Top Five Inexpensive Christmas Decorations

One of the best memories I have of my childhood Christmases is decorating the day after Thanksgiving. The best part of the Holiday decorating was creating new crafty ornaments for the tree. It brought the family together as one; whether we were fighting over the glue or helping each other find the green colored glitter in the many boxes of Christmas items.

Here are five of my favorite crafts my family would create during Christmastime.

Popcorn Garland

Needle

Thread

Popped Popcorn

Take the needle and thread and string through the fattest part of the popped popcorn; be careful not to prick your fingers!

Optional:

Dried Cranberries

Add a few cranberries to your popcorn using the needle to string the cranberries onto the thread.

Once Christmas is over; lay the garland in the yard for the birds to eat; they love it!

Bow Tree Topper

Thick Decorative Ribbon (Preferably the ribbon with the wire edges; it holds shape better)

Twine or wire (even twisty ties will work!)

The Dollar Tree has beautiful Christmas ribbon that is perfect for this project.

Make several loops with the ribbon, slightly bending the wire to create some shape. Bunch the loops together and secure with twine or wire until there is an even amount of loops all over to make a "ball" shaped bow.

Use the extra ribbon to make a "flowing ribbon cascade." Take the ribbon and curl it around your arm bending the wire rim slightly so it holds its shape. Secure the ribbon curls underneath your bow topper with bobby pins or any left over twine.

Gift Wrapped Boxes Centerpiece

Small cardboard boxes (Jewelry or check boxes)

Elaborate gift wrapping paper

Platter

Tape

Bows, Ribbons and Tags

Wrap the boxes in the gift paper and decorate with bows, ribbon and tags. Place the wrapped boxes in a tiered pyramid on a dish or platter and place in the center of the table.

Ornate Christmas Chandelier

Christmas ball ornaments

Ribbon

Take the ribbon and string it through the small hole on top of the ornaments. Hang the ornaments from the chandelier using various ribbon lengths to create a layered look.

Optional:

Garland

Use garland and drape through the chandelier to compliment the ornaments; remember to always use the rule of thumb, less is more.

Pinecone Ornaments

Dried Pinecones

Ribbon

Cut and tie the ribbon around the pinecone; making a bow at the top to hang on the tree.

Optional:

Spray paint

Glitter

Use gold and silver spray paint to spruce up your pinecones. Lay the pinecones on newspaper in a well ventilated area and evenly spay the pinecones with the paint. While the paint is still wet use your fingers to lightly sprinkle glitter on the pinecones. By using your fingers to sprinkle the glitter you will have more control than shaking it out of the tube.