Extend the life of unwanted possessions by upcycling your clutter with these fabulous Christmas decoration ideas from our guest blogger Hannah from Jolly Festive.
Turning our clutter into Christmas décor is a win on so many levels!
It’s not just about reducing waste, but also saving money and adding personal, meaningful touches to our homes. Plus, upcycling gives us an excuse for some mindful, handmade fun, creating decorations we can display for years. You may even want to gift some of these upcycled decorations!
From old décor that no longer match our style to everyday household items, there are endless ways to give clutter a second life.
Here are 10 upcycled Christmas decoration ideas to inspire you this season:
1. Jar Candle Lights
Old jars are perfect for upcycling! Add a frosty look with Mod Podge* and Epsom salts, decorate with glass pens, or simply tie on a festive ribbon. Add a tealight or fairy lights to create a beautiful addition to a sideboard, Christmas centrepiece, or bedside table.
*Just so you know, Laura is an Amazon Associate. If you shop via the links in this article Laura earns from qualifying purchases.
2. Re-sprayed Baubles
Don’t toss those old baubles just yet! If they’re looking tired or are the wrong colour, a quick spray can transform them. Remove the clasp, pop them upside down on skewers, and spray them in a new shade. Or try Mod Podge with small strips of paper napkin for a pretty, eco look. Paint them with the family. Or use the nail polish dip method for a marbled effect. The possibilities are endless!
3. Wrapping Paper Photo Frames
One of my favourite upcycled Christmas decoration ideas. Replace or cover photos in frames with leftover wrapping paper. Switching out ordinary décor for Christmas items is always fun and this creates a cohesive, festive look. Plus, it allows you to “unwrap” your regular photos in January for a fresh start.
4. Christmas Tea Towel Bread Boards
Give old bread boards a new lease of life as a Christmas tray. All you need is an old festive tea towel, trimmed to size, and some Mod Podge (are you getting the idea I’m quite a fan?!). I added brass handles to mine. It’s just as good as festive décor as it as a mince pie carrier!
5. Rag Wreaths
If you have fabric scraps around, turn them into a rag wreath. This simple DIY project results in a charming, country-cottage look. These wreaths make wonderful gifts as well as decorations.
6. Christmas Jumper Cushions
Repurpose old Christmas jumpers the kids have outgrown as festive cushion covers! Slip an old jumper over a cushion, tuck the sleeves into the neck, and secure the bottom with a couple of safety pins. When January rolls around, you can simply dismantle and reuse or donate the jumper.
7. Curtain Ring Photo Ornaments
Old curtain rings can make beautiful, personalised photo ornaments.
Attach a photo to each of two rings. Secure them back-to-back with
glue and add a ribbon for hanging through the ring eyes. It’s a
unique and meaningful addition to your tree!
8. Homemade Christmas Tablecloths
Transform old bedsheets into Christmas tablecloths or runners. Leave them plain and let the table decorations and food do the talking. Or add festive touches:
- Add two ribbon strips for a clean border look
- Use cookie cutters and fabric paint to stamp Christmas shapes
- Create a fir pattern with paint-sprayed pine branches pressed onto the cloth
9. Christmas Water Glasses
Repurpose old jars as additional drinking glasses for guests over the festive season – much better than buying single-use cups! Decorate them with glass pens (a fun family project) and place alongside a jug filled with water and seasonal berries for a simple yet festive hydration station which doubles up as a gorgeous sideboard decoration.
10. Upcycled Christmas Tree Refresh
If your Christmas tree is looking tired, try these upcycling ideas to revive it:
- Add Extra Foliage: Fresh pine or fir sprigs add fullness and texture to an artificial tree and bring a natural, festive scent
- Flock It: Give your tree a snowy look to bring it back to life. Homemade flocking methods using shaving foam or cornflour work well. I also love this biodegradable artificial snow powder from The Flower Lab*
- Reimagine Branches: If the tree really can’t be saved, repurpose its branches into garlands, swags, or wreaths to bring a bit of its festive charm to other areas.
Upcycled Christmas decoration ideas bring extra charm and character to festive décor while reducing clutter and giving new life to old items. With a little creativity, these projects are simple, sustainable, and perfect for a personalised Christmas season. What other ways do you enjoy making upcycled decorations?
If you’ve enjoying reading this article, please do head to Jolly Festive to see more of Hannah’s easy, homemade Christmas ideas, including food, activities, décor and more!
If you’re thinking about getting organised for Christmas you might also like to read Laura’s blog 5 Practical Strategies for a Stress-Free Christmas Season
Hannah Bartlett is a year-round Christmas writer, creator and trend forecaster, and the creative force behind Jolly Festive. Making Your Christmas Is Her Year-Round Obsession!
She delivers tips, hacks, recipes, and family-friendly DIY projects to a global audience. Recognised for her extensive knowledge of Christmas activities and travel as well as her festive trend analysis, Hannah has been featured on UK Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio and other national media outlets.
