Magical ways to decorate with paper this holiday season

If you're looking to create a magical and nostalgic atmosphere in your home this year, consider getting a little crafty. Whipping up some handmade decorations, like the chic paper DIYs featured below, is an easy, budget-friendly way to transform your space.

With this inspiration from creators, you can make everything from whimsical garlands to festive tablescapes using paper you already have on hand (think kraft paper, bristol board and printer paper).

Here are 19 simple but special ideas to help you bring your entire space to life. 

Glorious garlands

Garlands are a holiday-decorating staple, and there are so many types you can make yourself. Take inspiration from Lisa Przystup's pretty paper chains or Margaux Seydoux's string of mini trees. Want to dress up a garland you already own? Follow Charlotte Smith's lead and add some bows and holly leaves made out of colourful paper. 

Sweet snowflakes and stars

These paper bag snowflakes are so easy to make, Toronto-based DIYer Wendy Lau crafts them every year. Hang them on your mantel, bannister, curtain rods or anywhere you want to add a sprinkle of holiday cheer. No paper bags? No problem. Alexis McMullin's project uses paper towel and toilet paper rolls to make striking stars.

A celestial wreath

Stars are also an excellent choice for a holiday wreath, like this one by origami expert Lini Trinh. Watch below for Trinh's star-shaping tutorial and then check out part two to learn how to fold the bow.   

A colourful hanukkiah

Ilyssa Minkus's menorah wall hanging is equal parts eye-catching and interactive. Simply pull out a slip of paper each night of Hanukkah to reveal a rainbow-hued hanukkiah.

Lovely lanterns 

Ottawa-based paper artist Florencia Alba's colourful paper lanterns look extra festive when paired with a few sparkly disco balls. Meanwhile, Kelowna, B.C.'s Dawnalee Croteau illuminates the woodland decor trend with her mushroom-shaped (flameless) candleholders that she crafts out of toilet paper rolls.  

Delicate ornaments

The mention of homemade ornaments may conjure visions of popsicle-stick reindeer and crumbling salt dough, but the examples below prove that DIY can be dazzling. 

Designer Isla Middleton uses block printing to create festive 3D diamonds, while TikTok creators Mayes and Viki Studio Origami turn toilet paper rolls into ornate snowflakes. Those rolls can be freed up by first making Derya Tavas's adorable paper mâché mushrooms. New to DIY? Alex Sisoian's take on those trendy paper ornaments you've been seeing everywhere is simple to execute but looks good enough to be on store shelves. 

A custom advent calendar

Treat-filled advent calendars offer a daily dose of joy to those counting down the days to Christmas. And with this toilet paper roll DIY from Olga Kurzova, and a bit of imagination, you can make things even more exciting by personalizing the little presents to the person opening it. 

A holiday centrepiece

A centrepiece for your table doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. These simple paper dreidels from party expert Darcy Miller can be made in minutes and are easy enough to craft with the little ones (you can download the template on Miller's site). Complete the look with a silver tablecloth, a scattering of gelt and a few string lights.

Pretty packaging 

Elevate your cookie exchange using leftover paper bags. In this quick and easy project, Ashley Koshimizu folds them into peaked shapes, then decorates them with Scandinavian-inspired gingerbread house illustrations. Or, if all you have left of last year's wrapping paper is scraps, consider turning them into festive bows like Neelima Kakarla does below. 

A large-scale installation

If you're looking for more of a showstopper piece, get inspired by these projects made by artist Trish Andersen that reveal just how much of an impact you can make with paper. Our favourites? The giant bough of holly and the Christmas "tree" made from paper umbrellas and lanterns.