what to do with old christmas ornaments

Revamp Your Holidays: Creative Ideas for Old Christmas Ornaments

By Laura Smith
AD

As the twinkle of the Christmas lights fades and the tinsel is put away, you're left with a collection of old Christmas ornaments. Instead of storing them away to gather dust, consider these creative and eco-friendly ways to repurpose and enjoy them throughout the year.

Before we dive into the ideas, remember to clean and sort your ornaments. This will not only make the process more manageable but also help you appreciate the beauty and history of each piece.

Decorative Repurposing

Christmas ornaments are often intricately designed and can add a touch of whimsy to your home decor. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your everyday life:

AD
Things You Can Make With Old Christmas Tree Ornaments
Things You Can Make With Old Christmas Tree Ornaments
Break old ornaments into pieces and stack them in a jar. The finished look feels far more expensive than it is
Break old ornaments into pieces and stack them in a jar. The finished look feels far more expensive than it is
Upcycling and Decorating Ideas for Vintage Ornaments
Upcycling and Decorating Ideas for Vintage Ornaments

Vintage Wall Art

Create a unique gallery wall using your old ornaments. You can hang them on the wall using command hooks, or create a shadow box display. This adds a personal touch to your home and sparks conversation among guests.

For a cohesive look, group ornaments by color or theme. You can also mix and match different styles for a eclectic, boho-chic vibe.

15 Old Ornaments Worth Money You Need to Look for This Christmas!
15 Old Ornaments Worth Money You Need to Look for This Christmas!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Ornament of Vintage Jewelry #jewelry #cristmasdecor
How to Make a Christmas Tree Ornament of Vintage Jewelry #jewelry #cristmasdecor
Creative Uses for Christmas Ornaments
Creative Uses for Christmas Ornaments

Crafty DIY Projects

Get crafty and turn your old ornaments into new treasures. Here are a few ideas:

  • Glue broken ornaments onto picture frames or vases for a shimmering, festive touch.
  • Create a wreath using old ornaments and a wire frame. Add a bow or some greenery for a year-round welcome.
  • Make a tree ornament mobile by hanging ornaments from a branch or a metal ring. This can be a beautiful, moving piece of art.

Practical Uses

Don't underestimate the functionality of old Christmas ornaments. They can serve practical purposes around the house:

AD

Organizational Helpers

Use small ornaments as drawer organizers. They can separate socks, underwear, or other small items, keeping your drawers tidy.

two ornaments hanging from a christmas tree with the words baking soda galaxy ornaments on them
two ornaments hanging from a christmas tree with the words baking soda galaxy ornaments on them
Breathe new life into those old, ugly ornaments hiding in storage and learn how easy it is to upcycle Christmas ornaments with baking soda paint. I’ve been a huge fan of the look of baking soda paint on vases and other home decor items and thought it would work great to transform some old Christmas ornaments that I wasn’t in love with. If you’ve been here a while, I love upcycling items for my home, whether it’s something I find at the thrift store or something I planned on donating… 12 December, Painted Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Projects Diy, Old Christmas, 3d Christmas, Christmas Ornament Crafts, Look Vintage, Diy Noël, Homemade Christmas
Breathe new life into those old, ugly ornaments hiding in storage and learn how easy it is to upcycle Christmas ornaments with baking soda paint. I’ve been a huge fan of the look of baking soda paint on vases and other home decor items and thought it would work great to transform some old Christmas ornaments that I wasn’t in love with. If you’ve been here a while, I love upcycling items for my home, whether it’s something I find at the thrift store or something I planned on donating… 12 December, Painted Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Projects Diy, Old Christmas, 3d Christmas, Christmas Ornament Crafts, Look Vintage, Diy Noël, Homemade Christmas
DIY Eyeglasses Ornaments from Vintage Images
DIY Eyeglasses Ornaments from Vintage Images
DIY Vintage Inspired Christmas Ornaments #cristmasdecor #diy
DIY Vintage Inspired Christmas Ornaments #cristmasdecor #diy
23 Decorating With Christmas Ornaments Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet - Lovely Harbor
23 Decorating With Christmas Ornaments Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet - Lovely Harbor
Transform Your Old Ornaments Into Unique Works Of Art
Transform Your Old Ornaments Into Unique Works Of Art

You can also use them as makeshift potpourri by placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball inside the ornament. Hang it in your closet or bathroom for a fresh scent.

Garden Decor

Old ornaments can add a touch of magic to your outdoor space. Here's how:

AD
  • Hang ornaments from tree branches or plant pots for a whimsical touch.
  • Create a wind chime using old ornaments and some fishing line. The sound of the chimes can be soothing and inviting.
  • Use ornaments as plant markers in your garden. Paint the names of your plants on the ornaments for a fun, festive look.

Remember, the key to repurposing old Christmas ornaments is to let your creativity guide you. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your decorations. After all, they're not just ornaments - they're memories, and they deserve to be cherished and celebrated all year round.

Smash old ornaments and layer them in a jar. This looks way more expensive than it is
Smash old ornaments and layer them in a jar. This looks way more expensive than it is
How to Make Old Christmas Ornaments Look Like New
How to Make Old Christmas Ornaments Look Like New
21 Ways to Repurpose Old Ornaments
21 Ways to Repurpose Old Ornaments
How to Make Easy Vintage Ornaments - cottage in the mitten
How to Make Easy Vintage Ornaments - cottage in the mitten
three small christmas trees are sitting on a table with beads and ornaments around them, all decorated in white vases
three small christmas trees are sitting on a table with beads and ornaments around them, all decorated in white vases
Creating Charming Vintage Christmas Card Ornaments
Creating Charming Vintage Christmas Card Ornaments
a christmas tree made out of ornaments in a frame
a christmas tree made out of ornaments in a frame
christmas ornaments with the words 10 ways to repurpose christmas ornaments
christmas ornaments with the words 10 ways to repurpose christmas ornaments
Johnny Krause
Johnny Krause
Why not make a festive repurposed cotton square ornament from fabric scraps?
Why not make a festive repurposed cotton square ornament from fabric scraps?
Memory Christmas Ornament Sewing Tutorial
Memory Christmas Ornament Sewing Tutorial
The Easiest Way to Refresh Old Christmas Ornaments
The Easiest Way to Refresh Old Christmas Ornaments
15 Christmas Tree Ornament Ideas Nobody Else Will Think Of
15 Christmas Tree Ornament Ideas Nobody Else Will Think Of
AD