How to Deck Your Halls DIY: Easy Christmas Decor Ideas

DIY Neutral Christmas Decor Ideas

Christmas Crafts and DIY Christmas Decorations: For home and kids!

Christmas crafts have always held a special place in my heart, but this year feels extra meaningful as we settle into our new home. This holiday season is all about creating fresh memories and traditions along the way. With so many wonderful, easy projects perfect for little hands and busy schedules, I can’t wait to share some of the holiday crafts we’re working on together this season.

Decorating together is one of the best ways to bring warmth and sparkle to these dark winter days (which happens as early as 4 pm – that’s life in Vermont!). Creating these holiday pieces together doesn’t just add to our decor; it fills our home with little memories we’ll bring out year after year. Making something with the kids is a chance to slow down, build our own traditions, and spend time being creative without the chaotic overwhelm that can so easily take over during the holidays.

So, here are some Christmas craft and DIY decor ideas that are simple and fun, allowing you and your kids to enjoy the process without too much chaos or mess.


Just a friendly reminder: This tutorial and any opinions or recommendations are genuinely mine, but this is not a substitute for consulting a professional. I also use affiliate links to earn a commission.


Dried Orange Garland 

Dried Orange Garland
House Of Jade Interiors

If you’re looking for a fun, timeless Christmas craft, this dried orange garland is a great one to do with the kids! It adds such a warm feel to your home, and they smell amazing too. Plus, it’s super simple—great for little hands (and attention spans) to join in. They’ll love helping out, whether it’s spreading the oranges out to dry or stringing them up together!

One tip: keep these beauties indoors! Outside, the oranges can rehydrate and spoil. But inside, they’ll last all season—and if you store them in an airtight container after the holidays, you can keep bringing them back year after year.

Toilet Paper Roll Snowflake

Toilet Paper Roll Star
My Scandinavian Home

Don’t let the name fool you—these toilet paper roll stars are surprisingly beautiful! If you’re looking for a unique DIY Christmas decoration, this is it. All you need are some old toilet rolls—and let’s be honest, we all have a ton of those lying around!

This zero-waste and plastic-free decoration is a clever way to repurpose something you might otherwise toss. You’ll just need three toilet roll tubes, some string, and a few basic supplies to make these lovely festive ornaments. I absolutely adore this idea from Niki at My Scandinavian Home. It’s a simple project that turns everyday items into charming holiday decor, and I can’t wait to see what you all create!

Salt Dough Star Garland

Salt Dough Star Garland
Rocky Hedge Farm

Salt dough star garlands are one of those simple, old-fashioned crafts that have become a holiday tradition in our home. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a project we can do together that I can actually handle! Let’s be honest—some DIY projects with kids can quickly turn into chaotic messes, leaving you feeling more stressed than festive. But this one is easy enough for everyone to enjoy, and I love that it brings us together without overwhelming me.

Just mix up the dough, cut out your stars, and let the kids take over! You can keep them plain for a classic look or let the kids get creative with some paint or markers for a colorful touch. Plus, following Rocky Hedge Farm’s tutorial makes it a breeze. Just remember to keep these beauties indoors, and when the season ends, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for next year!

Christmas Simmer Pot

Christmas Simmer Pot
The Real Food Dietitians

Nothing says Christmas quite like those delightful holiday scents! Create the coziest holiday home by igniting all your senses with this easy stovetop Christmas simmer pot. It’s the perfect way to fill your space with warmth and festive cheer, making your home feel inviting and merry. Did you know you can create a wonderful aroma just by simmering a few simple ingredients in a pot? Use a variety of fresh ingredients IN THIS POST BY, and let the magical scent transform your home into a cozy winter wonderland that will have everyone feeling festive!

Christmas Tree Tassel

DIY Christmas Tree Tassel
The Style Brunch

These Christmas tree tassels are just the most adorable Christmas craft—something about tassels always gets me! They’re perfect for both kids and adults, making them a fun, festive project to enjoy together. You can use them as garland or even as cute toppers for gifts! I really love these because they capture both the neutral and nostalgic look of Christmas decor.

To get the kids involved, let them pick out different colored yarn and cute pots for the ornaments. I don’t know about your kids, but mine love decorating their rooms for the holidays, and these little Christmas tree tassels are perfect since they can’t break! Plus, it’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories while adding a personal touch to your holiday decorations!

DIY Paper Bag Stars

Paper Bag Stars
The Merry Thought

Here’s a super easy and budget-friendly Christmas craft that looks amazing: DIY brown paper bag stars! If you’ve got some paper lunch bags lying around, you can turn them into beautiful zero-waste stars in no time, and you barely need any supplies to make it happen.

Simply layer the bags, glue them together, cut out your star shape, and voilà—your own handmade holiday decor! 

What I love about these paper bag stars is how effortlessly they add a cozy touch that works all season long. Their simple, neutral look fits right in with any decor style, making them perfect not only for Christmas but as winter decor you can leave up after the holidays. Plus, they’re so easy and budget-friendly, you’ll want to make a bunch!

Photo Ornaments

DIY Photo Ornament
Curly Girl Kitchen

Photo ornaments are easy, with a capital E! It’s a simple and quick project for kids that they can do with minimal supervision. They can hang these ornaments on the tree, give them as gifts, or, if photos aren’t their thing, they can cut out images from magazines or take a trip to the craft store to pick out different paper in designs they love. Now we have so many cherished memories hanging on our tree, making it even more festive and personal! I can’t wait to see the kids’ faces light up as they spot their favorite moments! 

Scroll toward the bottom of her post, past the yummy Christmas treat recipes, to find the photo ornament tutorial!

Twine Tree

Twine Tree DIY Christmas Decoration
Home Talk

This DIY Twine Christmas Tree is the perfect kid-friendly holiday craft—fun, easy, and a great way to spend time together! Just like with the yarn letters, kids can get creative wrapping the twine and decorating these little trees. Plus, the search for small tree stumps outdoors is half the adventure! This project lets you bring a little bit of nature indoors and gives your holiday decor a rustic, handmade touch.

The twine on these DIY Christmas trees makes them a perfect neutral holiday decoration that blends seamlessly with winter decor. They’re easy to keep up long past the holidays, adding a cozy, rustic vibe to your home all season!

DIY Live Winter Wreath

DIY Live Winter Wreath
Ella Claire Inspired

Here’s a quick and easy DIY live winter wreath that’s budget-friendly and adds a fresh, natural vibe to your decor! I absolutely love live wreaths—they have this special look and smell that instantly feels like the holidays. But what’s even better? They’re surprisingly simple to make, and crafting your own can save a ton compared to store-bought ones. Plus, many of them dry beautifully, so you can enjoy their charm all season long without breaking the bank!

Kid Friendly Yarn Letter Ornaments

DIY Yarn Letter Ornaments
A Daily Something

My youngest son brought home one of these adorable ornaments, and I’ve been obsessed ever since! The ornaments themselves are super kid-friendly—no breakable pieces here! The process for making these cute Homemade Yarn Letters couldn’t be simpler, and the end result is absolutely charming.

I often find yarn at thrift stores, so be sure to check there for some great deals. Plus, involve the kids in the fun! Take them to the store with you and let them pick out their color scheme. It’s a fantastic way to spark their creativity and make the project even more special. You’ll not only create beautiful ornaments together but also memories that will last a lifetime!

DIY Orange and Clove Pomander

DIY Orange and Clove Pomander
The Everyday Farmhouse

An orange and clove pomander is such a charming holiday decoration! Not only does it look appealing, but it also fills your home with a delightful festive scent. They’re super easy to create and make for a fun DIY craft that kids will enjoy. This tradition dates back to the 13th century, so you’ll be continuing a beautiful legacy!

You can get creative with your designs or keep it simple—both options are beautiful! I found it easiest to poke holes with a skewer before pushing the cloves through. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together while making something special for the holidays!

Anise Star Mini Christmas Wreath

Anise Star Ornament
Inspired by Charm

Anise star wreaths are a charming and aromatic addition to your holiday decor! With just a few simple materials—some brown wire, star anise, and a couple of tools—you can craft a rustic wreath that exudes festive cheer. This easy DIY project yields beautiful results, making it perfect for both kid crafters and seasoned DIY enthusiasts.

One of the best things about these wreaths is their neutral color, allowing them to blend seamlessly with any decor style. You can get creative with the size, making them small for a delicate touch or larger for a bold statement. Once you’ve created your anise star wreath, use it to deck your halls, adorn a garland, or even trim your tree. The warm, spicy scent of star anise will fill your home, adding a delightful sensory experience to your holiday celebrations. Plus, these wreaths are so versatile that you can leave them up all winter long, bringing cozy charm to your home long after the holidays are over!

Origami Star Garland

Origami Star Garland
Girl About Townhouse

My oldest son loves Rubik’s cubes, so I’m excited to try these origami stars with him! I think he’ll love the challenge and satisfaction of creating something beautiful out of simple materials. These stars are great for kids because there’s no mess involved—just paper, string, and a craft knife! Plus, following the directions and folding crisp lines is incredibly satisfying.

If you have a collection of paper—perhaps saved from deliveries and old wrapping paper—this plastic-free origami stars tutorial from Girl About Townhouse is easy to follow. You’ll be seeing stars in no time! This project is also perfect for slightly older kids, so I plan to help my younger son with it to keep him from getting frustrated! It’s a fantastic way to combine creativity and fun while adding some festive decor to our home. Plus, the folding and following directions make it an engaging activity for them.

Pinecone Christmas Tree

Pinecone Christmas Tree Craft
Made to be a Momma

These pinecone Christmas trees are incredibly easy to make and require minimal supplies. They make adorable holiday decorations or thoughtful gifts for grandparents or your children’s friends. Make a day of it! Take a hike to collect pinecones, pop them in the oven to de-bug, and then let the kids have fun painting and gluing to unleash their creativity. This project is a fantastic way to spend time together and create festive memories that will brighten your home for the holidays!

DIY Decoupage Ornaments

DIY Decoupage Christmas Ornament
Jenna Sue Design

Jenna Sue’s DIY Decoupage Ornaments are a perfect blend of elegance and holiday charm! These ornaments allow for endless creativity, as you can customize each one with different patterns and colors. The best part? They’re simple enough to do with kids, making it a fun family project that adds a personal touch to your tree. Whether you’re repurposing old ornaments or starting fresh, this decoupage method is a great way to create beautiful, unique decorations you’ll cherish for years.

Wax Fire Starters

Wax Fire Starters DIY
Candle Science

Start a cozy fire this winter with these easy-to-make wax fire starters! This project is perfect for repurposing leftover wax, wick trimmings, and even paper towels from past candle-making sessions. These wax fire starters not only look charming but also make lighting a fire a breeze. Just toss one in with your kindling, and you’re good to go. They’re also a thoughtful, homemade gift idea for any friends who love a warm fireplace!

Pine Cone Garland

DIY Pine Cone Garland
Decor Adventures

If you’re looking for another fun Christmas craft for the kids, this pine cone garland is a fantastic option! It’s a neutral holiday decoration that can stick around long after the festivities, adding a cozy winter touch to your home. You can find pine cones simply by heading outside and exploring around the pine trees—there are all sorts of sizes depending on where you live. This pine cone garland from Decor Adventures is a beautiful decoration you can use year after year.

If you collect pine cones from outdoors, don’t forget to ‘de-bug’ them by baking them for 30 minutes at a low temperature. You can also grab some from craft stores, thrift shops, or even from a friend’s attic—why not give those old holiday decorations a new life?

Salt Dough Fingerprint Ornament

Salt Dough Fingerprint Ornament
Crafty Morning

Salt dough fingerprint ornaments are a heartwarming DIY project that combines creativity with cherished memories. These ornaments are not only easy to make, but they also allow your kids to leave their mark—literally! As you roll out the dough and create unique designs, you’ll be making special keepsakes that capture your child’s little hands. Perfect for holiday gifting or decorating your tree, these ornaments are a wonderful way to celebrate the season and preserve precious moments. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create lasting memories with this fun and simple Christmas craft!


At the end of the day, it’s not really about perfect decorations; it’s about the moments we share and the memories these little projects hold. Seeing my kids’ personalities in each craft, knowing we created these things together, just makes the house feel warmer and cozier. These little holiday treasures will find their place around the tree and our walls, adding that cozy touch that’ll carry us well into winter. So, here’s to christmas crafts, and filling our home with a little extra magic this season!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram to share your favorite Christmas crafts and see how ours turn out! I can’t wait to see what you’re creating this holiday season!

DIY christmas crafts

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