200+ Creative Christmas Ideas

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Welcome to the Ultimate list of 200+ creative Christmas ideas, recipes, crafts, DIY projects, entertaining inspiration, and so much more! This list of Christmas and holiday inspiration will become your new go-to for festive ideas and loads of Christmas cheer!

a collage of the best christmas ideas with cocktails, recipes, and decor.

If you can believe it, this January will mark 14 years of blogging for me! I recently got a magazine in the mail, and a headline on it was “100+ ways to Holiday.” That made me think: With that many years of blogging under my belt, I wonder if I could create a post of 100 Christmas Ideas based on things I’ve created and shared here on Inspired by Charm. So I sat down and started brainstorming and typing . . . and my list double my 100 goal.

Below I’m sharing 200+ Christmas Ideas. For the most part, all of these ideas are inspired by things I’ve created here on IBC. My goal with this post is to update it year after year so that it becomes one epic list of creative Christmas ideas you can use to help celebrate the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Festive List

  • This list is not just a collection; it’s a journey through the wonderland of Christmas. With over 175 ideas, it offers endless inspiration for every aspect of the holiday season, from cozy home decor to festive feasting, ensuring that your celebrations are both unique and memorable.
  • Each idea in this list is more than just a suggestion; it’s a time-tested gem. With over 14 years of experience in creating Christmas content, this guide is your trustworthy companion, offering only the best, most approachable, and successful ideas for your holiday celebrations.
  • Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or simply seeking fresh holiday traditions, it’s filled with ideas to ignite your creative spark. Dive into a world of unique crafts, experiment with delightful recipes, and transform your space with enchanting decor to truly embody the festive spirit of the season.
  • The heart of this list is about creating moments that last a lifetime. It’s not just about the decorations or the food; it’s about the laughter, the joy, and the warmth that comes with a well-celebrated Christmas. This list is your guide to creating those cherished memories with friends and family.
  • Above all, this list is a manifestation of Christmas cheer. It’s an invitation to dive into the heart of the holiday season, embrace the joy, share the love, and spread the cheer that defines this wonderful time of the year.

This Ultimate Creative Christmas Ideas List is more than just a guide; it’s your gateway to a magical, memorable, and joy-filled Christmas season. Let it inspire you, guide you, and be your companion as you navigate the festive wonders of the holiday season.

My Favorite Creative Christmas Ideas

1.Serve up a cocktail in a Christmas ornament

2. Get organized and plan ahead. Learn my tips for how I plan my Christmas Home Decor.

3. Make homemade hot cocoa mix to have and share.

The BEST recipe for delicious Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix #hotcocoa #hotchocolate #cocoa #recipe #holiday #christmas

4. Bake the best Christmas cookies.

5. Plant the BEST Christmas Party with these creative ideas and tips.

6. Make a yule log for a legendary holiday dessert.

This Pink Velvet Yule Log is a unique and delicious Christmas dessert idea. #holiday #yulelog #christmas #dessert #pink #recipe

7. Make theses frosted and soft eggnog cookies.

8. Creatively wrap presents for friends and family.

9. Craft Christmas ornaments out of oven bake clay.

diy clay ornament hanging on a tree.

10. Print festive gift tags for your holiday wrapping

11. Decorate a rainbow inspired tree.

Gradient Rainbow Christmas Tree Decorations

12. Make homemade White Chocolate Chex Mix with red and green M&Ms to have and share.

13. Make an epic appetizer by crafting a Christmas tree out of cheese.

14. Set a vintage modern Christmas table for your and your friends!

Vintage Modern Christmas Table Decor ideas to dress up your home for the holidays! #diningroom #decor #tablesetting #tablescape #table #decorating #christmas #holiday #modern #vintage

15. Print out adorable Christmas recipe cards to share with friends.

16. Decorate a Christmas tree (or two).

17. Make this easy and crazy delicious three-ingredient holiday punch.

Get the RECIPE HERE!

18. Listen to a Christmas music playlist.

19. Create lottery ticket Christmas ornaments as gifts.

20. Build and paint colorful wood Christmas trees.

A Colorful DIY Forest for Christmas Decorating - DIY Wood Paint Christmas Trees #christmas #craft #holiday #decor

21. DIY these wood stockings for your mantel.

22. Add a Christmas tree to your bedroom.

23. Make a wreath out of cookie cutters.

24. String a wood bead garland.

25. Make a wreath from vintage ornaments.

26. Craft adorable and clever bags for Christmas cookies.

Learn how to make these DIY Christmas Cookies Bags! #Christmas #holiday #cookiebags #diy #craft

27. Style a festive bar cart… or two.

28. Put together a beautiful and creative holiday place setting.

29. Make the creamiest fudge with only three ingredients.

30. Learn how to add ribbon to your Christmas tree.

How to Add Ribbon to your Christmas Tree #ribbon #christmas #tree #decor #decorating #tree

31. Make seasoned pretzels for snacking during Hallmark movies.

32. Enjoy White Russians while watching a Christmas parade.

33. Shake up a White Chocolate Peppermint Martini.

This White Chocolate Peppermint Martini makes delicious holiday cocktail. #christmas #cocktail #martini #recipe #peppermint #whitechocolate

34. Bake classic cookies using clothespins.

35. Make homemade bath bombs to give as gifts.

36. Serve cranberry French toast for a holiday breakfast.

37. Bake a cake that looks like a gingerbread house.

This Gingerbread House Gingerbread Cake is the perfect holiday treat! #dessert #holiday #christmas #gingerbread #recipe

38. Make a gingerbread cake in the shape of a tree.

39. Toss up some sugared cranberries for a festive garnish.

40. Craft Mushroom Christmas Tree ornaments out of clay.

DIY Clay Mushroom Ornament on a Christmas tree.

41. Turn a chocolate chip cookie into an edible shot glass.

42. Create a beautiful holiday centerpiece for your table.

43. Add cranberries to pecan pie for a flavor upgrade.

44. Up your holiday entertaining with these festive touches.

45. Warm up with a Slow Cooker Sangria.

46. Craft festive ornaments out of concrete.

DIY Modern Concrete Christmas Tree Decorations #DIY #ornament #christmas #tree #concrete #gold

47. Roll out cute and tasty little cheeseballs.

48. Whip up some homemade eggnog.

49. Assemble these festive Christmas Charcuterie cups.

eight christmas jarcuterie on a plate.

50. Set up a Bloody Mary Bar.

51. Make the best candy using a slow cooker.

52. Spike some cherries, then dip them into chocolate.

Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries - 10 Christmas Cocktail recipes

Well my friends, we made it halfway! Are you ready for more Christmas inspiration? I hope these creative Christmas ideas are giving you a little inspiration to celebrate the holiday season.

I also want to mention that you can do one or one hundred of these ideas. This list of festive Christmas ideas is meant to inspire, not to make you feel overwhelmed. Set aside moments to celebrate and do what makes you happy this Christmas season.

Ready for more Christmas ideas? Let’s do this!!

More Festive Christmas Ideas:

53. Jazz up plain ornaments with a paint pen.

54. Print Christmas bottle tags to make gift wrapping fun and easy.

55. Enjoy the twinkle of Christmas lights at night.

Evening at Bayberry House: Christmas 2018 #christmas #holiday #decor #decorations #night #evening #hometour

56. Add a creative chalkboard holiday label to your serveware.

57. Make a garland or a wreath out of marshmallows.

58. Stir up a holiday sangria mocktail.

A delicious and easy Non-Alcoholic Sangria for Christmas #christmas #holiday #sangria #mocktail #recipe #drink

59. Wow ‘em with Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars.

60. Dazzle friends and family with Braided Nutella Bread.

61. Tickle taste buds with Cranberry Orange Walnut Tassies.

62. Bake these festive Christmas sprinkle cookie cups.

These colorful Christmas Sprinkle Cookie Cups are a delicious and easy to make Christmas Cookie. #christmas #cookie #recipe #dessert #holiday #sprinkles

63. Make red pepper jelly to give as a gift or serve as an appetizer.

64. Make mini cheesecakes in mason jars.

65. Build a tortilla roll-up tree as a tasty holiday appetizer.

Christmas Tortilla Roll-ups Appetizer recipe #christmas #appetizer #pinwheel #rollup #recipe

66. Decorate your mantel with rustic charm.

67. Bake mini skillet cookie cakes.

68. Make your own mulling spices.

69. Bake a gorgeous Christmas Cake to share with friends and family.

This Black Walnut Cake is a delicious Christmas Cake perfect for the holiday season! #blackwalnut #cake #recipe #christmas #christmascake #cake #dessert #recipe

70. Decorate a flocked Christmas tree.

72. Serve a classic quiche to start the day.

71. Whip up this homemade pancake mix for a delicious breakfast or tasty gift idea.

Learn how to make this easy and delicious Homemade Pancake Mix. #homemade #pancake #mix #breakfast #recipe #pancakes

73. Host a White Christmas Celebration.

74. Make Cinnamon Roll Skillet Bread.

75. Decorate a tree in green (or your favorite color).

Christmas at Bayberry House - Holiday Home Tour with color Christmas Decoration ideas. #christmas #holiday #home #decor #decorations #christmastree

76. Prepare overnight oats for guests.

77. String popcorn or cranberry garland for the tree.

78. Create a holiday dessert spread with a bar cart.

79. Create a delicious monkey bread in a slow cooker.

80. Add seasonal flavor to a classic old fashioned with cranberries.

The best Cranberry Old Fashioned recipe

81. Bake ugly sweater Christmas cookies.

82. Style a very merry entry table with chalkboard paint.

83. Create easy holiday artwork with washi tape.

84. Craft colorful coasters for a gift.

DIY Woold Felt Ball Coaster #diy #feltball #coaster

85. Decorate a tree entirely with vintage ornaments.

86. Or decorate a tree entirely inspired by memories of Christmases past.

87. Make a favorite holiday side dish: Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin.

88. Set up the ultimate holiday beverage cabinet.

Tips for Styling the Ultimate Holiday Bar Cart

89. Serve Berry Stuffed French Toast on Christmas morning.

90. Drive around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights as you enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn.

91. Heat up a batch of mulled wine to serve when company arrives.

Mulled Wine - winter holiday Christmas cocktail recipe #christmas #holiday #mulled #wine #cocktail #recipe

92. Gift homemade herb butter and gourmet bread.

93. Shop the thrift stores and antique shops for unique and vintage holiday decorations.

94. Prepare a cheeseball or two in advance for unexpected holiday visitors.

How to make a Christmas Tree Shaped Cheese Ball #christmas #appetizer #cheeseball #recipe

95. Serve cranberry meatballs on Christmas Eve.

96. Attend a holiday concert or musical with a friend.

97. Make THE BEST veggie dip for your holiday crudite.

98. Assemble an array of the BEST Christmas appetizers.

99. Add a gradient rainbow wreath to your front door to welcome guests.

Gradient Rainbow Christmas Wreath

100. Whip up this red and green jalapeño dip in minutes.

101. Wrap something in bacon like these water chestnuts or these stuffed jalapeños.

102. Incorporate a little festive flare to your kitchen for the holidays.

Festive and Beautiful Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas #holiday #christmas #kitchen #decor #decorating #ideas

103. Make this pizza bread for an unforgettable holiday appetizer.

104. Add a little festive flare to your mantel for the holidays.

105. Style this olive wreath holiday appetizer to pair with an epic cheese board.

Easy Olive Wreath Holiday Appetizer recipe idea. #christmas #recipe #thanksgiving #holiday #appetizer #recipe #olive

106. Whip up one of my favorite cranberry recipes! (There are 12+ to choose from.)

107. Go antiquing / thrifting to start a collection of vintage Christmas decorations.

108. Create this adorable tree out of vintage ornaments to decorate your wall.

Learn how to make this DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree #christmas #holiday #vintage #ornament #tree #walldecor #decorating

109. Add a string of colorful lights to your mantel for a nostalgic Christmas look.

110. Bake my favorite Christmas cookies: Cream wafers.

111. Craft vintage-inspired gift tags (free printable) with German glass glitter.

Vintage-Inspired Christmas Gift Tags (Free Printable) for your holiday gift wrapping! #christmas #gift #wrapping #printable #gifttags #tag #vintage #giftwrap

112. Whip up a batch of these colorful and delicious Peppermint Kiss Cookies.

113. Take time to craft a handmade holiday gift with these creative ideas.

114. Make classic gingerbread cookies to eat AND decorate your holiday home.

Delicious and festive Gingerbread Cookies! #christmas #cookies #gingerbread

115. Make my FAVORITE pie: Graham Cracker Cream Pie!

116. Shake up these flavorful Chai Spiced White Russians for a holiday treat.

117. Add a little touch of “Merry & Bright” to your fireplace mantel.

Festive Ideas and Inspiration for Living Room Christmas Decor #christmas #holiday #decor #decorating #ideas #livingroom #mantel #christmastree

118. Create a snow globe-inspired Christmas centerpiece for your table.

119. Set up a hot cocoa bar for impromptu treats.

120. Style a magical Christmas Mantel inspired by candlelight and a favorite holiday tune.

121. Fill a cabinet with festive holiday and Christmas ribbons to create a striking display.

My Christmas Ribbon Cabinet #christmas #ribbon #wrapping #decor #decorations #holiday #christmasribbon

122. Start a vintage Christmas  collection like I did with these plastic fawns on my living room mantel.

123. Bake these colorful and graphic Pinwheel Christmas Cookies.

124. Craft a festive cocktail by stirring up a delicious Holly Jolly Christmas Punch.

125. Craft bottle brush tree drink stirrers to add a festive touch to hot cocoa and cocktails.

DIY Bottle Brush Drink Stirrers #drink #stir #stirrer #christmas #holiday #bottlebrush #bottlebrushtree #cocktail #hotcocoa #hotchocolate

126. Turn vintage Christmas graphics into adorable gift bags with this free iron-on printable.

127. Bake Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls for an epic holiday breakfast.

128. Craft a wreath out of gingerbread cookies.

DIY Gingerbread Cookie Wreath #christmas #holiday #wreath #gingerbread #cookies #gingerbreadcookies #craft #christmasdecor

129. Roast and season cashews to create a quick and delicious snack idea for company.

130. Create an epic tiered tray of Christmas sweets and treats.

131. Craft mug huggers out of gingerbread.

Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating #mughugger

132. Style your entryway with festive decor as a holiday welcome to visitor.

132. Shake up a Naughty But Nice Christmas Cocktail.

133. Make the most adorable mushroom-shaped Christmas cookies.

Orange-Almond Sugar Cookies #mushroom #cookie #christmas #holiday #recipe #sugarcookie #cutout #royalicing #orangealmond

134. Take a moment at night to enjoy the glow of the lights and candles of the holiday season.

135. Make gingerbread ornaments and add them to a small tree in your dining room.

136. Add a mini Christmas tree to your kitchen and decorate with cookie cutters.

Festive Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas #christmas #kitchen #decor #decorating #ideas #holiday

137. Craft this DIY Paper Star Garland to decorate your garland or tree.

138. Use vintage Christmas decor to give your holiday decorating a nostalgic touch.

139. Whip up these Salted Caramel Crumb Bars because they are amazingly delicious.

140. Craft a wreath out of marshmallows!

How to Make a Marshmallow Wreath #marshmallowwreath #christmas #holiday #diy #handmade #craft #wreath #christmaswreath

141. Bake Chelsea Buns inspired by the British Baking Show.

142. Style a Winter Wonderland on your fireplace mantel.

143. Make shortbread cookies that are shaped like a wreath.

144. Roll up some flavorful Bourbon Balls for your Christmas Cookie platter.

145. Whip up a batch of my favorite Gingerbread Cookie Bars.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars #christmas #cookie #recipe #cookiebars #gingerbread #dessert #holiday

146. Make homemade Biscotti to enjoy and share!

147. Creative a village out of vintage cardboard Putz houses.

148. Get crafty and make homemade Christmas decor.

149. Craft colorful gift tags out of your own abstract art.

Abstract Holiday Gift Tags #christmas #gifttags #tags #DIY #handmade #abstract #art #painting #holiday #giftwrapping #wrapping

150. Impress your guests with this delicious and fancy Almond Swiss Roll.

151. Make Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup to flavor your holiday cocktails and desserts.

152. Bake up a batch of peppermint sugar cookies.

153. Use old plaid shirts to craft handmade ornaments to gift or for the tree.

DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornaments on pine with lights and felt garland.

154. Make Cranberry Orange Marmalade to eat and to share.

155. Dress your staircase with this festive vintage inspired garland!

156. String a handmade popcorn garland. (It’s easier than you think!)

157. Host a holiday cocktail party with these tasty drinks and bites.

158. Host a gift wrapping party.

159. Bake Bourbon Orange Biscotti to enjoy with tea or give as a gift.

160. Craft rustic wreaths out of wire and star anise.

anise wreath hanging on copper pan.

161. Host a holiday cookie swap with friends and family.

162. Whip up an easy breakfast casserole for Christmas morning.

163. Bake a festive and beautiful Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll.

Gingerbread Swiss Cake Roll on a platter.

164. Stir up this easy Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy.

165. Make a cheese board shaped liked a Christmas tree!

166. Craft a Paper Chain Garland to decorate your tree and mantel.

close up of paper chain garland.

167. Whip up these Cranberry Brie Bites. They are easy and delicious!

168. Make Seafood Lasagna for a special holiday meal.

169. Stir up this addictively delicious White Chocolate Puff Corn

170. Whip up one of these tasty Christmas snack ideas.

171. Make this Apple Pie Moonshine to serve or give as a gift.

173. Bake and decorate festive donuts for Christmas morning!

christmas donuts on a platter.

174. Whip up the easiest gingerbread cake with crumb topping.

175. Make a delicious Christmas breakfast with one of these fabulous recipes.

176. Make realistic mushrooms out of meringue to decorate a Yule log!

Meringue Mushrooms on a Yule log.

177. Craft peppermint sugar scrub to give as a. gift or use as holiday self care.

178. Make these easy Cheesecake Cookie Cups.

179. Stir up this delicious Gingerbread Party Mix.

180. Style a Mushroom-Inspired Table Top Tree.

adorable mini christmas tree in a bowl decorated with ribbon, lights, and mushroom ornaments.

181. Roll up a batch of handmade Peppermint Oreo Truffles.

182. Create inexpensive holiday artwork with vintage Christmas cards.

183. Turn mini gingerbread houses into a handmade Christmas Garland.

mini gingerbread house garland strung on a mantel with a pine garland.

184. Make Peppermint Biscotti to dip in tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.

185. Setup a festive antipasto skewer wreath.

186. Try my favorite old fashioned cocktail recipe.

188. Shake up and adorable and delicious Sugar Cookie Martini.

sugar cookie martini in glasses with cookie garnish.

188. Make vintage Hard Tack Candy in a variety of colors and flavors.

189. Serve up Mulled Wine Margaritas at a holiday party.

190. Craft adorable napkin rings from cookies and ribbon.

191. Style a Christmas tree with no theme, but lots of nostalgic charm.

christmas tree in the background of a entryway decorated for christmas.

192. Bake Festive Cherry Blossom Cookies.

193. Make vintage Hard Tack Candy in a variety of colors and flavors.

194. Use vintage Christmas cards to make DIY ornaments for your tree.

vintage santa ornament on a christmas tree.

195. Try making a new festive Christmas snack recipe for entertaining.

196. Mix up a batch of this irresistible Peppermint White Chocolate Chex Mix.

197. Whip up these easy and delicious gingerbread dip recipe.

hand with gingersnap taking a scoop of gingerbread dip.

198. Craft sweets at home with this Millionaire Candy recipe.

199. Bake up one of these beautiful and delicious peppermint inspired recipes.

200. Tour and get inspired by this amazing Gardenhouse decorated for Christmas.

view into the garden shed with decor for christmas.

201. Take inspiration from the outdoors and style a Traditional Woodland Christmas Tree.

202. Start an adorable vintage Christmas collection.

And LOTS MORE coming soon!

200+ Creative Christmas Ideas Continued…

And that’s a wrap! 200+ Christmas ideas, recipes, decorating inspiration, entertaining ideas, and lots of holiday cheer! Did I miss anything? Feel free to add you favorite Christmas ideas and holiday traditions in the comments below.

Be sure to save this post like or add one of the images to your Pinterest board. I originally shared this list of Christmas Ideas in 2018, but will continue to add new ideas every year. I hope this list of holiday inspiration becomes a go-to source of inspiration for you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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53 Comments

  1. Michael,
    You inspire me! When I’m having a down day, all I have to do is look for your post in my Inbox and suddenly my day is brightened. Love these 115+ Creative Christmas Ideas; love your posts all year long. Merry Christmas!
    Shirley

  2. I think I am going to have to make those eggnog cookies! All great ideas!. I first found you in the Better Homes and Garden Christmas issue last year and fell in love with your Christmas decorations. I stumbled across your blog a few months ago and have been enjoying reading all of your posts. I hope you are adjusting to the area. We moved here 13 years ago from Illinois and it was a hard adjustment for me. My husband and I both come from big families and being away was so hard. Now I wouldn’t move from here unless it is for some place warmer.

  3. Wonderful having everything in one spot. Next year I’ll use your ideas for inspiration and to put me in the holiday spirit. Your DIY’s are always very stylish and say “homemade” in the best use of the word. Happy Holidays!