For your Christmas decorations, why not go for something a little less traditional this year?

@melanielissackinteriors, @davidlawsondesign, @studio__billie (Instagram)

Christmastime is an opportunity to raise old traditions, but it's also a chance to create new ones: if you are looking for some ideas for decorations that combine the familiar in different ways, check out the examples given below where we show how you can creatively customize your Christmas decorations this year!

1. A garland of ball ornaments

Paula Rogers (@paularogers1972/Instagram)

Have you ever considered that how you arrange your ball ornaments on your Christmas tree can create attractive designs? In the example shown here, the balls are in all the same, dark red color, but are in different sizes and arranged in a garland that wraps around the tree from top to bottom!

2. Christmas tree and bows

Melanie Lissack Interiors (@melanielissackinteriors/Instagram)

Adding to - or simply replacing - classic Christmas ball ornaments with bows is a trend that took off in 2023 and is still popular now: the length of the tails, the colors used and even the choice of materials the bows are made from, are all characteristics that you can adjust to customize your tree with bows that suit your tastes.

3. Hanging ornaments

CHRISTMAS DAILY (@christmashyped/Instagram)

Simple but classy: a cluster of Christmas ball ornaments - of similar or matching colors - hanging from the ceiling at various heights. This decoration is perfect for placement above the dining table or your Christmas tree!

4. Garlands and wreaths

David Lawson Design (@davidlawsondesign/Instagram)

Putting a garland or wreath on/above the fireplace is nothing new at Christmastime! But when arranged as shown here - along with some fir tree branches, velvet ribbon and a few lights - you'll have something truly unique.

5. Handcrafted, personalized ornaments

BLANK EARTH CERAMICS(@blankearth/Instagram)

Whether you decide to hang them on a traditional Christmas tree or place them elsewhere in the house, the ornaments you choose are an expression of your tastes. Given this, you can search online for unique, handcrafted ornaments you like or even find tutorials on how to make them yourself.

6. Using paper

Zack Mclaughlin - Paper artist (@paperandwood_ /Instagram)

Paper, cardboard, crafting card, and more: these are the best materials you can use for an "eco-friendly Christmas"! When you're done with them - or they get damaged - getting rid of them will not harm the environment.

There are many tutorials online on how to make paper-based decorations by hand and you're sure to be able to produce beautiful Christmas ornaments you can hang up almost anywhere!

7. Children's crafts

The Rural Headteacher (@the_rural_headteacher)

Getting the kids to craft Christmas decorations is a great way to get them involved in the festivities and make some precious memories. Just by hanging up Christmas cards they've made (like the one shown here) will help set a "Christmassy" atmosphere in the home.

8. Detailing

DECOR STEALS (@decorsteals/Instagram)

Even "traditional" decorations can be transformed by simply changing some basic, decorative details. For example, you could put a regular Christmas tree into a large terracotta vase, a tin tub or a ceramic planter. If you like the result, go for it!

9.Using candles to set the scene

Studio Billie Candles (@studio__billie/Instagram)

Some set up a Nativity scene, while others use little houses to create a miniature, enchanted Christmas village... So, why not do the same with candles instead? In the example shown here, we have candles in the shapes of reindeer, little houses, Christmas trees, snowmen, and more. Arranged to create a "Christmassy scene", these candles will look stunning when lit!

10. Sophisticated ideas for table centerpieces

Claus Dalby (@clausdalby), Hanne Utoft Floral design (@hanneutoft) via Instagram

How about setting up a sophisticated-looking centerpiece for your dining table over the Christmas holidays? With the judicious use of season materials (like pine cones and berries, for example) and a few candles, you can make an elegant centerpiece, just like the dark-toned one shown here!

11. 3D figurines

Beata Rodriguez (@ myhousefromscratch/Instagram)

Little trees, snowmen, tiny houses, angels and many other Christmas icons can be produced as stylized, 3D figurines, as shown here. And decorations like this will certainly be eye-catching when used as table centerpieces and/or displayed on the shelves of your living room.

12. Unexpected combinations

Claus Dalby (@clausdalby), Hanne Utoft Floral design (@hanneutoft) via Instagram

It's fine to use branches, small logs, fronds and pine cones to create Christmas decorations, but why not combine these "traditional materials" with something a little less "orthodox"? In the example shown here, we see some typical festive arrangements, but which are "unexpectedly" set in attractive, copper containers.

Merry Christmas to everyone!