Easy Decor, DIY Gifts, & Recipes to Make the Best Christmas Ever

The holidays are upon us—which means it's time to start decorating and preparing a menu for Christmas dinner! Here I've compiled a list of a few helpful ideas that may give you some inspiration during this holiday season.

DIY Fresh Mini Christmas Trees

If you're unlike me and buy a ~real~ tree from a lot, this is the perfect DIY for you! This craft uses the tree scraps you pick up from the tree lot and turns them into adorable, decorative mini-trees! Perfect for centerpieces, on top of a mantle, or just as miscellaneous decor in your home!

Holly Balloon Sticks

These holly balloon sticks are simple and absolutely beautiful. These are perfect for older children to make, and make for fantastic decorations for your home.

Boho Greenery Ornaments

These are absolutely GORGEOUS and perfect if you're in love with the boho trend. While the site doesn't include any instructions, it seems pretty simple: buy some clear, plastic/glass ornaments from your local crafts store (I picked some up at Target and Michaels), take the cap off and add in your favorite greenery! You could even get away with adding colorful flowers, beads...anything you want, really! Super easy & customizable.

Rustic Twig Christmas Ornaments

These simple and cute ornaments will have your tree looking from "blah" to rustic in no time! This is a perfect activity for children and adults alike. The decorating possibilities are endless with these adorable twig ornaments—paint them, decorate them with gems or fabric—truly a genius idea!

How to Cut Snowflakes

I'm sure we all remember making snowflakes from coffee filters back in grade school. Why not bring that back and turn them into some festive decorations? This is a great activity for older children who want to express their creativity. Simply hang them directly on the tree, place them on the wall, or even tape them to the inside of your windows so they're visible from the outside!

Bourbon Mustard Orange Glazed Ham

Turkey is for Thanksgiving, ham is for Christmas—and you certainly can't go wrong with this one. Beautifully glazed with bourbon, orange, and mustard, this ham is tangy, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Not to mention the amazing caramelization of the glaze on the top of the ham... drool!

Mocha Almond Fudge (Paleo + Vegan)

Who doesn't love getting fudge for Christmas?! I personally love making it—seeing my friends and families' faces light up when I hand them some delicious fudge is absolutely priceless. Oh, and did I mention that it's vegan & paleo? This recipe is just absolutely perfect for everyone!

Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Meringues

Absolutely decadent (and adorable, too), these meringue cookies are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. While meringues are a bit more difficult to make, they are completely worth it. Mix one in a cup of hot cocoa or simply eat one by itself! These are absolutely scrumptious and perfect for any holiday parties you may be attending.

Chocolate-Dipped Spoons

Super easy and simple, these chocolate spoons are definitely a crowd-pleaser! Make a whole batch as gifts for your coworkers or neighbors, or simply just make them for a holiday party for your own household. Mix them in with a mug of hot cocoa for a perfect, chocolatey, Christmasy treat!

Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint is everyone's favorite flavor once December rolls around. With this batch of delicious, chocolatey peppermint brownies, you'll be sure to have a good time. Not to mention they only take 30 minutes to make! Talk about a win!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Another delicious peppermint recipe—perfect for a cookie swap, holiday party, or just as a tasty treat! Whip these up in no time and you'll have a cookie that is not only yummy, but beautiful, too!

Decadent Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate

Everyone loves hot chocolate. With this recipe, you'll be having the most delicious, rich hot cocoa in the easiest way possible: a slow-cooker! Simply made with chocolate, milk, heavy cream, & cocoa powder, this hot cocoa recipe is absolutely perfect. Mix this with one of those chocolate spoons and you're set!