Christmas ornaments are often cherished, packed away with care each year, only to be taken out again to adorn the tree and bring the holiday spirit to life.
However, by the time the New Year rolls around, you may find yourself with a collection of ornaments that you no longer use or ones that have outlived their seasonal charm.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with those tired, outdated Christmas decorations, this post is for you. Repurposing Christmas ornaments can be a fun, creative, and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into old decor and reduce waste.
Whether you’re into crafting, home décor, or just want a fresh way to reuse those ornaments, you’ll find tons of ideas right here.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through several innovative ways to repurpose your Christmas ornaments.
From creating personalized gifts to adding flair to everyday items, we’ll explore step-by-step instructions and examples that will have your ornaments finding a new purpose in no time!
Why Repurpose Christmas Ornaments?
Before we dive into all the creative ways to repurpose your ornaments, you might be asking yourself: Why bother repurposing Christmas ornaments? After all, they’re just decorations for the holidays, right?
Well, repurposing is not only a fantastic way to get extra mileage out of your old ornaments, but it’s also a sustainable practice. By reusing what you already have, you’re reducing waste and keeping those beautiful items out of landfills.
Plus, repurposing can unlock a whole new realm of creativity, allowing you to customize your décor or even make meaningful gifts for friends and family.

Transforming Ornaments into Home Décor
One of the simplest and most effective ways to repurpose Christmas ornaments is by using them as elements of everyday home décor. Here’s how you can add a touch of holiday charm to your space all year long:
Decorating Your Living Room
Take those vintage ornaments that have seen better days and use them to enhance your living room décor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transform them:
- Step 1: Select a few ornaments that match the color scheme or aesthetic of your living room. Metallic gold, silver, or clear ornaments are often versatile choices.
- Step 2: Get a clear vase or decorative bowl. You can often find these items at thrift stores or in your own home.
- Step 3: Fill the vase or bowl with the ornaments. Mix different shapes and sizes for variety.
- Step 4: Place the arrangement on your coffee table, console table, or bookshelf.
Personal Insight: I did this with a set of old glass ornaments and added a string of fairy lights inside. The result was a beautiful, glowing centerpiece that brought warmth to my living room throughout the winter months.
Personalizing Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they enter your home, so why not add a little seasonal sparkle? Repurpose those leftover ornaments as part of your entryway décor.
- Step 1: Use an empty frame or shadow box.
- Step 2: Attach the ornaments to the inside using a hot glue gun or floral wire.
- Step 3: Add some greenery, such as faux pine branches or dried flowers, to give it a natural touch.
Repurposing Ornaments for Craft Projects
Ornaments aren’t just limited to home décor. They can be fantastic for crafting too. Let’s explore a couple of creative craft ideas using those ornaments that are taking up space in your storage bins.
Ornaments as Candle Holders
Why not repurpose a couple of your old ornaments into beautiful candle holders? This is a quick and easy project that adds elegance to any table setting.
- Step 1: Choose ornaments that are sturdy and large enough to hold a small candle. Glass or metal ornaments work well.
- Step 2: Using a hot glue gun, attach the base of the ornament to a sturdy plate or saucer.
- Step 3: Place a small candle inside the ornament and light it up.
These make perfect additions to your dining table or any special occasion.
Custom Jewelry Using Ornaments
Got a collection of mini ornaments that are just too cute to let go of? Turn them into jewelry!
- Step 1: Pick out small ornaments that can be easily repurposed, such as bell ornaments, tiny figurines, or small clear baubles.
- Step 2: Use jewelry wire, chains, or earring hooks to attach the ornaments.
- Step 3: For added flair, add glitter, paint, or beads to customize the design.
Not only does this help repurpose your ornaments, but it also makes for a fun, creative gift idea!
Making Personalized Gifts with Ornaments
Christmas ornaments make beautiful, sentimental gifts, but with a little creativity, you can transform them into more than just decorations. Let’s dive into how to turn your ornaments into personalized gifts for any occasion.
Personalized Gift Tags
Gift tags are always needed during the holidays, and repurposed ornaments can make them extra special. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Select a few ornaments that are flat or have an open space where you can write.
- Step 2: Use a fine-tip permanent marker to write the recipient’s name or a special message.
- Step 3: Attach the ornament to the gift using a ribbon or string.
These personalized gift tags are perfect for adding a thoughtful touch to your presents.
Ornaments as Keepsakes
If you have ornaments that hold sentimental value, why not turn them into keepsakes? Whether it’s an ornament that commemorates a special event or simply one you can’t part with, you can display it in a new way.
- Step 1: Take a picture frame or small shadow box.
- Step 2: Place the ornament inside with a photo or memory associated with it.
- Step 3: Display the keepsake in your home as a reminder of special memories.
This is a wonderful way to hold onto the sentiment of the holiday season throughout the year.
Upcycling Ornaments for Holiday & Year-Round Decor
Why limit yourself to using ornaments only during the Christmas season? With a little creativity, they can serve as year-round décor.
DIY Wreaths
Create a beautiful wreath using repurposed ornaments. This is an excellent way to use up a collection of ornaments that you may no longer want to hang on the tree.
- Step 1: Purchase a foam wreath form or use a wire wreath frame.
- Step 2: Hot glue your ornaments around the wreath, making sure to secure them tightly.
- Step 3: Add some seasonal touches, like faux pine or ribbon, to complement the look.
You can make a wreath for Christmas, Easter, or any time of year, just by changing the color scheme.
Unique Table Centerpieces
Transform your old ornaments into a one-of-a-kind table centerpiece. This idea works well for both the holidays and for special occasions like dinner parties or birthdays.
- Step 1: Gather ornaments of different sizes and styles.
- Step 2: Arrange them in a large bowl or glass vase.
- Step 3: For added flair, add faux snow or moss to the bottom to create a layered effect.
Table: Quick Ideas for Repurposing Christmas Ornaments
Idea | Materials Needed | Steps |
Home Décor Vases | Ornaments, Clear vase or bowl | Fill vase/bowl with ornaments and display. |
Candle Holders | Large ornaments, Hot glue gun, Candles | Attach ornaments to a base, place candle inside. |
Personalized Tags | Small ornaments, Marker, Ribbon | Write name/message, attach to gift. |
Jewelry | Small ornaments, Jewelry wire, Hooks | Attach wire/hooks to ornaments for earrings/pendants. |
DIY Wreaths | Wreath frame, Glue, Ornaments | Glue ornaments to wreath, add greenery. |
Table Centerpieces | Bowl, Ornaments, Faux snow/moss | Arrange ornaments in bowl/vase with moss. |
Keepsake Frames | Frame, Ornaments, Photo | Attach ornament to frame with photo. |
Mistakes to Avoid When Repurposing Ornaments
Repurposing Christmas ornaments can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your projects turn out just right:
- Not Properly Securing Ornaments: Whether you’re gluing them or wiring them, make sure your ornaments are securely fastened. Loose ornaments can make your project look sloppy.
- Overcrowding Your Décor: Sometimes, less is more. When decorating or crafting, try to avoid cramming too many ornaments into one project. A little goes a long way.
- Forgetting to Clean Your Ornaments: Old ornaments can collect dust or dirt, especially if they’ve been stored for a while. Be sure to give them a quick clean before repurposing them.
- Not Considering the Overall Aesthetic: When repurposing, always consider the overall look you’re going for. Make sure the colors, shapes, and sizes of your ornaments complement each other and the space.
Conclusion
Repurposing Christmas ornaments isn’t just a fun way to get creative; it’s also an eco-friendly option that helps reduce waste. By turning old ornaments into home décor, crafts, or meaningful gifts, you’re giving them a whole new life one that extends beyond the holiday season.
So, whether you’re looking to add a festive touch to your home or create personalized keepsakes, there are countless ways to repurpose your old ornaments. Don’t be afraid to get crafty and experiment with new ideas!
Key Takeaways
- Repurposing Christmas ornaments is a sustainable and creative way to reuse old décor.
- You can transform ornaments into home décor, crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations.
- Be mindful of securing ornaments, cleaning them, and considering your overall aesthetic.