Deck the Halls with Ornaments

There's so much more that ornaments can do than just trim your tree.

ABC News

December 14, 2007, 10:49 AM ET

4 min read

Dec. 14, 2007 — -- Once you've finished trimming the tree, put those leftover ornaments to good use. No matter what shape, size or substance, extra ornaments are the perfect way to get your whole house brimming with holiday cheer. Nancy Soriano, Editor-in-Chief of Country Living magazine shared her unique ideas for decorating with ornaments on "Good Morning America" today.

Containers

Try putting different colors of ornaments in apothecary jars, hurricane vases, or glass jars. A collection of these works well as a table centerpiece, or even put a jar up on a flight of stairs to decorate your entryway.

For more of a home-comfort feeling, you can put different ornaments in simple galvanized buckets, or even try using mini-ornaments in vintage muffin tins or bowls.

Another great idea for your holiday table is to take a glass container, place a pillar candle in it, and then surround it by inexpensive ornaments… it takes only a minute to put together, and has a big "wow factor."

Personalization

By writing your guests' names on ornaments, they can function as everything from party favors, to placecards.

Use ornaments on wrapped presents in place of a bow. It could be a collectible ornament, or you could write the name of the recipient and year on the ornament as a keepsake.

Place one personalized ornament at each seat for your holiday meal. It's a placecard that guests can keep forever!

Pile a number of different ornaments into a large bowl with each of your guests' names on it. Then when it's time to decorate the tree, every member of the party can place his or her ornament on the tree.

Home Decorating

An Easy Ornament Wreath: Purchase a grapevine wreath from your craft store, and spray-paint it silver. Add ornaments--of any color--and you have a quick, festive and easy front-door décor!

Mini Ornament Trees: Buy styrofoam cones in various sizes from the craft store. With a hot glue gun, attach ornaments to the cones until no styrofoam is visible. These would be great on an entryway table, a buffet, or even as the centerpiece to your big meal.

Just Hanging Around: Don't forget to look up! Hang ornaments from your home's chandelier to add holiday cheer.

Get Framed: Using different colored ribbons, tie a collection of ornaments to an old frame so that the ornaments are suspended within the frame. This is also a great window treatment! You can also even hang ornaments from the sash of your curtains.

For More Great Ideas Head to CountryLiving.com