20 Quick, Easy DIY Centerpieces for Christmas Parties

With Christmas just days away, holiday-themed festivities are about to be thrown into high gear. Even the most casual host is likely to be spending time researching the perfect Christmas dinner entrees and sides or going over a guest list to make sure that loved ones have RSVPed for the annual fete. A Pew Research Center survey found 86 percent of respondents planned to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, and the same percentage say they planned to give gifts to friends and family. According to the survey, eight out of every 10 Americans (79 percent) planned to put up a Christmas tree. The point of all of this festive, seasonal celebrating might be to kick back, relax, and have fun. 

But hosts know, perhaps better than anyone, that a lot of work has to be done before that fun can occur. Setting the stage for the ultimate holiday get-together can feel like a big hairy deal. Even if there's little to no pressure involved, and the goal is to pull off a party or dinner in the most low-key — not to mention budget-friendly — way, who doesn't want to go above and beyond to make even the most intimate gathering feel magical? All of the elements of a Christmas gathering play into that magic, from the menu to the activities to, of course, the decorations. 

Although the tree is obviously the focal point of any home's Christmas decorations, and outdoor displays are always fun to work on as a family, there's absolutely something to be said for the beauty found in the kind of decor created especially for guests, such as dinner table centerpieces. It's easy to think about elaborate table decor as something that will cost an arm and a leg, but thankfully, there are ways to DIY stunning displays on the cheap and without spending a ton of time, either. Here, 20 quick and easy DIY centerpieces sure to bring whimsy and magic to any Christmas gathering.

Mason Jar Tablescape

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CraftSavvy/Pinterest

This mason jar tablescape from Craft Warehouse spells out "JOY" and can be made in minutes.

Evergreen Christmas Centerpiece

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ChloeCrabtree/Pinterest

Follow this tutorial from Celebrate & Decorate With Chloe Crabtree to make this classic-looking evergreen centerpiece.

Beautiful 10-Minute Christmas Centerpiece

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APieceofRainbow/Pinterest

This beautiful centerpiece from A Piece of Rainbow takes just 10 minutes to create.

Quick & Easy Candy Cane Centerpiece

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FromH2HDesign/Pinterest

This quick and easy candy cane centerpiece from From House to Home provides holiday flair.

Floating Candle

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CraftGossip//Pinterest

This festive floating candle design from Craft Gossip features pretty cranberries.

Winter's Night Christmas Centerpiece

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MissPlanIt/Pinterest

This $7 Winter’s Night DIY Christmas Centerpiece from Miss PlanIt is made with Dollar Tree products.

Easy Candles Centerpiece

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KinBetween/Pinterest

This easy, glowing centerpiece from Kristine In Between uses votives as the focal point.

Wine Bottle Centerpiece

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LilyArdor/Pinterest

This wine bottle centerpiece from Lily Ardor is an elegant design that can be pulled together at the last minute.

Rustic Candle Centerpiece

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LilyArdor/Pinterest

This rustic candle centerpiece is a wintry way to upcycle old tin cans.

Christmas Luminaries

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30DaysBlog/Pinterest

These Christmas luminaries from Thirty Handmade Days take just five minutes to pull together.

Christmas Centerpiece With Real Greenery & Fresh Cranberries

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2purplecouches/Pinterest

Using cranberries, greenery, a simple glass vase, and a candle, this centerpiece from Two Purple Couches is seriously elegant.

Quick & Easy Red Truck DIY Christmas Centerpiece Idea

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AbbottsatHome/Pinterest

This red truck Christmas centerpiece from Abbotts at Home is truly whimsical.

Glam Frosty Centerpiece

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Ramon - At Home/YouTube

This frosty glam centerpiece from Ramon At Home is easily created on a budget.

Christmas Centerpiece With Eucalyptus

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GreenWithDecor/Pinterest

This easy Christmas centerpiece by Green with Decor is simple to DIY using faux eucalyptus, colored ornaments, glass hurricane candle holders, and seagrass chargers.

Evergreen Hurricane Centerpiece

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BHG.com/Pinterest

This evergreen candle from BHG makes a beautiful, simple, elegant centerpiece.

Mercury Glass Centerpiece

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StylishSoiree.Wordpress.com/Pinterest

This mercury glass centerpiece can work for any party but would be particularly elegant on Christmas.

Holiday Ornament Table Centerpiece Less Than $50

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Miss PlanIt/YouTube

All the festive, pretty supplies for this ornament table centerpiece from Miss PlanIt cost less than $50.

DIY Dollar Tree Rustic Christmas Centerpiece

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Dezinefun With Michelle/YouTube

All you need are some items from Dollar Tree for this rustic Christmas centerpiece from Dezinefun With Michelle.

Light-Up Christmas Centerpiece

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JamieSoLovely/YouTube

This light-up Christmas centerpiece from JamieSoLovely is sure to bring cheer to any holiday party.

Snowflake Christmas Centerpiece

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Miss PlanIt/YouTube

This snowflake Christmas centerpiece from Miss PlanIt has all the sparkle you could want.