Do your holiday decorations need some sprucing up? Are you looking for a way to express your unique style but aren’t finding any holiday finishing touches that are a good match? Crafting your own decorations is a definitely a route to consider– not only is it fun and budget friendly, but you can tweak DIY projects to fit your style and holiday color scheme.

Homemade does not necessarily equal hokey. Classy, clever decorations can be put together right in your own kitchen. Take a look at this moss and cranberry wreath. The wreath only takes a few items to create it, all available at your local craft store. The fresh cranberries are found in your grocery store’s produce department. While it can be hung up on your door, I think it’s more stunning as a table centerpiece. Add in a simple glass cake stand and candles to the middle of the wreath— voilá, a simple, yet sophisticated, holiday decoration. Like a little sparkle accent on the holiday dinner table? You can whip together this chic, silvery centerpiece in no time. All you need is a footed glass container, eucalyptus branches, silver glass ornaments, a strand of white Christmas tree lights and a little silver spray paint. Want the center piece to have a natural flair? Skip the baubles and spray paint— use the eucalyptus branches as-is, and pair with seasonal fruits in a food safe glass container.

In my family, we exchange homemade ornaments on Christmas Eve. It’s a much loved family tradition; the hunt for a new ornament design fun and we enjoy seeing each family member’s personal interpretation of holiday favorites. Uncle Mike’s ornament always has a connection to golf. Grandpa’s ornament will contain a bird– you might have to search a bit for it, but that bird is always there! Auntie Lynn loves snowmen, glitter and crafting— her ornament is usually shimmery and breathtaking. This felt mitten ornament , courtesy of The Feathered Nest, is a nice project to attempt if you have never made an ornament before. The ornament tutorial has step-by-step instructions (with photos!), and requires minimal sewing skills. All the materials required are craft store staples. Sunshine’s Creations has a tutorial on how to make embroidered felt ornaments . This ornament can also be crafted for a variety of holidays or used as gift tags. All you need is a little felt, embroidery thread and stuffing. Then let loose your imagination— the little bird ornament featured in the tutorial has a Scandinavian feel to it. Oh, and here is a tutorial on how to blanket stitch felt and a guide to basic embroidery stitches.

If you celebrate Hanukkah, the DIY Network offers a series of Hanukkah crafting videos. They include home-made card ideas, festive gift wrap and holiday table decor. Over at Babble’s New Home Ec, there’s a blog post (with photos and linked tutorials) featuring 25 Hanukkah Crafts. Many of the crafts are ideas on how to make your own menorah. I like the toddler-friendly menorah, not only because it is a safe alternative, but the whole family can get involved in creating the luminaries.

All of the projects mentioned above can be put together in a few hours, once you have assembled all of the materials needed for the craft. There’s still plenty of time to make up a few decorations to express your personal style. There’s 21 days before the beginning of Hanukkah (sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 20th to Wednesday Dec. 28th) and 26 days until Christmas (Sunday, Dec. 25th). Plus, you will be so pleased with the results— holiday decor that perfectly matches colors you like and coordinates with your home!

Now it’s your turn— what is your family’s favorite holiday decoration?