8 Simple DIY Holiday Decor Ideas
When it comes to DIY holiday decor, I use the same approach as fall crafting. I try to keep it practically free, I use materials I already have, and I choose items that can be composted or recycled when the season ends.
This helps reduce storage needs. It supports a resourceful holiday season, where creativity matters more than consumption. It also lessens the financial burden of a typically expensive season.
Some of my favorite frugal, compostable, or recyclable décor projects include:
• Toilet Paper Roll Snowflakes – Free, kid-friendly, and surprisingly lovely.
• Dried Oranges – A classic, natural decoration that smells amazing and won’t take up storage space.
• Paper Snowflakes – We love making these during our annual viewing of “Klaus,” our favorite holiday movie.
• Paper Chains – Simple, colorful, and a perfect way to use up scrap paper or kids’ art.
• Cardboard Gingerbread Houses – Fun for kids to decorate and a perfect low-waste alternative to traditional gingerbread kits.
• Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments – Smell amazing, are completely compostable, and become a sweet keepsake for the tree.
• Salt Dough Ornaments – Simple to make with pantry staples and perfect for painting or stamping with little hands.
• Twig Stars – Made from foraged sticks and twine, giving your décor a rustic and nature-inspired touch with zero cost.
Decorating this way makes a resourceful holiday season that is both sustainable and magical. All while avoiding the clutter that comes with storage bins full of seasonal decor.
Looking for Something More Permanent, but Still Crafty?
If fiber arts and sewing are your thing and you don’t mind creating a few things you can store from year to year. You can lean into Christmas quilts, cross stitch, and embroidery projects.
Etsy is full of beautiful patterns and DMC offers free embroidery and cross stitch patterns. Ornaments are a fun, charming, and smaller pattern that can be finished in an afternoon!
