26 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Hacks

Just found out that you’re hosting eight people for the holidays and don’t own a single ornament?

1. Make window snowflakes with a glue gun

Directions here.

Source: u-createcrafts.com

2. Pinecones make great decorations, but bake them first to eliminate bugs.

Setting the oven to 200 degrees and baking for 45 minutes should do the trick.

Source: houseofhepworths.com

3. Use paint chips to make gift tags.

Or buy these on Etsy.

Source: etsy.com

4. Make these pinecone gnome ornaments.

Directions here.

Source: bhg.com

5. Paint pinecones for quick, versatile decorations.

They’d make awesome ornaments or look great clustered in a bowl. Full directions here.

Source: factorydirectcraft.com

6. Don’t have a Christmas tree? Make one out of books!

This idea comes from Family Sponge.

Source: familysponge.com

7. Artfully-arranged books on a shelf can become a Christmas tree as well.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

8. Print out a template to fold your own paper ornaments.

Printables are perfect. Get this one here.

Source: theredthreadblog.com

9. Cotton balls can become a quick Santa beard.

Doesn’t matter how old you are.

Source: supermommoments.com

10. Make paper plate Christmas angels for centerpieces.

It’s a great activity for kids, too. Martha Stewart has the instructions.

Source: marthastewart.com

11. Make a scarf wreath.

As long as it’s a scarf you don’t care about messing up. Directions here.

Source: onefabday.com

12. For last-minute wrapping, decorate a brown box with nail polish.

Directions here.

Source: wrappedupinrainbows.blogspot.co.uk

13. Use brads to turn plain paper into studded gift wrap.

Yet another reason to steal from the office supplies closet at work. Directions here.

Source: blog.whimseybox.com

14. Coffee filters easily become snowflakes.

Use them for ornaments or window decorations.

Source: pinterest.com

15. Make mini wreaths out of shower curtain pulls

Wrap yarn around them, adding a drop or two of glue to hold everything in place.

Source: smilelikeyoumeanit.net

16. Turn your fridge into a snowman.

All it takes is some paper, scissors and tape.

Source: handsonaswegrow.com

17. Turn metal washers into snowflakes.

Directions here.

Source: brit.co

18. Print out these tree napkin rings to easily spruce up your table.

Yes, “spruce up” is a tree pun. No, I do not feel guilty in the slightest. Template available here.

Source: marthastewart.com

19. Make snow globes out of jars.

Directions here.

Source: zomoc.com

20. Craft a cardboard Christmas tree.

Here’s how.

Source: instructables.com

21. For a dorm room or a super-last-minute tree, use duct tape and lights.

Source: pinterest.com

22. Turn wine glasses upside down for quick votives.

Source: pinterest.com

23. Wrap cookies using foil or plastic wrap containers.

Full directions here.

Source: auntpeaches.com

24. When it’s time to put everything away, store string lights without tangling them by wrapping them around pieces of cardboard.

They can be piled neatly in boxes this way too.

Source: marthastewart.com

25. Pack ornaments in egg cartons.

Source: thedailybuzz.com.au

26. Store candles in paper towel tubes to keep them from getting ruined.

So you can use them again for New Year’s!

Source: marthastewart.com