10 Things You Can Make Out of Last Year’s Christmas Decor

If you’ve got bins of old decor you don’t love anymore, you’re not stuck with it—or forced to buy everything new. A lot of “tired” decorations just need a new job, a little trimming, or a different context.

Before you toss or donate, see what you can turn into something useful or pretty this year with very little effort.

Turn extra ornaments into bowl fillers

Those leftover ornaments that don’t fit on the tree anymore can look great grouped together. Pile them in a bowl, glass vase, or dough bowl on your table or mantle.

Mix in a few pinecones, ribbon scraps, or faux greenery. Suddenly they’re not “extra ornaments,” they’re a centerpiece. Bonus: you don’t have to wrestle hooks onto every single one.

Make garlands from old picks and faux greenery

If you have random sprigs of faux greenery or picks that never quite work, wire or tie them together into a longer garland. Even a short length can dress up a shelf, mirror, or headboard.

A little bit of ribbon tied in here and there makes it feel intentional, even if it’s just a cluster of leftovers you rescued from the bottom of the bin.

Turn chipped or outdated mugs into candle holders

That Christmas mug with a chip can still be useful. Clean it well, drop in a small candle or a battery tealight, and use it as a cozy little accent on a tray or by the sink.

You can also fill it with wrapped candy, pens, or small utensils and set it near a hot cocoa station or coffee maker.

Use old ribbon to wrap books or boxes

If your ribbon stash has grown wild, wrap a few sturdy books or empty boxes with it. Stack them on a shelf, mantle, or entry table for a simple, coordinated look.

It’s a way to get that layered, pretty effect without buying more decor. When the season’s over, remove the ribbon and you’ve still got your books.

Turn tired wreaths into smaller pieces

If you have a wreath that’s lost its shape or just doesn’t suit your style anymore, cut it apart. Use sections of greenery in centerpiece bowls, on place settings, or tucked into existing decor.

You can also reshape a larger wreath into two or three mini wreaths for cabinet doors, kids’ rooms, or the back of dining chairs.

Make gift toppers from faux florals and greenery

Snip small pieces from old picks, garlands, or faux floral stems and use them on wrapped gifts. Tie them under the knot of the ribbon or tape them directly to the paper.

It looks thoughtful and polished without you buying special gift toppers. Plus, you’re putting those little leftover bits to work instead of tossing them.

Turn wall decor into tray art

Flat signs or wall pieces you’re tired of can be laid flat on trays or leaned on shelves instead. Sometimes changing the angle and location is enough to make it feel new.

You can also layer smaller pieces in front of larger ones on a console table or bookshelf to add some depth without more shopping.

Use old stockings as organizers

If you’ve swapped stockings or style but still have the old ones, use them for storage. They can hold extra wrapping supplies, kids’ small toys, or cords and chargers in a closet.

Label or tie on a tag and tuck them in a drawer or bin. It’s a fun way to reuse something without needing it on the mantle.

Turn broken ornaments into craft supplies

Glass and sharp pieces need to go, but wooden, plastic, or metal bits from broken ornaments can be saved for kids’ crafts. Keep a small bag labeled “Christmas craft parts.”

Kids can glue them onto cardboard trees, frames, or homemade cards later. It’s an easy way to stretch what you already have for rainy-day projects.

Repurpose old tree skirts and runners

If a tree skirt or runner doesn’t fit your style but the fabric is still good, cut it into smaller pieces. You can make napkins, pillow covers, or simple fabric strips to tie around jars and vases.

Even a few fabric-wrapped jars with candles or greenery can bring that pattern into the room in a fresh way without buying new textiles.