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Give the Gift of Self-Care with Bath Salts That Smell Like a Christmas Tree

by Rachel Jacks
Make DIY Christmas tree bath salts
Photo: Rachel Jacks

Though the holidays are supposed to be a relaxing, fun time, for many of us they end up being stress-fests. Between shopping for gifts, preparing holiday meals and treats, and managing family interactions, it can be too easy to end the year feeling worn-out and frazzled. But that's where self-care comes in. Taking the time to give yourself a break can make a huge difference, and if that break takes the form of a hot bath for you, you can incorporate the rejuvenating scent of evergreens via these Christmas tree bath salts. Or package these bath salts up with some other bath luxuries, and give them as a gift!    

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How to Decorate Your Tree in the Scandinavian Style with DIY Minimal Ornaments

by Marlene Sauer

 

DIY Scandinavian Ornaments
Images by Marlene Sauer

Finding minimal holiday decorations isn't always the easiest. Let's face it, this is not a season known for restraint! 

As my own decorating tastes are turning ever more minimal, I decided to take a cue from my favorite design style and make a few DIY Scandinavian-inspired ornaments. I just love how simple and natural this look is, while still being festive.

Keep reading to see how to make all three decorations so you can style your own minimal holiday tree!       

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Easy Mantel Idea: Colorful Paper Tree Forest

by Faith Provencher
Easy Mantel Idea: Colorful Paper Tree Forest | By Curbly #diy #paper #christmas
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Ever since I built a mantel a couple of years ago, I'm always on the hunt for fun new ways to decorate it. So as I browsed the paper aisle at my local craft store, it hit me - a folded paper tree forest! I'm a big fan of non-traditional colors, so I bought a few of my favorites and got to work. Click through to check out the full tutorial.   

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Make DIY Mini Concrete Christmas Trees

by Rachel Jacks
DIY cement Christmas trees
Photo: Rachel Jacks

 

Though real Christmas trees are wonderful, not all of us have the time, space, or energy to deal with them. So if your tastes lean to the more industrial, minimalist side of things, you can make your own little Christmas trees out of cement. These concrete Christmas trees are reusable, require no maintenance, and you don't have to worry about ornaments or lights. Of course, there's no reason you can't have both a real tree and some of these mini ones. They're pretty quick and addictive to make, so go ahead and make a whole forest. 

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How To Decorate A Christmas Tree With Ribbon

by Faith Provencher
How To Decorate A Christmas Tree With Ribbon | Curbly #christmas #holiday #ribbon #nontraditional #unique
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

I love a unique Christmas tree. Don't get me wrong, a classic evergreen tree with white lights and red ornaments is great too... but there's something so exciting about a non-traditional tree with interesting colors and unusual decorations. So today I'm going to teach you how to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbon! Read on to check out my tips and tricks for creating a stunning, colorful ribbon tree.     

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Real Christmas Tree 101: Everything You Need to Know About Tree Care

by Rachel Jacks

Real Christmas tree maintenance

The other day a friend told me about her family's tradition of getting their Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving. While other people are feverishly chasing Black Friday deals, they spend the morning at a nearly-empty Christmas tree farm, cutting down fresh Christmas trees. Sounds pretty ideal, doesn't it? With proper Christmas tree maintenance, they don't have any trouble keeping them looking good for a whole month, so here's what you need to know to buy a real Christmas tree, and keep it in tip-top shape throughout the holidays.    

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Try this Christmas Tree Alternative! Wooden Dowel Tree Decor

by Holly Wade

Try this Christmas Tree Alternative! Wooden Dowel Tree Decor

Although I love having a traditional Christmas tree in my home, that's not the case for everyone. Whether a traditional tree it doesn't fit your Christmas style or you don't have the space for one, this simple wooden dowel tree is a great Christmas decor alternative that still allows you to hang ornaments. This minimalist-style DIY will still brighten up a space of your home and fit perfectly in a corner or even on a tabletop!

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How to: 3 Elegant Tree Decorations You Can Make from Recycled Paper

by Faith Towers Provencher
Three DIY Recycled Paper Tree Decorations
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

December is one of my favorite times of the year, but there is something about all of the spending and consequent waste (shipping boxes, gift wrap, etc.) that rubs me the wrong way. So I thought it would be fun to decorate a tree using recycled paper and cardboard, and I'm sharing three mini tutorials with you today. Click through to check it out.      

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How to: Make this No-Sew Scalloped Tree Skirt in 20 Minutes

by Holly Wade

How to: Make this No-Sew Scalloped Tree Skirt in 20 Minutes

During the holidays, it's a miracle to have time for anything, which means time-saving DIYs are a must. I decided it was time to swap out my dated Christmas tree skirt for something new and stylish, and I love how thick felt holds up underneath my tree. In the spirit of quick DIYs, I decided to make myself an upgrade with this simple no-sew scalloped tree skirt that took less than 20 minutes to make.

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How to Fold a Christmas Money Tree

by M.E. Gray

How to make a Money Tree for Christmas from a Dollar Bill

Giving cash this Christmas? (We still think it's better than a gift card.) Instead of just sticking the bills in a card, how about festively folding them into a Christmas money tree shape? With this simple technique, you’ll have the whole project done in less than five minutes. Here's how to make a money tree for the holidays this year...

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How to: Elegant and Oh-So-Simple Himmeli-Inspired Christmas Trees

by Jennifer Farley

DIY Tabletop Himmeli Christmas Tree

When it comes to stylish Christmas decor, I always love the classic and elegant look of Scandinavian simplicity. I'm especially into the Finnish Himmeli craft, and dig all the ornaments, stars, and wreathes made from them. So, I wanted to add to that trend by making a Himmeli tabletop Christmas tree design to use as decor around my house and in my Christmas tablescapes.

Sometimes, Himmeli projects are known for getting a little complicated. Believe me, I know. I have tried and failed at many. So, I made these Himmeli trees to be easy, modern, and adaptable to create a variety of tree designs. To pull off the look, you only need to know how to make one simple Himmeli triangle. 

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