5 Easy Holiday DIY Decorations

There's just something about the holiday season that gets our creative juices flowing. Maybe it's all the timeless colors, motifs, and sparkly accents. Maybe it's the mulled wine. Whatever the case, we always find ourselves in a crafty mood around this time of year. 

Instead of splurging on yet another 3-foot-tall Santa (sorry, grandma), why not try one of these cute homemade ideas? We've rounded up five great DIY projects (and the perfect crafting desk) to give your space a stylish kick of holly harmony — all of which are easy to assemble and affordable enough that you won't have to dip into your holiday shopping budget. 

Now grab that ugly sweater, and let's start making some magic! 

1. Pinecone Flowers

From: Instrupix 

We're suckers for a beautiful centerpiece (Thanks Martha!), and this pretty pine cone arrangement is the perfect way to add some farmhouse charm to  your holiday dinner table — or honestly, any celebratory occasion. 

If you don't feel like foraging for fallen pinecones out in the woods (or in your condo's courtyard, for that matter), you can easily use artificial pinecones as a substitute. Your local dollar store probably has some in-season. From there, you can touch them up with some delicate paintbrushes and glitter — or just stick with a more natural look — before gluing on some stems and getting them into a vase.  

Here's what you'll need to get started: 

• About a dozen or more pinecones 
• Long wooden skewers 
• A hot glue gun 
• 3/16 inch drill bit 
• Paint supplies, if you want to get fancy
• A small-to-medium sized vase 
• Floral foam 

See the full tutorial here. 

2. Faux Birch Logs

From: Toolbox Divas 

Everyone loves the iconic wintery aesthetic of snow-weathered birch bark — but unless it’s already come off naturally, you should never go picking the real stuff off of a living tree.  Instead, why not make your own birch logs with (wait for it) some cut-up pool noodles? 

That's right. Pool noodles. This simple, very affordable DIY project will give you some beautiful homemade decorations that look great near the fireplace (or more specifically, our gorgeous Fireplace TV Stands). They can easily be re-used for multiple years and they're quick to put together. Just cut up some foam pool noodles, wrap them in crafting paper, and add a little bit of rustic texture with toilet paper + a few earthy paint tones. 

Here's what you'll need to get started 

• Pool Noodles 
• Crafting paper
• Crafting glue  
• Toilet paper 
• White, brown, and gray craft paint 
• A foam paintbrush 
• A pair of scissors 

See the full tutorial here. 

3. Snowy Mason Jar Luminaries

From: Instrupix 

The holidays are all about cozy candle-lit evenings, and this unexpectedly simply mason jar idea will give your tea lights an extra cheerful glow.  

To create a snow-like frosting on the outside of our jars, we'll combine first some Epsom salt and glitter and then apply onto the jars with some crafting glue. Place a few of these candle-lit jars in your living room to create some soft winter lighting, or add a festive touch to your workstation to create a calming ambiance that will counter-balance even the most passive aggressive of work emails.  

What you'll need to get started: 

• Mason jars (or any glass jar) 
• 1 cup of Epsom salt 
• 1 tbsp glitter (white or translucent) 
• Crafting glue
• A sponge brush 
• Some twine or ribbon 
• A small piece of greenery 
• Hot glue gun 
• Flameless tea lights (optional) 

See the full tutorial here. 

4. 4.SaltShaker Snow Globes 

From: The Soccer Mom Blog 

These adorable little ornaments are an awesome way for kids (or couples!) to add their own personalized touch to the tree. 

First, you'll need to get your hands on some classic glass saltshakers and some printed photos that are sized to match. Look online or at your local craft store to find some artificial snow, or you can improvise with some other household materials with a similarly fluffy feel.  

Here's what you'll need to get started: 

• Glass saltshakers 
• Some photos of you or your kids 
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Artificial snow 
• Copper craft wire 
• Wire cutters 
• Red and white twine 

See the full tutorial here.  

5. Festive Sock Gnomes

From: Parties With A Cause 

We know a lot of people love their elf on a shelf, but these easy no-sew gnomes are an especially creative way to add a little Scandinavian charm to your holiday home. 

This one will require a few extra materials, but they're all fairly inexpensive. (Speaking of craft supplies, maybe it's time to add a beautiful storage unit to your wish list to keep everything organized?)  

You'll start off by stuffing some socks with rice to mold the heads, and then dress them up with some snowy white beards and jolly hats to complete the look.  

Here's what you'll need to get started: 

• Men’s gray crew socks 
• Shaggy fabric fur 
• Multicolor yarn for braids 
• 9x12 felt sheets 
• Wooden balls 
• Rice 
• Large glass 
• Poly-fill stuffing 
• Hot glue gun 
• Rubber bands 
• Scissors 
• Utility knife 
• Holiday Gift tags 

See the full tutorial here. 

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If you’re not feeling festive by now, we’re not sure what to suggest — maybe a lump of coal is more your vibe? Better yet, follow @RealRooms on Instagram for some more winter design inspiration — and have yourself a beautiful, merry, safe and loving holiday season!