Sometimes it seems like holiday decorating never ends — of course, you’ll need to deck out the Christmas tree, fireplace mantel and the front door in time for Santa to arrive. But as we prepare for a delicious Christmas dinner shared among family and friends, the dining room table requires your attention. Festive centerpieces, place cards, table settings and flower arrangements all play a role in crafting a dreamy tablescape. To help you find inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas table decorations of 2023 that are guaranteed to strike up conversation among your guests.
30 Best DIY Christmas Stockings to Make Your Mantel So Delightful
Finding a set of Christmas stockings that matches your holiday décor isn’t easy. Whether you go with farmhouse Christmas décor, vintage Christmas décor, rustic Christmas décor, or anything in between, you want stockings that are warm and cozy with a charming, homespun look! So, if you want that personal touch and an item that can be passed down, try making your very own DIY Christmas stockings.
It turns out that crafting a stocking at home is almost easier than picking out stocking stuffers! Plus, there are so many more options when you do it yourself—floral details, metallic accents, mistletoe, shimmering stars, pom-poms, and sequins galore. Some of them do call for basic sewing skills, but many of them can be made without a sewing machine, or even a needle. Here, you’ll find fantastic ideas for crafting oh-so special DIY Christmas decorations that you can hang over the fireplace year after year.
You can actually add stocking-making to your growing list of Christmas traditions—and it doesn’t hurt that it’s the easiest possible way dress up your Christmas mantel, too. We’ve even got dog Christmas stockings so you can include your four-legged friends. Just be sure to grab the best Christmas stocking holders to finish off your display. No matter which of these DIY Christmas stocking ideas you make, one thing is certain: Santa will be wowed when he stops by on December 25!
Sweater Cuff Stockings
Lovely Indeed
If you’re looking for a good beginners tutorial with a slight festive flair, this is the stocking for you! It’s a simple craft to follow and utilizes an old sweater to give the stocking a pretty cuff at the top.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Color Block Stockings
Sarah Hearts
OMG, how cute are these?! Talk about merry and bright! Liven up your home with pretty quilted color-block stockings that will never go out of style.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Ribbon Tied Silverware
Mike Garten
In a pinch, an elegant ribbon can give candles, stemmed glassware and silverware a festive look. Choose a silky ribbon in a jewel-toned hue or keep it traditional with red, green or gold.
Layers of Pattern
Jessica Delaney
From the nature-inspired table cloth, paisley napkins tied with a red velvet ribbon to the blooming floral centerpiece, interior designer Erin Gates fills this table setting with pattern and color.
Upcycled Bottle Candle Holders
Mike Garten
Craft elegant centerpieces using glass bottles (hint: wine or beverage bottles work well). After removing the labels and cleaning the bottles, place evergreens into bottles and fill with water. Feel free to add a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color! Rub sticky candle wax to the bottom of a taper candle and place in the bottle opening. Don’t forget to replace the water every few days to keep the greens fresh.
