Remember when we excitedly shared that we’d been invited to write a regular column for Richmond’s R. Home magazine? Our first piece is now in print, and we’re thrilled to present simple holiday decorating ideas that use ornaments in fresh, unexpected ways. You can click here to view the full three-page feature. Below are the photos, instructions, and a few behind-the-scenes notes.
Before diving into the projects, a quick note on the assignment process: we were asked to create three small DIY projects for each issue. Since our first deadline was the Christmas edition, we brainstormed a stack of ornament-centered ideas. There were a few logistical hurdles—chiefly that we were planning and shooting in early September, so holiday ornaments and cards weren’t exactly plentiful. We also styled and photographed everything in our own home, which added a fun but cozy challenge. In the end, we worked through it and were delighted with the finished spread. Now, on to the projects!
Idea #1: Seasonal Place Card
A simple, elegant twist on the classic glass ornament: use a paint pen to write guests’ names directly on the ornament to create festive place settings. Below is a behind-the-scenes shot we captured over the photographer’s shoulder during the shoot:
One small behind-the-scenes detail: for the photo we used short names—Ross, Ella, Lisa, Bill—because we weren’t sure how easily longer names would fit on the ornaments. It turned out to be very doable, so there’s no need to uninvite anyone with a long name this holiday season.
These personalized ornaments also make thoughtful DIY gifts. Gather a set of ornaments, write each family member’s name on one, and package them in a festive box or a stocking. The recipients can hang them on the tree, display them in a decorative bowl, or use them on the mantel to mark stocking spots.
Idea #2: Ornament Magnets
This project turns ornaments into colorful magnets for displaying holiday cards on the fridge—much more secure than lining cards on a table where gusts of wind or a passing dog might topple them. To make them, glue small strong magnets to the back of lightweight ornaments.
A practical note from the shoot: regular craft glue took far too long to set, so we switched to a heavy-duty adhesive (Liquid Nails) and found it bonded quickly and securely. Also, because it was early in the season and we didn’t have current holiday cards on hand, we used a mix of keepsake cards from past years and a few simple handmade versions made from colored paper and glitter stickers.
Ornament magnets also make great gifts—tie a few together with velvet ribbon, or present them in a glass dish for a polished look.
Those are two easy, budget-friendly ways to add holiday charm to your home with minimal effort. The printed feature includes an extra idea on the third page; you can view it by clicking the image in the article above. We’re already working on our next column, which will be full of DIY art ideas—stay tuned!
Update: If you’re looking for more holiday décor options, you can find a curated list of our favorite holiday décor finds in our archive, many priced under $15.