Get creative with these DIY Christmas decor ideas

The holiday season is finally upon us and 2021 could do with some Christmas cheer!

The Covid-19 pandemic has had many doing some introspection and even unlocked creative sides, what better way to put that to use with some do-it-yourself (DIY) Christmas decorations?

Spread the festive spirit and get crafty with these DIY Christmas décor ideas.

1. Shimmer & shine festive snowflakes

A little bit of sparkle never hurts anyone. These quick and easy DIY snowflakes will get the whole family involved. Lifestyle magazine Country Living tells us just how to do this.

What you will need:

• Ribbon
• Hot glue gun
• Toilet paper rolls
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Paint
• Measuring tape
• Glitter or tinsel

Instructions:

1. Flatten all the toilet rolls

2. Using the measuring tape, mark about 2.5 centimetres all along the tubes. For more dimension, cut some of these pieces in half

3. Map out your shapes and designs leaning towards a diamond shape

4. Hot glue the shapes together

5. Allow to dry

6. Decorate as desired and add different ribbon lengths for depth and dimension when hanging up in the house.

2. Sugar cookie ornaments

Sugar, spice and everything nice. According to food site Good Housekeeping, cookie ornaments are a much-loved pastime, a 2-in-1 treat you get to decorate the tree and your stomach too!

What you will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp Kosher salt
• 1 c unsalted butter
• ¾4 cups sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• Sanding sugar, for decorating
• Premade royal icing

Instructions/ method:

1. In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt

2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until combined. Beat in egg and then vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture, mixing just until blended

3. Shape dough into 4 disks and roll each between two sheets parchment paper to ¼ inch thick. Chill until firm for 30 minutes in the fridge or 15 minutes in freezer

4. Heat oven to 180°C then line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using floured cookie cutters, cut out cookies

5. Use straw to make holes in the tops of the cookies for hanging. Place on prepared sheets. Reroll, chill and cut scraps

6. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are light golden brown around edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely

7. Decorate with festive cheer and sanding sugar

8. Allow to dry. Put the ribbon through and hang on your Christmas tree

3. Green garland table runner

Traditional tablecloth runners are so last year! Spruce things up with a greenery garland keeping your Christmas table fresh. Hitched tells us how.

What you will need:

• String or ribbon
•  Pinecones
•  Pine tree leaves or succulents in different sizes and shapes
•  Your choice of greenery, such as moss, ivy and eucalyptus
• Double-sided tape
• A mixture of candles, including tea lights in holders and fruit

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of string or ribbon that will fit down the length of your dining table

2. Using the double-sided tape to attach the leaves and moss to the string

3. Once all the leaves are attached, lay the garland on the table before setting

4. Fill up empty spaces while on the table with candles, fruit and pinecones

5. Set the table and enjoy Christmas lunch!