{Scroll down for my Nester-inspired garland!}
Sometimes it’s all about The Simple & The Cheap. Here are some more fun Christmas decor ideas for the recession-minded (plus they are really cute ideas):
Idea #1 Pine cone garland of sorts
Supplies needed:
- Pine cones (I sent my kids out with a bag)
- Hot glue
- Ribbon
I saw this idea in a magazine several years ago. I was tired of putting garland on my stairs and I thought this was the perfect (cheap) solution. But I was on bed rest with a difficult pregnancy. So, my hubby and kids collected pine cones and I woke up to find this:
My man can handle a glue gun. Back off, he’s mine.
Count how many pine cones you’ll need. Cut same number of ribbon strips. Glue ribbon to top of pine cones and staple to the underside of banister. This would also look cute in an entryway, hanging from a mantle or doorway!
I re-use the pine cones for a couple of years and store them in a safe place to avoid breakage. And with all the fun Christmas ribbon, this DIY-selfer is cheap, fun and family-friendly!
Of course, Ike the Cat, thinks the pine cones are there for his personal pleasure:
Idea #2
I love decorative nutcrackers. Wal Mart and The Dollar Store have small ornament nutcrackers. I hung the little guys from my dining room chandelier, added candle rings around the base of the lights and a glittery ornament. You can hang any themed item to create a merry atmosphere!
Idea #3 My Nester-inspired Mantle:
The Nester went to great lengths to show the blog world how she manages such a luxurious garland on her mantle. I thought I’d give it a try, using stuff I already had, plus a few new Christmas picks.
It has a THAT family feel, don’t you think?
Isn’t my Texas-style Nester-inspired garland scrumptious?
Go visit the Nester to see some more fabulous mantle-makeovers!
LOVE the chandelier idea!!! I also love pinecones but the ones around here are DINKY. I need to find some good big ones without having to buy a bag at Wolly World.
Oh I love the pine cone idea!!!!! I wish I had time to fix them for tomorrow (first Christmas get together of the year at my house). They will be put up next week though. Oh the possibilities!!!!
Great ideas.
Keep sharing
A very festive scene, what a great job your doing!
Great ideas!
That is the best pinecone idea ev-ah!
Look at you being all nestory and craftor-ish! (and look at me using words that don’t exist!)
GREAT ideas!
But we don’t have too many pine cones here in southern california. Could I use…toys from McDonalds? We seem to have ALOT of those!
Love your mantle garland! It is so pertyful!
And the Texas star adds the finishing touch…
Blessings!
Love the mantel!!!!!!
Love the pinecone garland. so cute!
Oooohhh, such cute ideas. YOU are so crafty!
You did great. They turned out really cute.
Your garland looks great.
1.) I am jealous of your garland.
2.) I am jealous that you have a mantel to hang one on.
3.) I LOVE YOU for introducing me to the Nester.
These ideas are superb! I loved the Pine cone garland sorts Idea the most! these ideas are surely cheap and simple. thanks for sharing!
love the pinecones! Did you make that Believe sign yourself?? I’m thinking of getting some J O Y letters at Walmart, painting them red, and sprinkling with gold glitter. Will let you know how it turns out!
Stef
The pine cones on ribbons is such a cute idea! Stashing that one away in the back corner of my head. And I love your Texas garland! It is beautiful!
Your mantle looks Wonderful! It looks like you have the same type of tile that we have but, I have no mantle. The builder decided that we didnt need one! Love that Star also!
Love the garland. A beautiful look.
omgosh this looks fabulous!! Im serious, you out did yourself!! I love the pince cone’s, its very fresh and original!! Seriously great job!! LA
How nifty! I have a glass bowl filled with pinecones as a little centerpiece on my table, but now you gave me another fun idea! Thanks! You and your sis are both so crafty! Is in in your genes??
You are good! Your ideas look awesome.
Great ideas! Love your garland with all those stars.
love your ideas you give me ideas for next year
I think my cat (who’s black and is named Zeke) is your cat’s secret evil twin. I love the pinecone idea, but 1) I don’t have any stairs or railings in my house and B) my cat would eat the pinecones and then barf them up all over the floor. Fun times.
So cute the pinecones like that…love the kitty pic.
LOVE the pinecone idea! How wonderful that your husband did it for you. He’s a keeper.
Fun Christmas decor!!
In LOVE with the mantel, the garland, all the decorations around the fireplace AND the wallcolor. WOW!!!
OH, way to go! I love the Texas look. I have my star on my fireplace too. Christmas blessings to you and your amazing family!
Nice garland! I like your BELIEVE.
OMG, that garland is beautiful! It’s sumptuous. Oh, how I adore the pine cones. And how sweet of your hubby to have put them up when you couldn’t.
Okay, I totally have those nutcrackers and the same star spikey ornament you have hanging! Gotta love Wal mart! I went a little nutcracker crazy last year and am trying to incorporate some other things as well…they are just so dang cute! Great ideas!
Love the shot of the cat playing with the pinecones! He’s the luckiest cat in the world–like living in Disneyland for cats!
Hope all is well with you–see you in Nashville in Feb?
Your Nester-inspired garland is gorgeious, but I love, love, love that pine cone idea!
I love your garland! I really love the photo of the cat batting the pinecone! I bet your cat is on Cloud Nine! So many new toys to play with.
Great Texas Mantel!!!!…Are you from Tx or just love Texas?
Great Texas Mantel!!!!…Are you from Tx or just love Texas?
Great Texas Mantel!!!!…Are you from Tx or just love Texas?
Great Texas Mantel!!!!…Are you from Tx or just love Texas?
Great Texas Mantel!!!!…Are you from Tx or just love Texas?
I love the pine cone idea. I’ve never used a glue gun, but your husband has…gosh if men can use one, surely I can! Great blog!
Very pretty garland, indeed! Love the ornaments you put in there
, and the pine cones on the stairway are too cute! Great ideas!
Hi.
Love the decorations.
I was wondering if you knew the paint color above your fireplace? We have the same tile too and I love how it brings out the tile.
Such clever ideas! Love it!
Your garland is so lush and pretty. I absolutely adore it!
Love the pinecones.
Loved the kitty batting the pine cones, and loved the mantle with its stars and sparkles. SO pretty!
XO,
Sheila
I love how you said you sent your kids out with a bag! Greatness. I’ll bet they had a great time. Great job on your garland! Kelly
Everything looks so pretty, love your inspiring ideas!
Lamp Tramp
Super great ideas, I especially like the pinecones on ribbon.
Love all of your decorations!
Please tell me where you got that star above your fireplace, I’ve been on the hunt for one, and love that style!
Happy Wednesday!
Beautiful job, I love all the colors and how creative everything looks!
Blessings,
Debbie
Oooo, I like this Texas style!
Your tips were great! The photo of your cat is priceless! The mantel looks like you’re in a store…very well done! Ya gotta love Texas. I’ll be heading from Florida to San Antonio on Christmas Day!
-Kim
I love your garland. Do you take it apart every year? Or are you just going to package it away like that?
Linking over from the nester. I love your garland! So cute!
love your garland!
and your cat…too cute playing with the pinecones!
Simple and perfect. You are so smart!
I love you playful and more traditional red and green garland. Not that the others aren’t pretty. But this is more my style.
Very nice. New to your blog.
Love the simplicity of the pine cone garland. Your mantle looks wonderful!
I love the hanging pinecones. Laurie
Love the mantle
What an original idea with the pinecones! I’m gonna find a way to use that!
beautiful – thanks for the ideas!!
~Michelle
This TX gal just loves the tin star *****
I thought that everything looks so beautiful. -Cheers, Amy