Christmas Ornament Hacks: 13 Ways to Use a Pack of Cheap Ornaments Off the Tree

Christmas ornament hacks are the easiest way to make your whole house sparkle without buying a single new decoration. Most of us have a box of extra baubles in the closet, or we spot a big pack on sale and wonder what else they could do. It turns out they can do a lot. One recent video showing a pack of ornaments turned into a breathtaking display collected well over a hundred likes on MSN, and readers keep asking for more ideas like it. Below are 13 simple projects that take ornaments off the tree and into garlands, vases, wreaths, table settings and even the front door. Use shatterproof ornaments if you have kids or pets, grab a few bows and some greenery, and let us start decorating..

Christmas Ornament Hacks: A Mantel Garland That Glows

Start with the spot everyone looks at first. A garland built from clusters of ornaments in two or three colors instead of plain greenery looks rich and full, like something from a fancy hotel lobby. Mix shiny and matte finishes and a few sizes, then weave in fairy lights so the whole mantel twinkles at night. The idea comes straight from a popular pack of ornaments decor video that readers loved. Ready to see what one box can do..

You will need: 40 to 60 shatterproof ornaments in 2 or 3 colors, a faux pine garland, green floral wire, battery fairy lights, removable mantel hooks.

How to make it: 1. Remove the ornament caps, add a dot of glue and put them back so they stay put. 2. Wire ornaments together in clusters of three. 3. Twist each cluster onto the garland every few inches. 4. Weave in the battery lights and hang the garland on the hooks.

Ornament Filled Hurricane Vase

Of all the Christmas ornament hacks here, this is the fastest one you will make all season. Take any tall clear vase, fill it to the top with ornaments, add a sprig of pine and tie a ribbon around the middle. That is it. It looks great on a kitchen island, a coffee table or a bathroom counter, and it is a smart way to show off ornaments that did not fit on the tree. Try one color family per vase for a calm look, or mix them for a cheerful one. Which room needs a quick bit of sparkle?

You will need: A tall clear glass vase or hurricane, about 20 shatterproof ornaments, a pine sprig, wide ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the vase clean and dry. 2. Drop in the larger ornaments first, then fill gaps with small ones. 3. Tuck a pine sprig in at the top. 4. Tie the ribbon around the vase in a big bow.

Hanging Ornament Chandelier Ring

Want a wow moment over the dining table? Hang a ring of greenery packed with golden ornaments and lights from a ceiling hook or light fixture. When guests sit down to dinner, they look up and gasp. Gold and amber ornaments glow beautifully under warm lights, and the round shape feels like a cozy chandelier. Use a light foam or wire ring so it stays lightweight, and keep it well away from any heat. Could your dining room handle this much sparkle?

You will need: A 16 inch wire or foam wreath ring, faux garland, 30 to 40 small shatterproof gold ornaments, battery fairy lights, fishing line or ribbon, a ceiling hook (adult help).

How to make it: 1. Wrap the faux garland around the ring until it is covered. 2. Wire on ornaments all around the bottom and sides. 3. Wrap the battery lights through the greenery. 4. Tie three equal lengths of ribbon to the ring and have an adult hang it from the hook.

Christmas Ornament Hacks: The Wire Hanger Wreath

This is the one wreath idea on our list, and it is a classic for a reason. A plain wire clothes hanger bent into a circle becomes the base for a big, bubbly ornament wreath. Thread the ornaments on in a mix of sizes and finishes, close the hanger and add a bow. Gold and white feels elegant, while red and green feels traditional. It costs only a few dollars and takes about an hour in front of a holiday movie. What color mix fits your front door?

You will need: A wire clothes hanger, 50 to 70 shatterproof ornaments in mixed sizes, pliers (adult help), a low temp glue gun (adult help), a ribbon bow.

How to make it: 1. Untwist the hanger and bend it into a circle, keeping the hook. 2. Glue each ornament cap in place so it cannot slip off. 3. Thread ornaments onto the wire, mixing big and small, until the circle is full. 4. Twist the wire closed and cover the join with a bow.

Ornament Table Runner

One of the prettiest Christmas ornament hacks for dinner is simple: skip the cloth runner this year and lay a river of ornaments down the middle of the table instead. Nestle clusters in a bed of eucalyptus and pine, and suddenly a weeknight dinner feels like a holiday party. Soft colors like champagne, blush and white look modern, while classic red is pure nostalgia. Keep the runner low so everyone can still see each other across the table. Best of all, it packs right back into the box when you are done. Will you go soft and modern or classic red?

You will need: 25 to 35 shatterproof ornaments, faux eucalyptus and pine stems, a long strip of kraft paper or a thin board as a base (optional).

How to make it: 1. Lay the greenery down the center of the table in a long line. 2. Place larger ornaments in groups of three along the line. 3. Fill the gaps with small ornaments. 4. Step back and nudge pieces until the runner looks even from every seat.

Ornament Topiary Ball

A topiary looks like something from a high end garden shop, but this one starts with a foam ball and a stick. Cover the ball with small ornaments, push it onto a wooden dowel and stand it in a pot filled with moss. A pair of them on each side of the front door looks amazing, and one on an entry table makes the house feel festive the moment you walk in. Like the best Christmas ornament hacks, it is a great way to use up those tiny ornaments that get lost on the tree. Where would yours stand?

You will need: A 6 inch foam ball, 60 to 80 small shatterproof ornaments, a wooden dowel, a pot, floral foam, moss, a low temp glue gun (adult help).

How to make it: 1. Push the dowel into the foam ball and set it in floral foam inside the pot. 2. Glue ornaments all over the ball, starting at the top. 3. Fill small gaps with the tiniest ornaments. 4. Cover the floral foam with moss and tie a ribbon on the dowel.

Ornament Napkin Rings

Here is one of those small Christmas ornament hacks that makes guests smile. Thread one small ornament onto a loop of velvet ribbon, slip it around a rolled napkin, and the table instantly looks styled. Each guest can even take the ornament home as a tiny gift. Match the ornament color to your plates or mix them up for a playful look. You can make a full set of twelve in less than half an hour. Who is coming to your holiday table this year?

You will need: Small shatterproof ornaments, velvet ribbon, cloth napkins, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut 10 inch pieces of ribbon. 2. Thread one ornament onto each ribbon through its hanging loop. 3. Roll each napkin. 4. Wrap the ribbon around the napkin and tie it so the ornament sits on top.

Christmas Ornament Hacks for Windows: Ribbon Hangers

Windows are often forgotten when we decorate, but they are where the light is best. Hang ornaments at different lengths on satin ribbons from a curtain rod and watch them sparkle every time the sun comes out. From outside, neighbors see a cheerful pop of color too. Mix round ornaments with a few drop or star shapes for interest. This takes ten minutes and uses ornaments that might otherwise sit in a box. Which window will you dress up first?

You will need: 12 to 15 shatterproof ornaments, satin ribbon in two colors, scissors, a curtain rod or tension rod.

How to make it: 1. Cut ribbons in lengths from 10 to 30 inches. 2. Tie an ornament to the end of each ribbon. 3. Knot the other end around the rod, alternating lengths. 4. Slide them along the rod until the spacing looks even.

Ornament Tiered Tray

If you already own a tiered tray, it is begging for a holiday makeover. Fill each level with little clusters of ornaments, mini bottle brush trees and a sprig or two of greenery. Keep the colors to two or three so it looks pulled together. It is perfect for a kitchen counter or coffee bar, and you can swap pieces in and out all season. Kids love helping with Christmas ornament hacks like this one. What would you put on the top tier?

You will need: A two or three tier tray, small shatterproof ornaments, mini bottle brush trees, greenery sprigs, a small jar.

How to make it: 1. Place the tallest items, like mini trees, on the bottom tier. 2. Add clusters of ornaments on each level. 3. Tuck greenery into the gaps. 4. Add one special piece on the top tier as the star.

Ornament Gift Toppers

Bows get crushed, but ornaments make a gift topper that lasts. Tie three small ornaments onto the ribbon of each gift and the presents under the tree look like a magazine photo. The person who opens it also gets a bonus ornament for their own tree. Solid wrapping paper makes the ornaments stand out, so save the busy prints for another year. It is one of the simplest Christmas ornament hacks of all. Who on your list would love a gift that comes with an extra ornament?

You will need: Small shatterproof ornaments, solid colored wrapping paper, wide ribbon, thin wire or bakers twine.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the gift and tie the ribbon around it. 2. Thread three small ornaments onto a short piece of wire or twine. 3. Twist it tightly around the ribbon knot. 4. Fluff the ornaments so they sit in a neat cluster.

Ornament Place Card Holders

Planning a big holiday dinner? Turn small ornaments into place card holders. Remove the cap, slip a folded card into the opening or into the hanging loop, and set one at each plate. The shiny ornaments catch the light beautifully and make the table look planned and special. Write each guest name by hand for a warm personal touch. Afterward, guests can take them home as keepsakes. For more cheap ways to dress up the house, see these dollar store decor DIYs. How many seats will your table have this year?

You will need: Small shatterproof ornaments, small white cards, a pen, a bit of poster putty to stop rolling.

How to make it: 1. Remove each ornament cap and set the cap aside. 2. Press a small ball of putty under each ornament so it sits still. 3. Write the names and fold the cards. 4. Slide each card into the loop or opening at the top.

Christmas Ornament Hacks for the Staircase: A Ribbon Swag

A staircase is a big, bold canvas, and a few ornaments go a long way here. Drape a pine garland along the banister, add clusters of ornaments every couple of feet and tie each spot with a big velvet bow. Woven fairy lights make it glow at night. Use only shatterproof ornaments on stairs, since this is a high traffic area with little hands and swinging bags. It makes the entry feel like the start of a holiday movie. Does your home have a banister ready for this?

You will need: A long faux pine garland, 25 to 30 shatterproof ornaments, wide velvet ribbon, green zip ties, battery fairy lights.

How to make it: 1. Attach the garland to the banister with zip ties every few feet. 2. Wire ornaments into clusters of three. 3. Add a cluster and a bow at each zip tie. 4. Weave the battery lights along the length and hide the battery pack.

Christmas Ornament Hacks for the Door: Candy Cane Hanger

Here is a fun twist on door decor that kids absolutely love. Bend a wire hanger into a candy cane shape, then cover it with small red and white ornaments in alternating sections. Add a big green bow and hang it on the front door. It is playful, bright and visible from the street, and it uses the same easy method as the wreath. Shatterproof ornaments are a must here because doors slam. Is your front door ready for a candy cane?

You will need: A wire hanger, 40 to 50 small red and white shatterproof ornaments, pliers (adult help), a low temp glue gun (adult help), green ribbon, a door hook.

How to make it: 1. Straighten the hanger and bend it into a candy cane shape, leaving one end open. 2. Glue each ornament cap in place. 3. Thread on red and white ornaments in sections of four. 4. Bend the open end closed, add the bow and hang it on the door hook.