Without a doubt, the best deal you can find on Christmas decorations is ordinary glass or plastic balls.
Even the Dollar Store offers inexpensive ornaments of all
shapes and designs. For less than $10, you can take a package
of “ordinary” balls and create unique centerpieces.
shapes and designs. For less than $10, you can take a package
of “ordinary” balls and create unique centerpieces.
I tell all my friends – if you need to fill in areas of your home
when decorating for Christmas, or you need something quick
and easy – buy a few packages of ornaments and place inside
any pretty bowl or container you already have at home.
when decorating for Christmas, or you need something quick
and easy – buy a few packages of ornaments and place inside
any pretty bowl or container you already have at home.
Take a look at some of these beautiful examples….
This monochromatic display in a footed bowl adds a touch
of elegance on a rustic table.
of elegance on a rustic table.
Design Tip: Use filler in the bottom of a large bowl so you
do not require as many ornaments. Use greenery, or beads
as shown above for filler. Add a tassel or two that gently cascades over the side.
do not require as many ornaments. Use greenery, or beads
as shown above for filler. Add a tassel or two that gently cascades over the side.
Mirrored ornaments and frosted glass balls create the look of
a Winter Wonderland in a bowl.
a Winter Wonderland in a bowl.
Design Tip: Splurge on two or three mirrored balls, and
use more inexpensive plain balls as fillers. How pretty
would this be if you added in some painted white starfish.
Or, how about some glittered snowflakes. Both would add
some extra texture and glitz.
use more inexpensive plain balls as fillers. How pretty
would this be if you added in some painted white starfish.
Or, how about some glittered snowflakes. Both would add
some extra texture and glitz.
Multi-colored balls add a splash of Christmas cheer to this grouping placed within a glass footed bowl.
Design Tip: Choose several sizes of balls, from tiny 1″ balls
to larger ones to add interest and variety.
to larger ones to add interest and variety.
Shades of purple – not your standard Christmas color, but
grouped together it is simply eye candy. I love the “frosted”
urn container.
Design Tip: Take an inexpensive urn or container, and
spray paint white. “Paint” on a layer of Modge Podge,
then sprinkle on some glittered faux snow.
Look at the varying balls above in this glass bowl – frosted
silver and blue balls, solid metallic balls
and crystal snowflakes.
Design Tip: Notice how the bowl of ornaments is placed
on a plate of faux snow. Use a vintage silver platter instead. Don’t have a large glass bowl? Line up three smaller
glass bowls and create this same look.
Vintage mercury ornaments in a footed mercury container.
Design Tip: Create your own mercury-style ornaments
with silver leaf and antiquing glaze.
Inexpensive pink ornaments combined with beautifully
glittered balls in a wooden dough bowl.
glittered balls in a wooden dough bowl.
Design Tip: Make your own patterned-glittered ornaments
with glitter paint pens. Just freehand your designs in
any desired pattern.
with glitter paint pens. Just freehand your designs in
any desired pattern.
Miniature sized ornaments nestled in a white tray create a
base
for some larger balls.
base
for some larger balls.
Design Tip: Buy inexpensive clear ornaments, remove top
and pour in some watered craft paints (or use acrylic
medium.) Roll the ornaments around so paint covers
the inside of the ornament. Turn over and pour out
any extra paint.
and pour in some watered craft paints (or use acrylic
medium.) Roll the ornaments around so paint covers
the inside of the ornament. Turn over and pour out
any extra paint.
Vintage ornaments in an antique crockery bowl.
Design Tip: Buy inexpensive solid balls, and randomly
glue on small pearls in rows or individually. Or, add
dots with glitter puff paint pens.
A layer of magnolia leaves creates a soft bed for a
grouping of silver and metallic balls.
Design Tip: Make your own vintage look ornaments.
Purchase new solid-colored plastic ornaments. Lightly
sponge on watered down black acrylic paint randomly
over ornaments. Let dry. With a kitchen scrubby (the rough
side), lightly sand the ornament to remove any shine. Cover
with a coat of antiquing glaze, wipe off.
Now is the time to think about a New Year’s Centerpiece.
Silver and Blue ornaments in a clear glass or silver footed
bowl is the perfect solution.
Silver and Blue ornaments in a clear glass or silver footed
bowl is the perfect solution.
Design Tip: Add strings of silver beads. Nestle in some
New Year’s horns or blowers. Use a glitter paint pen to
write “2012” on an ornament or two.
New Year’s horns or blowers. Use a glitter paint pen to
write “2012” on an ornament or two.
I hope these beautiful pics inspire you to create your
own Christmas ornament centerpiece.
own Christmas ornament centerpiece.
Wow…those are all beautiful! I do mix the fancier bulbs with dollar tree ones…no one knows the difference!
View CommentHi Barbie! I just couldn’t help myself! 🙂 These are some great tips and I’m so glad to know someone else says Christmas ‘balls’ like me! 😉
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Oh Barb, these are all so pretty. What clever ideas. Hugs, Marty
View CommentShelia – I have always called them “balls.” LOL
View CommentBeautiful images Barb! I do this all the time. Martina
View CommentBarb, these are all so pretty!! I just went out today to get more, for this very purpose! I love to spread them throughout the house. Thanks for the tips! Great post!
View CommentAll great ideas. I have placed leftover ornaments in bowls and jars this year since I only did one tree.
View CommentBarb, beautiful ideas and yes simple and inexpensive. Love it. You always have the lovliest ideas and posts.
View Commentblessings,
Debbie
Hi Barb, I love using Christmas balls in a bowl. I have one on my coffee table. Thanks for your nice compliment on my mantle! I meant to tell you you are welcome to use my pics. Thanks! Kristen
View CommentSuch a simple idea (which I would never have thought of!) and yet they look so effective. I will be trying this out myself. Thanks for sharing.
View CommentSo many great tips packed into one post! Love the ideas, Barb! Happy Sunday!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentGreat samples and tips Barbs..
View Commentthanks for gathering those and sharing them with us.
ps~ well they are “Balls” what else are we gonna call them lol.
This is one of my favorite ways to add a little Christmas to those spots that need “something”, Barb. Great inspiration pics!
View CommentHi Barb, what great tips, I’ve used extra bulbs for years, I’m especially fond of the mercury and vintage.. hope all is well your way. hugs ~lynne~
View CommentOh my! Now you’re going to make me go spend some more money at Michael’s or Home Goods after seeing these pictures. Love that urn with all the glitter.
What do you suggest using as a filler? Can you give some examples?
View Comment