Decorating your home for Christmas is one of the most best parts of the season and it feels even more special when you’re doing it in your brand new home but after the costs of moving, your festive budget might be feeling a little stretched. DIY décor not only helps you keep costs down but also brings a handcrafted charm that shop-bought decorations just can’t match. Whether you’re celebrating your first Christmas in a new home or simply want to refresh your holiday style, these creative ideas are here to help.
Create A Natural Wreath
A festive wreath on the front door sets the tone before your guests will even step inside. Making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to incorporate the natural beauty of winter. Start with a wire or oasis base from a craft shop and then gather seasonal foliage such as holly, ivy, eucalyptus or pine – either from your own garden or a local florist. Wrap and layer the greenery around the frame, securing it with floral wire and introduce touches of colour with berries, dried oranges or even ribbons and bells. The result is a fragrant, rustic decoration that feels wonderfully welcoming.
Craft Paper Decorations
Paper decorations are a lovely way to introduce a minimalist but still festive feel to your home. They’re sustainable, affordable and easy to make. Three-dimensional paper stars look great when hung in windows or along a mantelpiece, especially when created from simple kraft card or subtle patterned papers. Another idea is to stitch shapes together – such as circles or stars – to create a lightweight garland. You can also design your own mini paper village by cutting out small house shapes and placing them over LED tea lights. Building these decorations is also a brilliant way to entertain the kids while you get the last bits of Christmas cleaning done.
String a Dried Citrus Garland
Few things say Christmas quite like the scent of oranges warming in the oven. Dried citrus garlands are traditional, beautifully decorative and incredibly easy to make at home. Slice oranges into thin rounds, pat them dry and bake them on a low heat for a couple of hours until dehydrated. Once cooled, thread them onto twine and mix in cinnamon sticks, bay leaves or wooden beads for added texture. Hang the garland around doorways, across stair bannisters or along a fireplace for a timeless and beautifully fragrant look.
Personalise Your Baubles
DIY baubles are a charming way to tailor your Christmas decorations to the style of your home. Clear fillable baubles can be customised with faux snow, glitter, feathers or miniature festive scenes. Ceramic baubles can be painted with metallics or soft winter shades to suit your décor, while personalised ornaments with names or dates make lovely keepsakes. If you’re creating memories in a new-build home this year, marking your first Christmas with a bespoke ornament that can be brought out year after year is a low budget but effective keepsake.
Design a Cosy Candle Centrepiece
A homemade centrepiece instantly elevates your dining table or sideboard. Start with a wooden tray or shallow bowl and arrange pillar candles of various heights in the centre. Surround them with pinecones, dried flowers, winter greenery or berries to build a soft, natural display. If you prefer a safer, low maintenance option then opt for LED candles.
Sew Personalised Christmas Stockings
Handmade stockings are a simple way to add sentimental charm to your Christmas décor. They can be sewn from a range of fabrics, including tartan, linen, felt or velvet, depending on the look you want to achieve and the style of your other decorations. Adding embroidered initials creates a personalised touch that looks lovely displayed on a fireplace or staircase.
Add Festive Touches to Your Front Garden
Modern new-build homes often feature neat and simple front gardens that lend themselves beautifully to subtle seasonal styling. You can create the perfect christmas entrance by placing lanterns filled with LED candles beside the front door or by adding a simple wooden sign with a cheerful Christmas greeting. Potted evergreens wrapped with fairy lights add gentle sparkle and don’t forget your homemade Christmas wreath.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Christmas decorations is a fun, easy and rewarding way to add personality to your home, particularly if you’re enjoying your first festive season in a new-build. A few creative touches can help you shape a Christmas look that’s full of warmth and charm.
