5 modern holiday decorating projects

Take on these easy DIY holiday decorating projects that add a warm yet decidedly modern sensibility to your home this season.

1. DIY holiday cards
How to: With a 1/16-inch hole punch, notch the top center of the front of a blank folded card, then make seven notches along the bottom. Behind the top notch, attach the start of some embroidery floss to the card with a small piece of double-sided tape.



Wrap the floss around the front of the card seven times, so that it lies in a different bottom notch with each loop. Cut the floss and attach the end to the piece of double-sided tape. Print a holiday greeting using a date/number stamp and ink pad.

Related: Make party invites and place cards by hand


2. Advent tree
The calendar meets the holiday tree-and it's not just for kids.

Related: Full instructions and templates for making your own, including tutorial videos


3. Wintry tablescape
Create a merry scene along your dinner table runner.

How to: Punch stars out of card stock using a star craft punch. Sprinkle them along the runner, and intersperse miniature trees among candles. Porcelain and wood beasts, inspired by Old World ceramic collectibles, double as placecards-Paige writes the names on them with a colored pencil. A small bowl of nuts sits forkside at each place setting, accompanied by a nutcracker (and a metal jack, just for kicks).

Related: 8 ways to refresh your holiday table


SEE ALL MODERN HOLIDAY DECORATING PROJECTS


Even more inspiration for holiday decor:
Make a show-stopping wreath
Stylish holiday plant arrangements foraged from your backyard
Festive winter table arrangements
Energy-saving holiday lights
Decorated gourd ornaments