: secure the holiday cards to the piece of garland using the pins or ribbon and hang the entire piece on your mantle, on the bannister of your staircase, or above an entryway for all of your guests to see.
Photo from: marthastewart.com
Add a holiday wreath to your front door to greet guests as they arrive.
A quick, easy, AND budget-friendly DIY: use the trimmings from your tree to create your own Christmas wreath.
What you’ll need:
- Tree Trimmings: use the fresh trimmings from your own Christmas tree, or swing by a tree lot (most of them give away excess branches around this time of year.)
- Two wire hangers
- Pinecones, ribbons, or any other decorations you’d like to add
Directions: Make the wreath base by securing two wire coat hangers together using floral tape. Secure the tree trimmings to the base using floral wire or any other adhesive you have on hand – be sure to layer the trimmings all around the base. Add decorations like a bow or some pinecones, and secure them to the trimmings using a hot glue gun.
Photos from Kate Furr’s blog, Life on the Farm
Get your kitchen smelling like Christmas Time – in no time.
Keep your home smelling fresh with this easy, DIY simmering potpourri recipe – with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
What you’ll need:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Apple peels
- Orange rinds
- Whole cloves
Directions: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the ingredients listed above, or any of your favorite holiday ingredients, and boil them for a few minutes. Turn the heat down to a simmer and let it go all day long. You can add water as needed.
Photo from northcarolinacharm.com
