The unexpected things interior designers turn into holiday decorations

Planning new Christmas decorations every year can be overwhelming and the costs can quickly add up. However, at many of the holiday shows I’ve attended this year, I’ve noticed interior designers and stylists getting creative and turning household or kitchen items into decorations, many of which you probably already have at home.

Not only does it use items you may already have, but it’s also a clever, budget-friendly Christmas decorating idea to achieve that designer look without having to pay the price. Additionally, being creative with your decorations allows you to create special memories that you won’t get if you simply buy the decorations brand new.

To help your imagination run wild, we asked several stylists for tips on how to transform household items into your next wreath or Christmas tree decorating ideas.

1. Reuse leftover wallpaper

(Image credit: Divine Savages)

No matter how well we measure a room, we always end up with leftover wallpaper, but there’s a way to use this to your advantage, says Jamie Wakins, co-founder of Divine savages. He recommends, “Using leftover wallpaper to wrap gifts is both eco-friendly and stylish.” Because wallpaper is typically thicker than traditional wrapping paper, it gives your gifts a premium, luxurious feel with clean, crisp folds. In addition, the combination with a satin ribbon adds an elegant touch that makes gifts under the Christmas tree look particularly chic.”

Not only does this save waste, especially if you’ve already spent money on the wallpaper and it’s just sitting there gathering dust, but it can also instantly make your gifts special. “It’s the perfect seasonal hack,” adds Jamie.

2. Make a wreath out of wine bottle corks

Festive wine cork wreath

If you’re already planning your Christmas wreath ideas, consider a rustic look by reusing old corks.

“You can create festive garlands by simply stringing together wine corks,” says Sam Tamlyn, interior designer and managing director of Absolutely fabulous. “This is done by drilling small holes through the corks and then threading them onto a string or wire where you can build the wreath with ornaments or even beads.” You could even add string lights for extra Christmas cheer for a rustic, eco-friendly look Create decoration.”

Alternatively, if this is a little beyond your DIY skills, you can always pick up a lovely pre-made model from Not On The Highstreet as shown above.

3. Dried fruits for decoration

Dried orange on the tree

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Dried orange slices are a classic for decorating Christmas wreaths, but they look just as stunning simply hanging from a clear plastic wrap on a Christmas tree. You can also easily dry orange slices yourself at home.

“Simply take the fruit of your choice—be it oranges, lemons, or berries—and dry them in the oven,” says Melissa Denham, interior designer at Hammonds Furniture. “Cut your fruit into thin strips, place them on a wire rack or baking sheet, and soak for several hours. Total drying time is typically four to eight hours, depending on the size and water content of your fruit.

Some of them best air deep fryers Like the Ninja Double Zone, they have a dehydrator function to speed up the process.

4. Season with chilies

Dried chili peppers hung in a white pantry

(Image credit: Future PLC)

While dried oranges are a Christmas staple, dried chilies are the new twist on foodie decor that’s on the rise this year. At Christmas they’re often strung on orange and lime scented garlands, but at Balsam Hills’ recent Christmas press show I saw that the stylist had also hung bunches of chillies on the trees for an eye-catching pop of red.

If you’ve been growing chillies from seeds this year, you could try drying your own, or you can also pick up a pack of dried whole chillies from £2 on Amazon. When handling, please be careful not to touch your eyes.

5. Use a large tree branch as a centerpiece

Red wall with branch hanging with Christmas decorations

(Image credit: Future PLC)

When you think of foraging for Christmas, you probably imagine a bit of ivy and holly, but what to look out for on your next winter walk is a large fallen tree branch. Styled over a mantel or hung over a dining table, they can be the ultimate festive centerpiece. Shelley Cochrane, Furniture village‘s Accessories Buyer says, “Hanging over your head is especially great for those with limited space.”

Additionally, focusing your decorations upside down also means more space for dishes and glassware during Christmas dinner. Decorate the branches with festive flowers and an array of Christmas decorations to brighten up the space, tie pretty fabric scraps into bows or make your own pom poms.’

6. Create a scarf garland

Purple scarf garland hung on a mantel

(Image credit: Future PLC / Dan Duchars)

Typically, garlands are made from lush greenery. However, more fabric garlands made from scarves, bows and pompoms have also come onto the market this year. These are all items that you probably have lying around the house or in your closet. For December, you can reuse them by simply tying them together and draping them in your living room or hallway.

Monika Puccio, Sofa clubThe purchasing manager at recommends “draping a garland over the back of the sofa, but instead of the usual greenery, use a garland made of pompoms, mini ornaments or felted wool in funky colors.”

7. Convert pens

Paper Sam Acorn Doll Craft Kit

(Image credit: Paper Sam)

Now many of us may have a few old wooden dolly pegs in our house. And according to Sam Duffy, founder of Papersam.co.ukThey are “the perfect size for a tree ornament.” By providing a literal blank canvas, you can add everything from paint and glitter to twine and fabric to turn it into hanging decorations.

Maybe you want to decorate like Santa Claus, or why not have one for each family member to give your tree a really personal touch this Christmas? Luckily, you can get one if you don’t already have spare pens pack for a few pounds. Or Papersam’s Acorn Doll Craft Kits They have everything you need if you don’t want to worry about getting all the materials to start your craft project.

8. Reuse vases

A living room with a Christmas ball display under a glass dome

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Scarboro)

Vases or glasses are the ultimate objects to repurpose as festive decorations. Think beyond festive flowers and fill them with baubles, candy or fairy lights.

“Food storage like mason jars or vases can be filled with twinkling lights, candy canes and ornaments, adding a whimsical and festive touch to your kitchen or living space,” he says Wren kitchens‘ Showroom Stylist, Paul Richardson, Showroom Stylist.

9. Hang cookie cutters

Blue kitchen shelf with copper cookie cutter

(Image credit: Future PLC)

This is the one time of year when your holiday cookie cutters shouldn’t be in the drawer. Whether made of silver or brass, they are perfect for decorating a kitchen.

Place them on open shelves next to string lights or hang them from a Christmas tree or garland as decorations.

With a little imagination, many items around your house can quickly be transformed into Christmas decorations.

Recent Posts