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This post will show you 21 stunning Christmas centerpieces DIY that will leave you inspired!
Nothing feels as joyful as a beautifully decorated table during the holiday season. From cozy family dinners to more formal get-togethers, a beautiful centerpiece is a must to add the Christmas magic to your space.
Christmas centerpieces DIY are also a great way to showcase creativity and personalize your decor. Creating your pieces will allow you to reuse seasonal items you already know, giving them new life without breaking the bank.
From fun basket compositions to creative bouquets, this post will show you 21 ideas to help you create the perfect Christmas centerpieces DIY. All you need is a passion for crafts and some seasonal pieces ready for a new life!
Christmas Centerpieces DIY: Key Design Principles
When creating your Christmas pieces DIY, it’s important to follow a few basic principles to make sure your design looks beautiful and works with your space.
- Balance & Proportionality: spend some time figuring out what size centerpiece is appropriate for your table. Depending on the length and shape, you may want to favor a small composition vs. a larger piece. For instance, a very long rectangular table will pair well with a runner-style centerpiece.
- Variety: don’t be afraid to combine different heights and textures to make your Christmas centerpiece visually interesting. Introducing accent colors and materials can also help spice up your palette and make your creation more unique.
- Functionality: make sure your centerpiece does not interfere with your guests’s comfort. The design shouldn’t obstruct the view across the table or make it challenging to reach for food.
Now that you have your basics covered, let’s look at 21 beautiful Christmas centerpieces DIY to bring some handmade holiday magic to your home!
21 Christmas Centerpieces DIY To Recreate in 2024
1. Creative Candy Jar
Source: @delai08
If you love peppermint candies, then why not include them in your Christmas centerpieces DIY?
I love the idea of using such an iconic piece of Christmas food for a new purpose, making it the star of your composition. Use the candies as a basis for Christmas decor branches similarly to how you would style river rocks.
You can have this design as a standalone centerpiece for a round table or pair it with a tray and additional decor to counterbalance a larger surface.
2. Frosted Forest
Source: @juliannlanconart
Create your winter forest using miniature frosted trees and small pillar candles.
The combination of green and white, warmed by the candlelight, will be a great match to a more neutral environment.
For an extra touch, add a few pinecones to your composition to introduce a new texture and shape. The result will be an understated but beautiful arrangement.
3. Fun Gift Boxes
Source: @houseonplum
This is one of my favorite Christmas centerpieces DIY. I love how creative and on-theme it looks.
All you need is a set of clear boxes, some spare baubles, and golden ribbons.
Make sure to include a few different colors and patterns for your decorations for a more eclectic look. If you are looking for a more neutral solution, opt instead for festive but neutral colors like white, silver, and gold.
4. Candy Cane Vase
Source: @mymapleleafhome
Candy canes are a staple of Christmas treats so I couldn’t help but share Christmas centerpieces DIY that include them in the design.
For a budget-friendly but impactful centerpiece idea, invest in a grocery store Christmas plant and use candy canes to decorate the vase.
You can use some hot glue to hold the sticks together if you are concerned about stability. Alternatively, tie them with a colorful ribbon for a bright finishing touch.
5. Christmas Bouquet
Source: @petalsbytheshore
A simple winter bouquet can be a great solution for a low-effort, high-impact centerpiece.
Don’t be afraid to embrace a more extravagant approach to design, combining different colors, flowers, and plants for a jaw-dropping result.
If you love low-maintenance pieces, then opt for faux flowers and plants. You’ll be able to create a stunning bouquet that will stand the test of time and can be upgraded/restyled for many years to come.
6. Pillar Candle Composition
Source: @welcome.toournest
Pillar candles are frequently used in Christmas centerpieces DIY because they are extremely affordable and can make your piece look elegant.
Style pillar candles with glass containers to create the perfect atmosphere for candle-lit meals.
You can opt for a set of identical candles for a structured, symmetrical design. Using a variety of colors and sizes can help you instead achieve a more effortlessly chic look.
7. Wicker Basket Composition
Source: @citygirl_farmhouse
If you are looking for rustic Christmas centerpieces DIY, look no further than a wicker basket.
The warmth of this natural material will be the perfect base for a beautiful, organic composition.
I like combining wicker with a touch of greenery and slight retro-inspired pieces. The result will be a piece that leans into the more nostalgic side of the holiday spirit.
8. Christmas Village
Source: @calypsointhecountry
For a truly unique piece, create your very own Christmas village as the perfect centerpiece.
Make it a weekend adventure and explore your local Christmas market and thrift store to curate a beautiful collection of items. From vintage ceramic houses to modern, minimalist Christmas trees, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces.
Complete the design with small candles or string lights for a sparkling finishing touch.
9. Christmas Baubles Display
Source: @room_remedies
Are “quick” and “easy” your favorite words when it comes to Christmas centerpieces DIY? If yes, this is the idea for you!
All you need is a large clear vase – I recommend something with a wide base – and a set of leftover ornaments from your tree.
Combine the two with a traditional garland if you love greenery, and watch your table transform in just a few minutes!
10. Scented Candle Composition
Source: @eventfullychelsea
If you have been reading the blog for some time, you know I am a huge fan of including scented candles in decor.
Scent is a powerful thing to associate with memories, especially during magical periods like the holiday season.
I love the idea of using a delicious scented candle as the star of a centerpiece, building a composition around it.
Add a few branches of greenery (be mindful of the placement to avoid a fire hazard) and a few lovely figurines for a beautiful setup that will transform your table into the coziest area of your home.
11. A touch of Greenery
Source: @countrygirlhome
It can be challenging to create neutral Christmas centerpieces DIY. Most decor pieces and supplies will include staple colors like red and gold.
However, the winter greenery presents a great solution if you want a more organic take on a Christmas centerpiece.
Invest in a high-quality wooden fruit bowl and create a bouquet using greenery branches. As usual, opt for faux pieces for the ultimate convenience hack. Alternatively, steal a couple of branches from your Christmas tree for a budget-friendly solution.
12. Floating Candles
Source: @simplykierste
Tea light candles floating on water are a sophisticated addition to any table. I am sure you have seen them used for wedding and holiday table settings before.
Take this concept to the next level by styling Christmas-themed candle jars.
All you need is a few cranberries, a slice of orange, and a few spare mason jars. Distribute the pieces across the table to upgrade your runner and create a gorgeous centerpiece on a budget.
13. Colorful Christmas Tree Farm
Source: @birchandbeam
If you love colorful decor, you’ll love this Christmas centerpiece idea!
For a playful design, consider creating a colorful Christmas tree farm for your runner. Start with a garland for your base, and then go crazy with colors and shapes when it comes to miniature trees and ornaments.
The result will be a beautiful setup filled with personality and a great expression of your love for colors!
14. Farmhouse Pinecone Display
Source: @humbleabode.decor
Farmhouse Christmas decor is all about embracing a more rustic approach to the symbols of the holiday season.
For instance, I like how this centerpiece takes a classic of Christmas ornaments – pinecones – and displays them in very typical farmhouse fashion: in a distressed tin container.
Spend some time reviewing the decor you currently own – whether it’s a farmhouse fruit bowl, tray, or display shelf, these pieces can be easily transformed into perfect Christmas centerpieces DIY.
15. Traditional Garland
Source: @mamanonmamafloral
If you have an older wreath laying around, then consider using it as the base for a beautiful Christmas centerpiece.
All you need is a beautiful set of statement candles to transform your old wreath into the perfect accent piece for your table.
16. Stylish Tiered Tray
Source: @thisvictorianfarmhouse
Tiered trays are the perfect candidates for Christmas centerpieces DIY. They allow you to fully express your creativity and sense of design over different levels, creating a composition that is unique to your taste.
When filling your tiered tray, consider printing your own Christmas signs (Canva is perfect for that!), including mugs or decor pieces you are particularly fond of, and using greenery as a filler for empty spots.
I would recommend this idea especially if you have a round table as tiered trays create a beautiful focal point in your space.
17. Round Display Tray Composition
Source: @barbara_scrapbook_journal
Christmas trays are beautiful pieces of decor that tend to accumulate over the years through holiday meals and household gifts.
A great way to reuse an old tray is to make it the base of your Christmas centerpiece.
All you need to complete the composition is a few candles, decorative pinecones, leftover ornaments from your tree, and – bonus tip – a few cinnamon sticks for the perfect holiday scent.
18. Rustic Christmas Tray
Source: @happyathomewithval
If you find yourself with an array of mismatched Christmas pieces, this idea is here to save the day!
No matter how unrelated your decor may seem, placing it on a tray can help provide structure to your design. A tray can help you style your pieces more efficiently by providing a visual frame to your composition and a smaller area for you to focus on.
Get your tray ready and spend some time trying different setups until you find a good balance between heights, materials, and textures.
The result will look a bit eclectic but curated and elegant.
19. Cranberries Bouquet
Source: @countrywomanmagazine
Fresh cranberries (or faux ones, if low-maintenance is your favorite approach) are a must-have for Christmas centerpieces DIY.
They can be used as a filler for smaller compositions or, like in the inspiration photo above, as the star of the show.
I recommend always pairing them with green as it perfectly complements their bright, festive red. A color combination meant for the holiday season!
20. Wooden Box Display
Source: @adirondackgirlatheart
For the most budget-friendly Christmas centerpiece, all you need is an old wooden box and two red candles.
Spend some time decorating the box by hand painting your favorite Christmas references.
Opt for free-hand drawing if you feel confident enough, or use pre-made stencils to make the project foolproof.
21. Christmas Baubles Composition
Source: @jenniferdecorates
Perhaps one of the quickest Christmas centerpieces DIY, this design is perfect for a last-minute transformation of your holiday table.
Grab a display tray or a small basket, and display your favorite Christmas ornaments.
The look you’re going for is that of luxury and abundance. Don’t be afraid to go overboard with the decor!
To Conclude
This post showed you 21 Christmas centerpieces DIY to upgrade your table for the 2024 holiday season!
When creating your Christmas centerpieces DIY, always remember to combine aesthetics and functionality. These pieces need to speak of your taste and creativity while, at the same time, accommodating your guests’ comfort.
From using leftover ornaments and including iconic Christmas candies to beautiful candle compositions and styling your own Christmas village, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try out new designs.
The result will be a unique piece filled with memories and your personality!
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