The Ultimate Holiday Hack: 8 Ornaments in 8 Minutes

We’ve been busting out pieces of holiday decor around here at a rate that rivals Santa’s workshop: from modern clay geo ornaments and glittery snow globes to colorful knotted garland for our festive faux fireplace. Phew! And now, we’ve taken on the ultimate timed challenge: to trick out eight clear ornaments in under a minute each! We have to say, while it may sound intimidating, it was a cinch to do. The trick: remembering it’s what’s inside that counts!

While these see-through ornaments have endless potential, we stuck to stuffing them with eye-popping odds and ends that any seasoned DIY-er should have on hand—think colorful pom poms, glistening glitter, and even a pair of air plants! Get ready for the ultimate holiday hack: on your mark, get set, MAKE!

Materials:
– large clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– small pom poms

– festive string

We’ll start with what might be the simplest DIY ornament on our roundup—one stuffed with colorful pom poms! Pop these cozy embellishments right into your ornament, tie off with a festive string, and you’re ready to slap it on your tree. See, we told you these were fast!

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– silver glitter

– festive string

Tools:
– paper cone

– washi tape

Get a modern “dipped” look without busting out the painter’s tape! While we’re suckers for a classic gold dip (we do it on everything from vases to woven baskets), we opted for a more wintry silver version, which you make by carefully dumping silver glitter into your ornament. We tried to avoid getting glitter everywhere by rolling a piece of craft paper into a cone and using that as our transfer tool. But wait, what about the washi tape? Surprisingly, we’re not using it as a decorative element in any of these designs. Rather, we discovered that it makes the perfect stand to keep your ornament in place while you fill it. Who knew?

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– faux snow

– 1/2 inch vinyl lettering

– festive string

Tools:
– paper cone

– washi tape

We had a ton of vinyl letters laying around from a recent round of glass etching projects, so we decided to use them in this ornament DIY. Full disclosure: we did attempt to etch our glass ornament, but the iridescent glare made the frosty finish near impossible to see. We still loved the way the ornament looked before we peeled the letters off, so we decided to redo and stop at step one! We’re pretty smitten with the unintended results: the black vinyl letters add a cool, graphic pop to this faux snow-filled ornament—it’s one of our faves!

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a side opening

– colorful paper confetti

– festive string

Tools:

– washi tape

If you’re stocking up on New Year’s Eve party supplies already, be sure to reserve some colorful confetti to make this festive ornament. We went with this lovely matte paper confetti, but you could always add some glitz by filling it with metallic bits.

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– gold paint

– festive string

Tools:

– washi tape

We got our inspiration for this ornament from a DIY basic that’s an oldie but a goodie: the inside out painted mason jar. Rather than use spray paint, we thought we’d go for more of a marbled effect by pouring shimmery gold paint into our glass ornament and swirling it round and round. For this method, it’s best to use house paint or paint that flows more easily. Acrylic paint in tubes is likely not going to flow the way you want it to—see how our paint drips into whirling shapes? Let it rest upside down on a paper plate until dry, then tie on a festive string to finish. The result is nothing less than luxe…and practically mess-free!

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a side opening

– tinsel garland remnants

– festive string

Tools:
– scissors

– washi tape

With all the events we host here at Brit HQ, you can be we’ve cycled through our fair share of garlands. So for this ornament, we decided to reuse one of our more well-loved ones from our go-to garland supplier, Studio Mucci—if you ask us, there’s no better place on the web to get gorgeous garlands! So we snipped off three tinsel tassels, trimmed them down to size (we even gave the gold tinsel an extra thin snipping), and stuffed them into our ornament. These would make awesome party favors for any NYE bash!

Materials:
– clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– mini pine cones

– metallic gold spray paint

– white glitter

– festive string

Tools:
– paper cone

– washi tape

Get lost staring into this mini winter wonderland—complete with tiny gilded pine cones and glistening glitter snow! To create this whimsical winter scene, spray paint your tiny pine cones gold and let them sit to dry, about 10 minutes–just make sure they fit through the opening of your ornament first! Then, dump white glitter into your ornament with the help of your hand paper cone and pop in each pine cone, one by one!

Materials:
– large clear glass or plastic ornament with a top opening

– moss

– festive string

Tools:
– needle nose jewelry pliers or long tweezers

– washi tape

We’re obsessed with air plants, and how can you blame us? The root-less plants are the most effortless way to add greenery to a modern space, not to mention that caring for them is beyond easy. So we thought we’d create a holiday terrarium of sorts by adding a pair of air plants and a cushy bed of bright green moss to our oversized ornament.

Once you’ve inserted the moss, add each air plant with needle nose jewelry pliers, tweezers, or any other long handling tool you might have lying round—this makes it easier to arrange your plants among the fluffy moss. Once you have them in place, handle with care! Even the slightest shake could knock your natural set up. Once a week, take this ornament down from your tree and spray the contents with a small amount of water. Make sure the plants are completely dry before re-capping!

Annnd time! According to our clock, that’s eight tree-ready ornaments made in eight minutes! You can take it easy from here on out, we promise :)

Every addition was so simple, yet each ornament makes quite a statement, some more literally than others ;) What will you do with all this spare time? Our next move definitely involves a these eight ornaments and a tree!

Are DIYing your ornaments this year? What tree-worthy ones are you creating? Talk to us in the comments below!

You’ve picked out the perfect tree topper and DIYed a few festive holiday garlands; now all that’s left to do is to decorate the tree. Whether you’re looking for quirky and colorful ornaments or you’re going for a more sleek decorating scheme, these ornaments will have your friends and family singing “Oh, Christmas Tree” in no time. They make great stocking stuffers too for the ornament collector; the foodie, animal lover, or artist in your life; or anyone who takes joy in the holidays. Oh what fun!

Framed Beetle Ornament

These framed beetle ornaments are a great addition to your Christmas tree if you still have Halloweenon the brain.

Forest In Glass Ball Ornament

For color lovers, these glittery trees create a colorful forest on your festive tree.

Wondershop 'merry Christmas' Record Player Christmas Tree Ornament

Let this cute retro record player ornament help you ring in the sweet tunes of Christmas.

Glitterville Ice Cream Cone Ornaments (Set of 3)

These cute pastel ornaments will bring a tasteful (pun intended!) touch to your Christmas tree. And of course, if you start to crave the real thing, we have amazing ice cream sundae recipes for you to make at home!

MoMA Craftspring New York City Felt Hat Ornament

If you live in or just love NYC, here's a little felty tribute.

Wondershop Sequined Felt Donut Christmas Ornament

We're into this whole food theme with a sequined felt donut ornament.

Wondershop Felt Dragon Fruit Christmas Ornament

What a sweet little dragon fruit.

Wondershop Taco Glass Ornament

Taco dreams? Start with this quirky ornament.

Anthropologie Tinsel Cocktail Ornament

Cocktail wishes? Toast the new year with this sparkly tinsel ornament.

Anthropologie Travel Poodle Ornament (New York)

Get ready for your first solo travel trip by placing this travel poodle on your tree.

World Market Wool Smiling S'mores Ornament

Channel summer campfires with this charming s'mores ornament.

Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror Ornament

Pop a photo into this gleaming primrose mirror ornament for an on-trend tree.

Bloomingdale's Hot Air Balloon Ornament

Take flight with this monochromatic hot air balloon ornament.

World Market Glass Oat Milk Carton Ornament

Dairy-free? This shimmering ornament is too! ($8)

Anthropologie Macaron Box Glass Ornament

Macarons are a favorite around here.

Bloomingdale's Gum Ball Machine Ornament

You won't find this classic gumball machine anywhere else except in this unique collection from Bloomingdales. ($7)

Altar'd State Sparkling Water Ornament

Sparkling water is a must if you're not drinking during the holidays.

Urban Outfitter's Croissant Ornament

Bakers will delight in this buttery treat.

Anthropologie Paint Palette Ornament

Your Christmas tree won't be complete until you add this paint palette ornament to it.

Craft Spring Hand Felted Pink Desert Ornament

We love the idea of a whole tree inspired by the desert.

H&M Dog Christmas Ornament

Got a beige dog? Now you do.;) ($7)

Hallmark Balloon Dog Ornament

How cute is this balloon dog in ornament form?

Kurt Adler Plastic Sushi Ornament

Keeping with the foodie theme, why not have 3 sushi rolls on your tree?

Craft Spring Hand Felted Yellow NYC Taxi Cab Ornament

Here's your ticket to a nostalgic NYC-inspired tree.

Sudha Pennathur Empire State Building Ornament

Or if you prefer to focus on the Empire State building, here's a beaded version to help bring you holiday joy.

Harley Lilac Mushrooms Ornaments

This quartet of velvet beaded mushrooms is the sweetest for your forest-inspired tree.

Sur La Table Layer Cake Glass Ornament

A triple layer cake after an amazing Christmas dinner? We'll gladly take one!

Anthropologie Eiffel Tower Christmas Ornament

Bring a bit of Paris to your living room with this Eiffel Tower Christmas ornament.

H&M Lip Gloss in Ornament

H&M has a sweet surprise for you in the form of mini lip glosses encased in a clear ornament. It's the perfect gift that'll be hidden in plain sight!

Subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday gifting ideas. Follow us on Pinterest too for tons of holiday decor and recipe inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

Featured images via West Elm, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie and World Market

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

We love a good pun. With theholiday season upon us, why not put the two together with these punny DIY Christmas ornaments for your tree?! They’re super easy to make, so you’ll be able to save some time for a big mug of hot cocoa. More importantly, you’ll definitely be “sleighing” it (wink) with the decorations this year! Here’s the how-to. If you believe in your “elf,” you’re sure to do a great job!

How To Make DIY Christmas Ornaments

Materials:

  • colorful ornaments
  • vinyl in gold, white and black OR letter stickers

Tools:

  • Cricut Explorer (or other vinyl-cutting machine)
  • ruler

Instructions:

  1. Measure the approximate size of the front of your ornament with a ruler.
  2. Once you have the size, determine how large or small the vinyl letters need to be.
  3. If you are using a Cricut Explorer (or other vinyl-cutting machine) and a blank vinyl sheet, create a file with your puns and cut out the letters as per the instructions on your machine.
  4. Locate the center of your ornament and estimate where the first letter needs to be placed.
  5. Place all of the vinyl letters, making sure to space them evenly apart.

*If you don’t have a Cricut Explorer or other vinyl cutter, you can use store-bought vinyl letters to apply the puns.

Don’t worry if you misplace the letters. They’re just stickers, so they’re easy to take off and re-apply! And don’t fret if you don’t have a vinyl-cutting machine and don’t want to spend time hand cutting all of the letters! Your local craft store should have letter stickers in black and white that will do the trick.

Real Housewives of New York cast member Heather would definitely love the “Happy HOLLA Days” ornament, am I right?

Your tree will win the award for funniest this year!

Have any more Holiday puns? Or just a funny Holiday joke? Let us know in the comments below and follow our TikTok for more holiday DIYs like these DIY Christmas ornaments!

This post has been updated.

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.