17 DIY Living Room Christmas Decorations That Are Cooler Than Mom’s

Christmas decorations are high on our to-do list these days. Feeling the same? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Start by decorating your living room — AKA the most important room in the house — so you (and your guests) are immediately greeted with holiday cheer as soon as you walk in the door. Check out the 17 DIY projects below to get you in the stylish holiday decor spirit.

1. Colorful Forest: Show off your power tool skills (or bribe someone with warm Christmas cookies to help you) with these bright + modern Christmas trees. Dilute your paint with a little water to allow the woodgrain to show through and use the other end of your paint brush to add the dots. (via Inspired by Charm)

2. Tinsel Letter Garland: Add a touch of glam to your holiday decor by wrapping long strips of tinsel garland around wooden letters to create a festive phrase. Staple the letters to another garland, hang and admire. (via A Bubbly Life)

3. Retro Ranch Holiday House: If a snow-covered Christmas isn’t something you’re used to, then put together this tropical village instead. The cardstock ranch-style houses and palm trees are absolutely adorable. Finish it off with gold bead embellishments and bottle brush trees. Now you just have to find a prime location for it in your house. (via Vitamini Handmade)

4. DIY Holiday Throw Pillows: Okay, here’s the deal: If you buy a blank pillow cover, then these are completely no-sew. But if you happen to have extra fabric lying around, go for it and make the cover yourself. You totally got this. (via Style Me Pretty)

5. Christmas Card Holder: Display your Christmas cards in style this year. This project is perfect for your front entryway and will get tons of compliments. When you’re done with it, just roll up the cork board tree, package away the pushpins and put it away until next year. (via A Bubbly Life)

6. Ornament Wreath: Show off your collection of vintage ornaments by turning them into a vibrant wreath. The ornaments are attached with pins so you can remove them if you want, but once you see the finished product you’ll never want to take it down. (via Martha Stewart)

7. Woven Christmas Tree Wall Hanging: This Anthropologie-inspired wall hanging is a great project for anyone wanting to try their hand at weaving. Make your own loom with a picture frame, nails and string, and get to work. Bonus: Since you’re only working with one color, any flubs you make won’t be noticeable. (via Everything Emily)

8. Sequined Wreath: Create this sparkly wreath now and you can leave it up all year long (or at least through Valentine’s Day). Wrap sequined trim around a foam wreath form and glue it in place at both ends. This one is so bright, you just might need shades. (via The Style House)

9. Astronomical Accent: Your guests will never believe you made the huge silver star hanging above your mantel out of paper (and tons of glitter). This project is a prime example of how easy it can be to make high-impact decorations with everyday materials. (via Martha Stewart)

10. Christmas Tree Lanterns: Here’s a project you can totally do during nap time and still have time to eat lunch. All you have to do is cut a dozen Christmas tree shapes out of tissue paper and glue them on plain lanterns for a Scandinavian-esque holiday style. It doesn’t get much easier than this. (via A Bubbly Life)

11. Ornament Garland: String up bunches of ornaments on a long piece of ribbon or tulle to create an eye-catching garland that will look killer regardless of where you put it. You are going to need quite a few ornaments for this one, so keep an eye out next time you hit the local thrift store. (via Brit + Co)

12. Washi Tape Christmas Tree: Put your tree directly on the wall if you’re short on floor space. Strips of washi tape in the same colors make this simple piece look pulled together and Instagram worthy. Just don’t forget the star at the top. (via Nalle’s House)

13. DIY Wooden Trees: If you prefer your decorations on the minimal side, then this DIY is right up your alley. Paint wooden triangle shapes and add gold leaf detail all around. Since these are small, display them in clusters so they don’t get lost among your larger pieces. (via Sugar and Cloth)

14. Mini Present Garland: Add a bit of retro flair to your tree with this adorable package garland. Wrap empty raisin boxes in bright crepe paper and tie with embroidery thread. You’re going to want to make a bunch of these after you see just how cute it is. (Oh Happy Day)

15. Fabric Stag Head: Adorn your wall with a colorful stag head using only half a yard of fabric. Pick a more neutral fabric and keep it up all year long for a fun + funky piece of decor that is sure to become the focal point of your space. (via Pillar Box Blue)

16. Gold-Dipped Bottle Brush: Make your bottle brush trees look even cuter with a little gold leaf action. Brush it lightly on the tips of the bristles, then go back over it with gold glitter nail polish for a bit of sparkle. Now, go grab a cup of tea and admire your work. (via Studio DIY)

17. Popsicle Snow Flakes: Popsicle sticks aren’t just for making birdhouses at summer camp anymore. This project is a great one for the kids to help out with since the snowflakes can be made in any shape or size. Add a layer of gold (or silver) spray paint and hang with double-sided tape. (via Making Home Base)

Which one of these DIYs are you going to tackle first? Leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

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Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

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

Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – 3 out of 5 new drinks on the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this new lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu also has one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

The Dunkin’ winter menu dropped on December 31, just ahead of the new year. Dunkin's holiday menu dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything on the Dunkin’ menu this December to start 2025 off just right!

Drinks On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, this one's for you.

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also featuring the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso looks like it follows a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order. It even got a co-sign from Sabrina Carpenter.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks this season, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on theDunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut features a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! This zesty-sweet snack returns on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Dunkin' Menu Items To Come In 2025

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

Speculation around the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the buzz, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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This post has been updated.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.