Delightful ways to decorate with citrus and other grocery store staples this holiday season

Can you hear those sleigh bells ringing? The holidays are fast approaching, and DIYers and home-decor aficionados alike are racing to transform their spaces into scenes straight out of a cosy winter rom-com. But you don't have to be an expert crafter or design pro to make your decorating dreams a reality.  

With these inspired ideas from creators, you can easily turn your home into a truly festive setting. The best part? Each unique project is made with affordable ingredients you can find at your local grocery store — that is, if they're not already in your fridge or pantry. 

Dried citrus ornaments 

Decorating a gorgeous Christmas tree doesn't have to be complicated — or cost a lot. Robyn Chubey from East St. Paul, Man., shows how easy it is to achieve a nostalgic look using oranges. Simply dry citrus slices in the oven, hot glue a clothespin to the back of each one and clip them to your tree for instant charm. 

Custom place cards

Dried citrus is also an easy way to elevate a tablesetting. Case in point: design pro Jessica Preteroti's customized place cards, which she made out of air-dry clay and accented with slices of dried orange. (Feeling extra crafty? You could also try making place cards out of salt dough — it comes together easily with just flour, salt and water.) 

Pistachio Christmas trees 

Wait! Before you toss those pistachio shells, check out Xin Lu's charming craft. Using a small piece of cardboard and some hot glue, the creator turns what would be food waste into miniature Christmas trees that would look so cute on any mantel or table. Top them with star anise pods to complete the effect. 

Bread tablescapes 

Take inspiration from Toronto-based creator Abhishek Dekate's unexpectedly elegant tablescape made of fresh rolls, loaves and torn baguettes. Bonus: Your guests can nibble at the centrepiece all night long!

Cinnamon napkin rings

Prefer a more rustic look for your table? Check out this easy napkin ring project from Kelowna, B.C.'s Dawnalee Croteau that requires just three simple materials: cinnamon sticks, twine and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. 

Mini herb wreaths 

Creator Ashley Koshimizu shares how to make these super-simple wreaths using twine and fresh rosemary, though she says sage and thyme would also work well. Use them to complete a woodsy tablesetting or dress up holiday gift bags.

Clementine wreath 

Dried citrus and evergreens is a popular combo at this time of year, but we love how interior stylist Erin Francois mixed things up by adding fresh clementines to her wreath. The simple switch adds a burst of colour to the front door, welcoming guests in from the frosty outdoors.

Naturally dyed stockings

Creator Nora Mühlmann uses onion skins to dye socks in this project, but her idea could totally be adapted to customize a plain white stocking. You could even try experimenting with different varieties of onion — they'll all impart their own unique hue.

Anise wreaths 

These minimalist anise wreaths from Christine Higgs are a sweet (and spicy) way to spruce up your holiday decor. Just affix pods to some thick floral wire, then hang them on your walls or Christmas tree to add a touch of festive fragrance to your home. 

Simmer pot tea 

This fruit and spice–infused "simmer pot tea" from Toronto's Elena Lohse will fill your kitchen with a gorgeous aroma, and immediately get you and your guests into the holiday spirit.