DIY holiday decorations don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some of the most festive and fun holiday crafts come straight from your kitchen.
Using everyday items, you can make ornaments, holiday decorations, and handmade gifts that add a personal touch. Plus, crafting with the kids while sipping cocoa (or sneaking a gingerbread cookie or two) is a better way to slow down and soak up the holiday season.
Parchment Paper Stars
Turn plain parchment paper into stars for windows, mantels, or your holiday table.
Materials Needed: Simply Done Parchment Paper, Simply Done Twine, Simply Done Glue Sticks, Hot Glue Gun, Scissors
- Cut two pieces of parchment paper into the same size square.
- Fold one side of the sheet over by 1 to 2 inches. Repeat this on the same side, folding back and forth, to create pleats across the sheet until you reach the end.
- Fold this in half horizontally and use a glue stick to secure. Holding together so the glue doesn’t separate, cut the opposite side to create the edges of the star. You can cut in a curve or into a point. This is the first half of the star!
- Repeat this process with the second piece of parchment paper.
- To complete the star, glue both halves together with the glue stick. Then use the hot glue gun to tack the middle of the star together.
Hang the stars on twine, or cluster them with greenery for a soft, wintry touch. Simply Done parchment paper is strong and easy to fold, making these stars sturdy enough to last through the holiday season.
Easy Handmade Gift Tags
Upgrade your presents with butcher paper and custom tags that would impress even Santa.
Materials Needed: Simply Done Butcher Paper, Simply Done Twine, Scissors, Markers, Dried Spices, Greenery or Fruit (Optional)
- Cut small rectangles or shapes out of the butcher paper and poke a hole in one end.
- For a fragrant touch, glue on greenery, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks.
- Use markers to address the tag and run twine through the hole so the tag can be easily secured to the gift.
These simple tags turn basic wrapping into something memorable, and Simply Done Twine and Storage Bags are perfect for prepping all your tag supplies in advance.
Aluminum Foil Disco Ball
Ring in New Year’s Eve with some sparkle! These festive disco balls add pizazz, and you don’t have to risk getting glitter all over the floor.
Materials Needed: Simply Done Paper Plates, Simply Done Aluminum Foil, Simply Done Glue Sticks, Simply Done Twine, Scissors, Scrap Paper, Stapler
- Cut the aluminum foil into small squares.
- Set half of the squares aside. Gently crumble the remaining squares and unfold carefully. Adding crinkles creates more sparkle, but you can also skip this step.
- Glue the squares onto the back side of the plate, alternating between smooth squares and crinkly squares.
- Repeat this process on the second plate.
- Place the two plates together and stuff with scrap paper.
- Use a stapler to secure the two plates together. Then add twine to hang.
Hang it over your snack table to recreate the Times Square ball drop—without leaving your living room.
Festive Cookie Cutter Garland
Cookie cutters aren’t just for baking. Thread ribbon or twine through holiday-shaped cutters—trees, stars, snowflakes—and string them across the mantel or along a window for instant holiday cheer.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to make your holiday cookies before hanging the garland!
Wax Paper Lanterns
For an elevated craft, use greenery, dried flowers, or leaves, and wax paper to create lanterns.
Materials Needed: Simply Done Wax Paper, Iron, Ironing Board, Scissors, Clear Tape
- Cut two pieces of wax paper into 4” x 8” rectangles.
- Place one sheet on the ironing board and center the greenery (or other decoration) on the paper. Top with the second sheet and iron together, taking care to apply light pressure and move the iron along the paper.
- Fold the wax paper into a cylinder and secure it together with tape at the back, or wrap the sheet around a vase or jar to create glowing lanterns.
This method also doubles as handmade ornaments when cut into smaller shapes and tied with twine.
Paper Plate Holiday Trees
If you have time for a fun craft that children can customize, paper plate trees are a fun way to spend a winter afternoon.
Materials Needed: Simply Done Paper Plates, Simply Done Glue Sticks, Washable Paint or Markers, Popsicle Sticks, Red Pom-Poms
- Paint a paper plate with green paint or markers and allow to dry.
- Cut the paper plate into quarters and use three sections layered horizontally on a popsicle stick to create a tree. Secure the plate to the popsicle stick with glue.
- Decorate the tree with pom-poms, buttons, and markers.
These make adorable mantel or table decorations—and double as kid-made keepsakes you’ll treasure.
Crafting for the holiday season doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store. With a little imagination and everyday items like parchment paper, aluminum foil, cookie cutters, and more, you can make your home full of festive cheer. Skip the rush to purchase expensive décor—your kitchen has everything you need to deck the halls with a personal, homemade touch.