Merry Unique Christmas decorating... upcycled style

Every Christmas season, I make a deal with myself.  My preference is to strike out on my own, creating unique Christmas decorating that you can't just buy ready made from a store.

Unique Christmas decorating, upcycled style is the answer!  Decorating this way allows you to pull from things you love 365 days out of the entire year, rather than just once a  year.

Just think... you'll save a ton of storage room, not needing boxes upon boxes of red and green ornaments. This round, it's using all the things you love all year around.

Here are a few ideas that are EASY to create, and guaranteed, you'll have a one of a kind Christmas on your hands...

Imagine walking through fresh fallen snow, stumbling across a cabin in the woods, with cozy firelight aglow peeking through the windows. That's what this pretty mantel reminds me of.

How:
Place your lights down first, layer the old windows, add the greens and you're set!

Stick garland / was created by looping grapevine twigs and pinecones together.

Real evergreens boughs / are cut fresh and placed in position. If left alone, they will dry beautifully just like this!

Red apple ornaments / provide the colour. Mine are real, but faux ones will have you enjoying them for many years to come.

Fake snow and spray snow / both were added all over the greens while misting the windows for a true outdoor feeling.

Tip: place white Christmas lights (I used the large ones for more illumination) behind the windows, WELL away from the drying greens.

Everyone loves stars at Christmas, so why not a rustic version instead? Very pretty and super easy to make in minutes!

How:
Hot glue firewood kindling, then use twine to tie it up. Add cranberries and fresh greens to finish it off Christmas style.

Other ideas:
use yardsticks, branches, or wood shims

Cranberry garland / while this one is faux, this can easily be done with the real thing. See below.

Green touches / come from the backyard. Since there isn't much, I replace when it gets dry.

You've seen green garland on stairs before, but this one comes with rustic stars, strung with cranberries.

How:
Mini lights / go on first. Twist them around your railing.

The green garland / is the real deal. Collect pruned evergreen branches from the backyard, tie together with twine, then attach to railing with more twine. Lightly mist with spray snow.

Stick stars / made from firewood kindling and hot glue are hung from more twine. Here are some wooden stars you can search.

Cranberry faux garland / lives forever! Nice if you can find a realistic one. These beads are all different sizes which makes them look real.

Cranberry garland (real) / making is easy and beautiful! Find a heavy duty needle with thin string (not thread), knot on one end and garland away. The real thing does dry though, so best done close to the date needed. 

Remove your curtains and create a festive window valance from all sorts of old things and greens instead. Sure feels like a snowstorm outside...

How:
Green garland / is the real deal. Tie boughs together with twine, and hang on nails or screws.

Old wheel wreaths / are so quirky, but fun! Hang old wheels with twine. Lightly spritz with spray snow in the odd areas.

Old buckets, baskets and other small wheels / enhance the look! Use whatever you love. And remember the spray snow.

A vintage sleigh / truly sets the theme and tone for this one! And doesn't block out any light if placed in front of a window.

Crate storage really warms up a country kitchen. Add a sprig of real greens and a few ornaments to bring Christmas along for the ride.

Small crates / offer a fun, rustic visual. Look for crates with sections so you can layer your needs as well.

A sprig of green / with hanging ornaments makes this area instant Christmas in a natural way.

If you have a large blank window, shelf it up and add decor of your choosing! Here's a collection of tarnished silver creamers and cups, Christmas tree style...

How:
Wood supports were screwed into the frame, then little planks were inserted on top.

Vintage stainless creamers, cups and mason jars add all the fun! Place in a pleasing Christmas tree shape, complete with a star on top.

Costume jewelry adds the bling. String pearls and chains this way and that to achieve a garland appeal.

Faux snow on the window sill completes the outdoor look.

Add winter warmth to a window with a barnwood shutter, sprayed with fresh fallen snow. Add a matching crate on the wall for extra storage.

How:
An old crate and vintage license plate teamed up makes the most unique and rustic shelf! 

Mason jar snow globe / is a vintage jar filled with faux snow, then flipped upside down. Simple and pretty mixed with other decorations.

Barnwood shutters / add warmth to the window area. Great if you aren't a traditional curtain type of person. The wood was screwed to each other as shown, then screwed into the wall. Old door hinges help make it appear more authentic.

Replace every matching pillow you have, and instead, throw in a mish mash of colours and textures for some Christmas cozyness.

How:
The burlap coffee bean sack pillows / are presewn... just slip your big pillows inside and flip over the top. Add other mismatched pillows in tones that work with your home.

A cozy sofa throw / is a must for fireplace reading.

Vintage books / are fun to decorate with... AND to read. :)

You've seen faux presents for decorating. Why not use toolboxes? Place them on a sleigh for easy transport when you need more table space.

How:
Metal toolboxes / make the BEST faux gifts! Embellish them with old book pages, string, your own garlands, candy, and a sprig of green. Complete with heavy twine for the ribbon.

An antique sleigh / keeps your holiday vignettes tucked nice and neat. Makes it easy to move around too.

Fresh (as above) or faux apples / inside a vintage enamel bowl offer a treat and a shot of festive colour. Sprinkle in some pinecones for good measure.

Everyone has votives, but not a gear piled like a Christmas tree... except you and me.

How:
Rusty cogs or gears / layered like a Christmas tree make one unique candle votive! Place pinecones for added interest. Spritz with spray snow if desired.

Battery operated votives / keep things safe if you have small children or pets.

Vintage books / and pages are fun to layer with!

To get the goods, visit Funky Junk's own collection of:
Rusty Relics
Wheel World
Merry Vintage Christmas

As you can see, the most normal, everyday trinkets can become some of the most unique Christmas decor imaginable!

Chances are, you may be all ready for Christmas and didn't even know it... :)

Have I convinced you to bypass the traditional and go upcycled this season?