Christmas Countdown | Design Happens

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Countdown to Christmas: Decorate With Last Year’s Christmas Cards

by Liz Gray December 13, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

By now, you’ve probably received a few Christmas cards, so you might be willing to part with a few of last year’s greetings. Instead of chucking them into the recycling bin, upcycle them into holiday-perfect wine charms for your Christmas party.

Turn Holiday Cards Into Wine Charms

Find an area with lots of color or an attractive design element, then cut a small hole in the middle for the glasses’ stem and a slit so guests can easily slide the markers on and off. Vary the colors and patterns so each partygoer can easily identify his or her glass. Or, turn those cards into a Christmas tree garland instead.

MORE WAYS TO USE WHAT YOU HAVE THIS HOLIDAY:

Countdown to Christmas: Easy Handmade Stocking Ideas

by Kayla Kitts December 12, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Around our house, we need heavy-duty stockings to hold what … Santa … brings. Somehow our vintage-inspired stockings have held DVDs, chocolate, candles, makeup, magazines, CDs and more. That’s why I love these stockings made from old winter sweaters. You can tell they’re ready to prove their strength and durability. And they don’t require knitting skills, so you can get them up on your mantel in a snap.

Handmade Christmas Stockings

Have your stockings been hung by the chimney with care? If not, we have plenty of easy, handmade ideas to help finish off your holiday decor.

MORE DIY STOCKING IDEAS:

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Countdown to Christmas: Don’t Have a Fireplace? Fake It

by Liz Gray December 11, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Mantel decorations. Santa squeezing down the chimney. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The holidays seem to revolve around cozy fireplaces, but you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because your home or apartment is flame-free.

Chalkboard Fireplace

This whimsical take on a traditional fireplace is made from a drop cloth, drapery hardware and chalkboard paint. Draw on a raging fire and pin up your family’s stockings. After the holidays, it can double as a removable chalkboard for the kids!

No mantel? You can fake that, too. And if these ideas leave you cold, you can warm up with our cozy yule log video. Stay toasty out there!

MORE HOLIDAY FIREPLACE IDEAS:

Countdown to Christmas: Go Behind the Scenes at the White House

by Kayla Kitts December 10, 2012 2 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

I’m a sucker for holiday home tours, and we, at HGTV, have one of the best ones yet. Every year, designer and host Genevieve Gorder takes you behind the scenes at the White House at Christmastime. During this one-hour, on-air special (that premiered Saturday night), viewers got an exclusive look at what goes into making America’s First Home so spectacular for the holidays. Did you know that the White House gingerbread house weighs 300 pounds?! And, the official White House Christmas tree is 18-feet-6-inches tall!

If you missed the on-air premiere, that’s OK. You can catch upcoming episodes over the next few weeks.

Want a sneak peek right now? I thought so. Check it out! Decorating America’s First Home for the Holidays >>

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Countdown to Christmas: Check Coworkers Off Your Gift List

by Liz Gray December 9, 2012 2 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Choosing a gift for the big groups of people in your life can be tough. You want to create something special for your coworkers, neighbors or community groups, yet you don’t want to spend a lot of money per person. Skip the cookie plate this year and try one of these inexpensive handmade gifts instead.

Handmade Gifts to Make Now

These mini pinecone firestarters are dipped in eucalyptus-and pine-scented paraffin, so they’ll both help light the fireplace and set the holiday mood. Or, for something edible, try Marianne’s chalkboard-painted coffee cans filled with coconut caramel corn. Coworkers: check.

MORE EASY HANDMADE GIFTS FOR A CROWD:

Countdown to Christmas: DIY Party Favors Your Guests Will Love

by Kayla Kitts December 8, 2012 7 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

So, you have your holiday party all lined up, decorations are coming into place, cocktails are being tested (!!!) and now you just need to find the perfect favors to send off partygoers. Coordinate favors with the theme of the party, and give them a handmade touch for an ultra-memorable sendoff.

Countdown to Christmas: DIY Holiday Party Favors

What’s your theme? If you plan on hosting an ornament-making party, let their new, handmade ornaments double as party favors. But if you’re just having a small holiday get-together with friends, you may just want to go with something charming and seasonal. Try this gold and burlap basket (left) or these custom-mixed tea favors (right). And we didn’t forget the packaging, either. We have printables, tips and wrapping ideas to give your gifts pro presentation. Check out our favorite DIY holiday party favor ideas >>

MORE HOLIDAY PARTY FAVORS:

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Countdown to Christmas: Make Your Own Ornaments

by Liz Gray December 7, 2012 7 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

The best Christmas ornament is one with a story behind it. A great tree is full of family memories: Your daughter’s 6th grade class trip, your grandmother’s heritage, your first Christmas in a new home. Create new holiday keepsakes by making your own handmade ornaments this year.

Make Your Own Ornaments

Most of these ornaments are simple to make and require just a few materials from the craft store — you can make these beautiful origami butterflies with paper, scissors, glue and string. It’s the perfect thing to do as you watch a favorite holiday movie (White Christmas is my pick) and sip some hot cider (spiked or not.)

Or, host a casual ornament-making party so friends can join in on the fun. What Christmas ornaments are you making this year?

MORE HANDMADE ORNAMENT IDEAS:

Countdown to Christmas: It’s Not Too Late to Make Holiday Cards

by Kayla Kitts December 6, 2012 6 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

If you’ve been following our Christmas Countdown, then you’ve probably noticed that we’ve been trying to help you mark off your holiday to-do list. We gave you tree-trimming inspiration, outdoor decorating ideas and hopefully got the ball rolling on your upcoming holiday party. So now, we’re hitting an item on the list that somehow always gets put off until the last minute — the holiday cards.

Christmas Countdown: Handmade Holiday Cards Make This 3-D Felt Christmas Tree Card

Don’t let this year’s holiday cards become this year’s holiday hassle. Put on a Christmas movie, get out the scissors and start crafting. Before you know it, you’ll have everyone’s name marked off the list and a new movie added to your annual holiday must-watch queue. Make and send one of these handmade holiday cards friends and family will remember for years to come.

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Countdown to Christmas: Easy Ways to Deck Out Your Front Door

by Liz Gray December 5, 2012 5 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Another day, another inspiring Christmas project! Today is all about door decor. Your home’s front door is one of the first thing guests see, so it’s a great place to focus your decorating efforts. But you don’t have to spend a lot of time (or money) to make a statement; for most projects, you just need a wreath form, some hot glue and a good idea. (Speaking of hot glue…check out Marianne’s easy pom-pom wreath how-to.)

Holiday Wreath Ideas

Take your wreath in a traditional direction by adding moss and cranberries, or go crazy and affix your favorite holiday foods, like jelly beans, peppermints or even pistachios. And don’t feel like you have to go circular, either: a square picture frame or a cardboard monogram can look equally chic. How are you dressing up your door this year?

MORE GREAT FRONT DOOR DECORATING IDEAS:

Countdown to Christmas: Our Favorite Holiday Party Themes

by Kayla Kitts December 4, 2012 3 Comments

We’re counting down to Christmas with a new holiday party tip, decorating idea or DIY project every day until December 25. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

You’ve probably been tossing around idea after idea for this year’s holiday party. Steer away from the cliche “tacky Christmas sweater” theme and try something entirely new. Your friends will love it, and it will be the perfect way to end the year.

Host a Crafty Kids' Holiday Party

Try party themes that require more guest interactivity, like fondue or holiday crafts. It’s a great way for different groups of friends to meet and mingle, plus it puts less pressure on the host/hostess to ensure everyone is occupied or entertained.

I’ve listed 10 of our favorite holiday party themes below. The best part? They’re SO easy to pull together because we have the (free!) printables and decorating how-tos right there for you. Party on!

FREE HOLIDAY PRINTABLES:

MORE HOLIDAY PARTY THEME IDEAS: