The tree is down, the lights are tangled, and you are staring at a box of ornaments that have seen better days. Maybe the finish is scratched, the hooks are missing, or they just don’t fit your current holiday style. Instead of tossing them into a donation bin or the garbage can, why not give them a second life?
Repurposing old decor is a fantastic way to reduce waste and add a unique touch to your home. With just a little creativity, those tired baubles can become the highlight of next year’s holiday season. Here are three inventive ways to transform old Christmas ornaments into something fresh and exciting.
1. Create a Fabric-Wrapped Ornament Garland
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One of the most charming ways to reuse mismatched or scuffed ball ornaments is by hiding their flaws under beautiful fabric. This project turns a collection of random baubles into a cohesive, high-end-looking garland that can drape across a mantel or banister. It is a brilliant way to upcycle fabric scraps, old tablecloths, natural materials, or even thrifted bed sheets alongside those plastic or glass balls.
Gather about 20 similarly sized ball ornaments and remove their tops. Cut a fabric strip slightly wider than the ornaments’ circumference and about twice their combined length. Sew or glue the strip into a long tube.
Slide an ornament into the tube and tie the end with a ribbon to secure the fabric around it. Push the next ornament in, tie it off, and repeat until all ornaments are covered, creating a bubbly fabric garland.
2. Assemble a Window Frame Ornament Display
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If you have vintage glass ornaments or sentimental pieces that are too fragile for the tree (or perhaps missing their hanging loops), a fixed window frame display is a stunning alternative. This approach turns individual ornaments into a piece of framed art, keeping them safe while showing them off in a new light.
Use an old window or picture frame and secure ribbon, fishing line, or twine across it. Attach ornaments at different heights, gluing ribbon directly if needed. Hang it in a window for light or mount it on a wall as décor.
3. Design a Custom Wreath or Centerpiece Bowl
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Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Ornaments that are too heavy for tree branches or have unappealing hooks are perfect candidates for a clustered wreath or a festive bowl display. This method relies on volume and color to create a bold statement.
For a wreath, glue ornaments to a styrofoam or straw base, starting with large ones and filling gaps with smaller baubles. For a centerpiece, fill a glass vase or wooden bowl with ornaments. Mix colors for a playful vibe or go monochrome for a sleek look.
Ready to Get Crafting?
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Don’t let those old ornaments gather dust for another year. Whether you wrap them, frame them, or glue them, there is plenty of life left in those holiday decorations. Grab your glue gun and some fabric scraps, and turn your “trash” into this year’s favorite new treasure.