Dollar Store Christmas Decor: 15 Designer Looks Nobody Will Guess Cost a Couple Bucks

Dollar Store Christmas Decor can look every bit as polished as the pieces in a pricey catalog, and nobody at your holiday party has to know where it came from. Designers lean on a few simple tricks: repeat one color, add rich texture like velvet and wood, and group things in odd numbers. With a can of gold spray paint, a few yards of ribbon and some faux greenery, a couple of bucks turns into a centerpiece guests will ask about. We gathered our favorite budget ideas that look high end, from a cocoa bar on glass cake stands to mirror tiles that make a coffee table sparkle. Pick one project for tonight or make over a whole room this weekend. Your wallet will thank you, and your home will feel warm and festive all season..

Dollar Store Christmas Decor Starts With a Gold Ornament Bowl

This is the piece that fools everyone. A plain glass bowl, a bag of mismatched plastic ornaments and one can of gold spray paint become a centerpiece that looks like it came from a fancy home store. The secret is mixing matte and shiny finishes so the gold has depth, then tucking faux pine between the balls. A wide velvet bow on the front makes it feel finished and expensive. Plastic ornaments are also kid and pet friendly, so you can relax when little hands reach for them. Ready to raid the ornament aisle..

You will need: A clear glass bowl, 20 to 30 plastic ornaments in mixed sizes, gold spray paint (matte and glossy), faux pine picks, wide green velvet ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Spray the ornaments outdoors in two light coats, some matte and some glossy, and let them dry. 2. Fill the bowl with the largest ornaments first, then the small ones. 3. Tuck pine sprigs into the gaps and tie a velvet bow to the front of the bowl.

Velvet Ribbon Turns Plain Greenery Into a Designer Garland

A thin, cheap garland looks sad on its own, but wrap it with wide velvet ribbon and it suddenly looks like a boutique piece. Velvet catches the light and adds that rich, cozy feel that designers love at Christmas. Loose spirals look more natural than tight wraps, so let the ribbon dip and swirl. Creators on Yahoo have been sharing budget finds that designers say could pass for high end store pieces, and ribbon is always near the top of the list. Which color would suit your mantel best?

You will need: A faux pine garland, two rolls of wide velvet ribbon, floral wire, a few small gold ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Lay the garland on the mantel and fluff every branch. 2. Pin one end of the ribbon with floral wire and wrap it in loose spirals. 3. Wire small ornaments into the gaps every foot or so.

Glass Holders Stacked Into Cake Stands for a Cocoa Bar

Tiered cake stands can cost a small fortune, but you can build your own with clear glass holders and glass plates from the dollar aisle. Glue a plate to the top of a holder, stack another level and you have a sparkling stand for marshmallows, peppermints and cookies. Set them next to a row of white mugs and your kitchen counter becomes a cozy cocoa bar that looks catered. The glass is easy to wash after the holidays, and you can pull the stands out again for birthdays and showers. Who would you invite over first?

You will need: Clear glass holders, clear glass plates in two sizes, strong clear glass glue, treats for serving.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry every piece, then glue a holder to the center of the large plate. 2. Glue a smaller holder and plate on top for a second tier. 3. Let it cure for a full day before adding treats.

Wooden Bead Garland With Jute Tassels

Farmhouse shops sell wooden bead garlands for a lot more than they cost to make. Grab a bag of plain wooden beads and a ball of jute from the craft aisle and string your own in an evening. Finish each end with a fluffy tassel and drape it over a tree, a stack of books or a side table. The natural wood tone looks calm and modern next to all the glitter of the season. Kids can help string the beads, which makes it a sweet family project. How long will yours be?

You will need: Wooden beads in two sizes, jute twine, scissors, a piece of cardboard for making tassels.

How to make it: 1. Cut a long piece of jute and knot one end. 2. String the beads, alternating big and small. 3. Wrap jute around cardboard 20 times, tie and cut to make a tassel for each end.

Plaid Ribbon Vases, an Easy Dollar Store Christmas Decor Win

Plain glass vases are some of the cheapest things on the shelf, and a strip of plaid ribbon makes them look like cabin chic decor. Wrap the ribbon around the middle, tie a neat bow and fill each vase with clippings from your yard or a few faux stems. Group three different heights together and the set looks styled on purpose. Plaid is having a big moment this year, so this little trick feels fresh and on trend. Got any pine branches in the backyard?

You will need: Three glass vases in different heights, plaid ribbon, double sided tape, pine branches and berry stems.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the ribbon around each vase and secure it with tape. 2. Tie a separate small bow and stick it over the seam. 3. Fill the vases with greenery and group them in a trio.

Mini Wreaths Hung on Cabinet Knobs With Ribbon

This is one of those ideas that makes a kitchen look like a magazine spread in ten minutes. Mini wreaths are easy to find in the seasonal aisle, and hanging them from upper cabinet knobs with thin red ribbon adds instant charm. Repeating the same wreath on every door is what makes it look designed. If you want more holiday ideas that look rich for little money, our dollar store decor DIYs are full of them. How many cabinets will get a wreath?

You will need: Small faux boxwood wreaths, thin red satin ribbon, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut a ribbon about 12 inches long for each wreath. 2. Loop it through the wreath and tie it around the knob. 3. Make every ribbon the same length so the wreaths hang at one height.

A Picture Frame Turned Into an Ornament Display Tray

Big picture frames are often marked down, and without the glass they make a beautiful display tray. Paint the frame antique gold, glue a sturdy backing in place and fill it with rows of ornaments. It looks like a collector showing off a treasured vintage set, which is exactly the designer feel you want. Set it on a coffee table, an ottoman or a dining table where guests can admire it up close. You can even swap the ornaments for pine cones after New Year. Which colors would you fill it with?

You will need: A large picture frame, gold paint, a sturdy board or foam core cut to size, glue, ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Remove the glass and paint the frame gold. 2. Glue the board inside the frame as a solid bottom. 3. Fill the tray with ornaments in neat rows or a soft cluster.

Dollar Store Christmas Decor in a Jar: Bottle Brush Trees and Faux Snow

Little bottle brush trees are one of the best buys of the season. Nestle a few into a clear jar on a bed of faux snow and you have a tiny winter forest that looks like a boutique snow globe. Different heights make the scene feel real, and a few jingle bells beside the jar add a cheerful touch. Make a row of three for a windowsill or one for every nightstand in the guest room. The best part is that nothing can spill or break if it gets bumped. Where would your little forest go?

You will need: Clear jars with lids, small bottle brush trees, faux snow, a little glue, jingle bells for styling.

How to make it: 1. Pour an inch of faux snow into the jar. 2. Dab glue under each tree and press it into the snow. 3. Close the lid and style the jar with a few bells or a ribbon.

Gold Dot Mugs: Dollar Store Christmas Decor That Doubles as a Gift

Plain white mugs cost very little, and a paint pen turns them into a gift set that looks like a boutique find. Dots are the easiest pattern for beginners because there is nothing to line up. Add a thin gold rim and pack three mugs in a box with crinkle paper and a sprig of pine. Tuck in cocoa packets and you have a teacher, neighbor or host gift that feels thoughtful. Follow the paint label for curing and care so the design lasts. Who on your list would love a set?

You will need: Plain white ceramic mugs, a gold ceramic paint pen, rubbing alcohol, a kraft box, crinkle paper, twine.

How to make it: 1. Wipe each mug with rubbing alcohol so the paint sticks. 2. Dot gold paint in a loose confetti pattern and add a thin rim. 3. Cure the paint as the label says, then pack the set in the box.

Placemats Stitched Into a Long Table Runner

A long holiday table runner can be surprisingly pricey, but woven placemats are cheap and come in great seasonal patterns. Line them up end to end, stitch or glue the edges together and you have a runner that fits your table perfectly. Buffalo check feels cozy and classic, and it pairs well with white plates and green napkins. When the season is over, the runner rolls up flat for storage. You can even make a matching one for a buffet or sideboard. How long is your table?

You will need: Six to eight matching placemats, needle and strong thread or fabric glue, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Lay the placemats end to end on the table to check the length. 2. Overlap the short edges slightly and stitch or glue them. 3. Let the glue dry flat before setting the table.

Ornament Filled Lanterns: Dollar Store Christmas Decor for the Entry

Lanterns look lovely all year, and at Christmas you can fill them with small ornaments instead of anything that burns. The glass panes show off every shiny ball, and the result looks like a styled shop window. Mix red, silver and gold for a classic look, or keep it to one color for a modern one. Set a pair on an entry bench, a porch step or the hearth. If you want a soft glow, tuck a battery fairy light string between the ornaments. What colors match your entry?

You will need: Two lanterns with glass panes, small shatterproof ornaments, a battery fairy light string (optional).

How to make it: 1. Open each lantern and remove any insert. 2. Fill it with ornaments, shaking gently so they settle. 3. Add battery lights if you like and close the door.

Soft Felt Ornament Garland in Calm Colors

Felt sheets cost pennies, and cutting them into simple stars and hearts is a relaxing evening project. Stitch two layers together, add a little stuffing and embroider a snowflake on top. String the shapes on baker’s twine and you have a soft garland that looks like it came from a Scandinavian boutique. Stick to two calm colors, like red and white or cream and gray, so it feels styled rather than busy. Felt is safe around kids and pets and will not shatter if it falls. Hang it on a bookcase, across a window or along the stairs. Which colors will you pick?

You will need: Felt sheets in cream and red, simple star and heart templates, sharp scissors, a little stuffing, a needle, red embroidery floss, baker’s twine.

How to make it: 1. Trace the templates onto felt and cut two pieces for each shape. 2. Embroider a small snowflake on the front, then stitch the pieces together with a bit of stuffing inside. 3. Sew each shape onto twine, spacing them evenly.

Glitter Tipped Pine Cone Place Settings

A single pine cone on each plate looks thoughtful and elegant, and it costs almost nothing. Dip the tips in glue and fine glitter for a frosty sparkle, then tuck a small name card between the scales. Guests always notice place settings, and these feel like something from a fancy restaurant. Collect cones on a walk, bake them on low heat to dry them out and they are ready to decorate. After dinner, guests can take theirs home as a tiny keepsake. How many seats will you set?

You will need: Dry pine cones, white glue, fine glitter, small cardstock tags, a pen.

How to make it: 1. Brush glue on the tips of the scales. 2. Sprinkle glitter over a paper plate and tap off the extra. 3. Write each name on a tag and slip it between the scales.

Doorknob Hangers Dressed Up With Jingle Bells

Doorknob hangers are a big trend this year, with shoppers buzzing about cheap Christmas versions. You can make a fancier one at home with velvet ribbon and a handful of jingle bells. Every time the door opens you get a cheerful little jingle, which kids adore. Add a sprig of faux cedar and a red bow and it looks like a boutique piece. Make one for the front door, the pantry and each bedroom. Which door will jingle first?

You will need: Wide velvet ribbon, 5 to 7 jingle bells, a sprig of faux cedar, floral wire, a small red bow.

How to make it: 1. Fold a ribbon length into a loop that fits over the knob. 2. Wire the bells into a cluster at the bottom of the loop. 3. Add the cedar sprig and bow on top of the bells.

Dollar Store Christmas Decor Gets Sparkle From Mirror Tiles

Square mirror tiles are a designer secret that costs very little. Lay them in a grid on a coffee table or tray and every ornament on top gets doubled in the reflection. Silver, white and frosted greenery look especially glamorous on the mirror, and battery fairy lights would make it sparkle even more at night. It is one of the easiest ways to make Dollar Store Christmas Decor look like a luxury hotel lobby. The tiles stack flat in a drawer when the season is over. Ready to add a little glam?

You will need: Four to nine square mirror tiles, felt pads for the corners, silver and white ornaments, frosted faux pine, small bottle brush trees.

How to make it: 1. Stick felt pads under each tile to protect the table. 2. Lay the tiles in a tight grid. 3. Arrange the ornaments, pine and trees low across the mirror so the reflection doubles them.