Best 7 DIY & Store-Bought Xmas Decorations for Every Home

The Perfect Pairing: Why a Hybrid Holiday Decor is a Modern Masterstroke

DIY & Store-Bought Xmas Decorations – Gone are the days when you had to choose between a fully homemade Christmas or a slick, store-curated one. The modern decorator knows that magic happens in the middle. Blending DIY projects with key store-bought items allows you to create a layered, textured, and deeply personal environment without the overwhelming pressure of doing everything from scratch.

Think of it this way: your store-bought decorations are the foundation of your holiday look. They provide the structure, the polish, and often, the grand statement pieces. A magnificent pre-lit tree, a luxurious garland, or perfectly uniform string lights create a professional canvas. Your DIY creations are the soul. They infuse this beautiful canvas with personality, nostalgia, and stories. A handmade ornament from your child, a wreath crafted with greens from your own garden—these are the irreplaceable touches that make a house feel like a home. This combination is the key to curating the best diy and store-bought home xmas decorations available.

Our Top 7 Decorations: A Guide to Your Most Beautiful Christmas Yet

Ready to deck the halls? We’ve curated the ultimate list of seven essential Christmas decorations, offering both an inspiring DIY approach and a stunning store-bought solution for each. This is your blueprint for a festive home that feels both effortlessly chic and wonderfully authentic. DIY & Store-Bought Xmas Decorations

1. The Welcoming Wreath: A Circle of Holiday Cheer

Nothing says “Welcome, Christmas!” quite like a beautiful wreath on the front door. It’s the first festive touch your guests will see, setting the tone for the warmth and joy that waits inside.

The DIY Approach: Crafting a Natural Masterpiece

Creating your own wreath is a wonderfully sensory and rewarding holiday activity. It connects you to the season and results in a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style.

What You’ll Need:

• A wreath frame (grapevine, wire, or foam)
• Floral wire or a hot glue gun
• A variety of fresh or faux greenery (pine, fir, eucalyptus, cedar)
• Decorative elements: pinecones, berries, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ribbon

Step-by-Step:

1. Build Your Base: Start by creating small bundles of your chosen greenery. Secure each bundle to the wreath frame using floral wire, overlapping them as you go to create a full, lush base. Work in one direction all the way around the frame.
2. Add Textural Elements: Once your base is complete, begin adding your larger decorative items. Use a hot glue gun or wire to attach pinecones in clusters of two or three. Tuck in sprigs of faux berries for a pop of classic red.
3. Incorporate Scent and Spice: Wire together a few cinnamon sticks or attach dried orange slices. These not only look beautiful and rustic but also add a wonderful, festive fragrance to your entryway.
4. The Finishing Touch: Finish your wreath with a beautiful, cascading bow. Choose a ribbon that complements your home’s exterior—burlap for a rustic look, velvet for elegance, or classic plaid for a traditional feel.

This hands-on project is more than just decoration; it’s an experience. The result is a truly personal piece that smells as good as it looks.

The Store-Bought Solution: Instant, Polished Elegance

Sometimes, time is the greatest luxury. A high-quality store-bought wreath offers immediate impact and flawless design, saving you precious hours during a busy season.

What to Look For:

• Lush, Realistic Greenery: Look for wreaths with a high tip count and a mix of different types of faux needles. This creates a more realistic and high-end appearance. Flocked wreaths (with artificial snow) are perfect for a winter wonderland theme.
• Pre-Lit Convenience: A pre-lit wreath is a game-changer. Opt for warm white LED lights with a built-in timer function. This “set-it-and-forget-it” feature means your a perfect holiday glow every evening without any effort.
• Durable Construction: Check that ornaments, berries, and other elements are securely attached to a sturdy frame. This ensures your wreath will last for many seasons to come.
• Versatile Styles: From minimalist brass hoops adorned with a single sprig of eucalyptus to grand, ornament-laden traditional designs, there is a store-bought wreath for every aesthetic. Choose one that acts as a beautiful preview of your indoor decor.

A store-bought wreath can still be personalized! Weave in a custom ribbon or add a few unique ornaments that tie into your indoor theme to make it feel extra special.

2. The Graceful Garland: Draping Your Home in Festivity

Garlands are the versatile workhorses of Christmas decorating. Draped over a mantel, wound around a staircase banister, or framing a doorway, they instantly add a touch of lush, festive grace to any space.

The DIY Approach: A String of Foraged Beauty

A handmade garland has an organic, rustic charm that is hard to replicate. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover tree trimmings or foraged finds.

What You’ll Need:

• A long piece of thick rope or twine for the base
• Floral wire
• Clippers
• An abundance of fresh greenery (pine, cedar, fir, magnolia leaves)
• Optional additions: small ornaments, fairy lights, ribbons, pinecones

Step-by-Step:

1. Gather Your Greens: Clip your greenery into manageable pieces, about 6-8 inches long. Variety is key here; mixing textures and shades of green will give your garland depth and visual interest.
2. Create Mini-Bundles: Just like with the wreath, create small, mixed bundles of greenery.
3. Attach to the Base: Starting at one end of your rope, lay a bundle on top and wrap it tightly with floral wire. Place the next bundle so it overlaps the stems of the first, hiding the wire. Continue this process until your garland reaches the desired length.
4. Weave in the Magic: Once your greenery base is complete, it’s time to accessorize. Gently weave a string of battery-operated fairy lights through the branches for a magical twinkle. Use wire to attach small pinecones or lightweight ornaments at regular intervals.

This project is perfect for a cozy afternoon. Put on some Christmas music, pour a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy the process of bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside. This is a clear contender for one of the best diy and store-bought home xmas decorations when it comes to personal touch.

The Store-Bought Solution: A Grand and Effortless Statement

For large spaces like a grand staircase or a long mantel, a store-bought garland provides a full, uniform, and breathtaking look that can be difficult to achieve with DIY methods.

What to Look For:

• Fullness and Realism: The best faux garlands are thick and lush, often featuring molded PE tips that mimic the look and feel of real branches. Avoid thin, sparse garlands that look cheap.
• Pre-Lit and Pre-Decorated: Save yourself hours of work with a garland that comes ready to display. Many high-end options come pre-lit with warm LED lights and are already adorned with coordinated berries, pinecones, and even shatterproof ornaments.
• Flexibility and Durability: Look for a garland with a strong but flexible inner wire core. This allows you to bend and shape it perfectly around banisters, mantels, and archways without it losing its form.
• Length Options: Measure your space before you buy! Reputable brands offer garlands in various lengths (commonly 6ft or 9ft) and often feature end-to-end connectors, so you can link multiple strands together for an epic, seamless display.

A pro-tip for your store-bought garland is to “fluff” it. Just like an artificial tree, the branches will be compressed from being in the box. Spend 10-15 minutes separating and shaping each branch to achieve maximum fullness.

3. The Table Centerpiece: A Festive Focal Point

The dining table is where family and friends gather to share meals and make memories. A beautiful centerpiece anchors the room and makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

The DIY Approach: A Custom Creation for Your Table

A DIY centerpiece can be perfectly tailored to the size of your table and your specific color scheme. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your creativity.

What You’ll Need:

• A base: a long wooden box, a tray, a cake stand, or a log
• Floral foam (if using fresh elements)
• Candles: taper candles in holders or pillar candles of varying heights
• Greenery, pinecones, ornaments, and other festive items

Step-by-Step for a Rustic Box Centerpiece:

1. Arrange Your Anchors: Place your pillar candles or taper candle holders inside the wooden box. Stagger their heights to create visual interest. These will be the tallest points of your arrangement.
2. Fill with Greenery: Begin filling the empty space around the candles with sprigs of fresh or faux greenery. Let some pieces drape casually over the sides of the box.
3. Add Pops of Color and Texture: Tuck in small ornaments that match your tree decor. Add pinecones, faux cranberries, or even some glittery twigs. Aim for a balanced but not perfectly symmetrical look.
4. Ensure Safety: Make sure no flammable materials are too close to the candle flames. If you have small children or pets, consider using high-quality flameless LED candles for a worry-free glow.

This centerpiece is infinitely customizable. For a modern look, use a sleek silver tray, white candles, and metallic ornaments. For a traditional feel, use a plaid table runner underneath your arrangement.

The Store-Bought Solution: Designer Look, Zero Effort

A pre-made centerpiece from a home decor store can provide a professionally arranged, cohesive look in minutes. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute hosting or for those who want a guaranteed stunning result.

What to Look For:

• Proportional Scale: Consider the size and shape of your dining table. A long, narrow table suits a linear centerpiece, while a round table is perfect for a circular arrangement or a cluster of decorative objects.
• High-Quality Materials: Look for centerpieces that use realistic-looking faux greenery, elegant candle holders, and well-made decorative elements. The quality of the materials will elevate the entire look of your tablescape.
• Integrated Lighting: Many modern centerpieces come with battery-operated LED lights or candles already integrated into the design. This provides beautiful, safe ambient lighting with the flick of a switch.
• Coordinating Collections: Many brands offer entire collections of holiday decor. Buying a centerpiece that matches your wreath and garland creates a wonderfully harmonious and professionally designed feel throughout your home.

Whether you make it or buy it, a beautiful centerpiece elevates every holiday meal, turning your dining room into a truly festive gathering place.

4. Tree Ornaments: The Heart of the Holiday

The Christmas tree is the undeniable star of the show, and its ornaments are the sparkling jewels that tell a story. A well-decorated tree is a tapestry of memories, traditions, and style.

The DIY Approach: Ornaments Filled with Memories

Handmade ornaments are tiny treasures that hold immense sentimental value. They are the ones you’ll look forward to unwrapping year after year.

Simple DIY Ornament Ideas:

• Salt Dough Cut-Outs: A classic for a reason! Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water to form a dough. Roll it out, use cookie cutters to make shapes, and poke a hole for hanging before baking at a low temperature until hard. Let the kids paint them for a truly personal touch.
• Clear Glass Ball Fillers: Purchase clear glass or plastic fillable ornaments. The possibilities are endless: fill them with small jingle bells, colorful pom-poms, a child’s first lock of hair, sand from a special vacation, or even a tiny rolled-up wedding invitation.
• Dried Orange Slices: Simple, fragrant, and stunning. Slice oranges thinly, pat them dry, and bake on a wire rack in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 100°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. Once completely dry, thread a ribbon through a small hole to hang. They look like stained glass when the tree lights shine through them.

The beauty of DIY ornaments is not in their perfection but in the stories they hold. They represent a moment in time, a creative afternoon, a child’s growing imagination.

The Store-Bought Solution: Curating a Thematic Masterpiece

For a cohesive, magazine-worthy tree, store-bought ornaments are essential. They allow you to build a sophisticated color palette and theme with ease. This is where you can truly find some of the best diy and store-bought home xmas decorations to mix together.

How to Build Your Collection:

• Start with “Filler” Ornaments: Begin with a large set of basic, single-color ball ornaments in your chosen palette (e.g., gold, silver, red, or blue). These will come in various sizes and finishes (shiny, matte, glitter). Distribute these evenly over the tree to create a consistent base color.
• Add “Statement” Ornaments: These are the larger, more intricate, and more expensive ornaments that showcase the theme. This could be beautiful glass figurines, detailed snowflakes, or whimsical characters. Place these in prominent positions on the tree.
• Incorporate “Personal” Ornaments: Now, it’s time to layer in your treasured ornaments—the DIY ones, the heirlooms, the souvenirs. Place these at eye level where they can be most appreciated.
• Finish with “Textural” Elements: Complete the look with picks, sprays, and ribbons. Tucking in glittery branches, berry sprays, or cascading ribbon adds depth, texture, and a final professional flourish.

By strategically buying sets of coordinating ornaments, you can create a stunningly beautiful tree that serves as the perfect backdrop for your most cherished handmade pieces.

5. The Festive Mantel: The Cozy Heart of the Home

If the tree is the star, the mantel is its supporting actor. It’s a natural focal point, framing the fireplace and providing a perfect stage for a cozy and inviting Christmas display.

The DIY Approach: A Foraged and Found Arrangement

A DIY mantel is all about layering natural elements and personal objects to create a scene that is both festive and deeply comforting.

Creating Your Custom Mantelscape:

1. Start with the Garland: Lay your DIY or store-bought garland across the top of the mantel as your base. Secure it with small, removable hooks if needed.
2. Add Height and Light: Arrange a collection of candlesticks of varying heights. Brass or silver holders add a touch of elegance, while simple glass hurricanes are classic and safe. Again, high-quality flameless candles are a fantastic option.
3. Incorporate Nature: Nestle pinecones, birch logs, or bowls of walnuts and pomanders (clove-studded oranges) amongst the greenery.
4. Hang the Stockings: This is a must! Use weighted stocking holders or secure, removable hooks to hang your family’s stockings. A mix of different but coordinating stockings can add a charming, collected-over-time feel.
5. Add a Personal Touch: Lean a small, framed piece of festive art or a mirror against the wall to add depth. A simple chalkboard with a holiday message is another sweet idea.

Your DIY mantel should look effortlessly curated, as though it has been put together with love over time.

The Store-Bought Solution: A Symmetrical and Striking Display

For a clean, powerful, and perfectly balanced look, store-bought decor is the way to go. This approach is about creating intentional symmetry and polish.

Achieving the Look:

• Matching Sets: Invest in a matching set of stocking holders. Whether they are classic reindeer, modern geometric shapes, or personalized monograms, a matching set immediately creates a sense of order and intention.
• Symmetrical Accents: Create a mirror-image display. Place two identical miniature trees, decorative nutcrackers, or lanterns on either end of the mantel. This classic design technique is pleasing to the eye and feels incredibly elegant.
• High-Impact Garland: Choose a very full, pre-lit, and pre-decorated garland as your centerpiece. This single item does much of the heavy lifting, providing light, color, and texture all at once.
• A “Hero” Piece: Instead of a collection of small items, consider one large statement piece above the mantel, such as a grand, pre-made wreath or a large, beautifully framed piece of winter art. This creates a clean, uncluttered, and sophisticated focal point.

This curated approach delivers a high-end designer look that makes your fireplace the undisputed heart of your festive home.

6. Window & Outdoor Displays: Spreading Cheer Beyond Your Walls

Christmas decor shouldn’t be confined to the inside of your home. A beautiful outdoor display shares the holiday spirit with your entire neighborhood and makes coming home each evening a truly magical experience.

The DIY Approach: Simple Charm, Big Impact

You don’t need an elaborate setup to create a charming outdoor scene. A few thoughtful DIY touches can go a long way.

Easy & Elegant Ideas:

• Natural Window Swags: Using floral wire, bundle together a few branches of fresh pine, cedar, and some berries. Tie it all together with a beautiful, weatherproof velvet or plaid bow and hang one from the top center of each front-facing windowsill.
• Mason Jar Luminaries: Line your front walkway with mason jar luminaries. Fill the bottom third of each jar with Epsom salt (to look like snow), place a tea light (real or flameless) inside, and tie a festive ribbon around the rim.
• A Festive Planter: Don’t let your summer planters sit empty! Fill them with a mix of evergreen branches, birch logs of varying heights, red dogwood twigs for color, and large pinecones. You can even string them with a small set of battery-operated lights.

These simple projects add a touch of handmade warmth and curb appeal, welcoming guests before they even reach the door.

The Store-Bought Solution: Dazzling, Durable, and Dramatic

For a truly show-stopping outdoor display, high-quality store-bought lighting and decorations are unbeatable. They are designed to withstand the elements and create a professional-grade light show.

Key Investments for Maximum Impact:

• High-Quality String Lights: Invest in durable, weatherproof LED string lights. Choose a bulb style and color that matches your home’s aesthetic—classic warm white for a timeless look, or colorful bulbs for a fun, retro vibe. Net lights for bushes and icicle lights for rooflines make installation quick and easy.
• Pre-Lit Sculptures: Light-up sculptures like deer, sleighs, or snowmen add a whimsical and dramatic element to your front yard. Look for those made with sturdy metal frames and energy-efficient LED lights.
• Window Candles: Electric or battery-operated window candles are a classic and elegant tradition. They cast a warm, welcoming glow from every window, creating a beautiful, uniform look from the street. Many now come with sensors that automatically turn them on at dusk and off at dawn.
• Projector Lights: For maximum magic with minimal effort, a projector light can cover the entire front of your house in a dazzling display of swirling snowflakes, stars, or other festive patterns.

By investing in good quality outdoor decor, you can create a stunning display that you can rely on year after year.

7. The Advent Calendar: A Countdown to Christmas

An Advent calendar builds excitement and becomes a cherished part of the daily routine for kids and adults alike throughout December.

The DIY Approach: A Personalized Countdown

A handmade Advent calendar can become a treasured family heirloom, customized with your family’s favorite treats and activities.

A Simple “Garland” Advent Calendar:

1. Gather Your Containers: Collect 24 small containers. These could be small muslin bags, tiny numbered boxes, or even just festive envelopes.
2. Number Them Up: Use a stencil, stamps, or a fabric marker to number each container from 1 to 24.
3. Fill with Fun: This is the best part! Fill each container with a small treat (a piece of chocolate, a candy cane) or, even better, a small slip of paper with a fun holiday activity written on it. Ideas include: “Watch a Christmas movie together,” “Drive around to see the lights,” “Bake Christmas cookies,” or “Donate a toy.”
4. Display Your Creation: Use mini clothespins to clip each bag or envelope onto a long piece of festive twine or ribbon. Hang the resulting garland across a mantel, a doorway, or an empty wall.

This interactive calendar is all about creating daily moments of family connection and joy.

The Store-Bought Solution: An Exquisite Daily Discovery

The market for store-bought Advent calendars has exploded, offering everything from simple chocolate-filled calendars to luxurious boxes filled with treasures.

Types of Calendars to Explore:

• Gourmet Food & Drink: For the foodies, there are calendars filled with artisanal cheeses, jams, craft beers, fine wines, or gourmet hot chocolates.
• Beauty & Grooming: Many top beauty brands now offer stunning Advent calendars filled with miniature versions of their most popular skincare, makeup, or fragrance products.
• Toys & Hobbies: LEGO, Funko POP!, and other toy brands create incredible calendars where each day reveals a new piece to build a larger holiday scene.
• Heirloom Quality Reusables: Invest in a beautifully crafted wooden or fabric Advent calendar with little doors or pockets. This becomes a permanent piece of your holiday décor that you can refill with your own custom treats and surprises year after year, perfectly blending the convenience of store-bought with the personalization of DIY.

Tying It All Together: Pro Tips for a Cohesive Holiday Home

You’ve got your decorations, but how do you make them all work together? The key to a professional-looking home is consistency.

• Pick a Palette: Stick to a defined color scheme of 2-3 main colors. This could be traditional red and green, elegant silver and gold, modern navy and blush, or rustic neutrals with wood tones. Carry this palette through every room.
• Repeat Elements: Use the same elements throughout your home. If you used pinecones and plaid ribbon on your mantel wreath, incorporate those same elements into your table centerpiece, gift wrapping, and tree decor. This repetition creates a soothing rhythm and a cohesive feel.
• Don’t Forget Texture: A truly beautiful design engages more than just the eyes. Mix different textures to add warmth and depth. Think soft velvet ribbons, rough burlap, smooth glass ornaments, fuzzy faux-fur blankets, and the natural texture of fresh greenery.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Holiday Story

Ultimately, decorating your home for Christmas is about so much more than just aesthetics. It’s about creating a backdrop for memories. It’s about building traditions, slowing down, and filling your space with warmth, light, and love. The perfect holiday home isn’t one that is flawless; it’s one that is full of heart.

By embracing the beautiful marriage of handcrafted charm and store-bought elegance, you give yourself the freedom to create a space that is both stunning and deeply meaningful. This year, as you plan your festive decor, remember that the best diy and store-bought home xmas decorations are the ones that tell your family’s unique story. Whether you’re carefully placing a child’s handmade ornament on the tree or unboxing a breathtaking new garland, you are weaving the fabric of your own, unforgettable Christmas magic.