Holiday entertaining is all about one-of-a-kind decor, and we’ve got some show-stopping looks that you can make yourself. You don’t have to be an expert crafter to accomplish these easy DIY projects. Creating a custom hanging herb chandelier and dessert takeaways will really impress your guests at this year’s seasonal get-together.

Create a rustic vibe by wrapping the dining table in brown kraft paper. Scatter leaves, loaves of bread and open bottles of wine along the center of this setup. Lovely butter knives atop neatly placed cloth napkins seal the deal.

Serve tea or coffee with your homemade treat bags after the meal to brighten everyone’s day. Taking the little bit of time to make this thoughtful goody that your guests can break into right away or take home really makes visitors feel special. Taffy, cookies, or a slice of pie are all great sweets to bag up for later.

Hanging Herb Chandelier Materials

• 3-foot cut of wood (or desired length, depending on your table)
• Cup hooks
• 5-foot length of multi-purpose rope
• Baker’s twine
• Ribbon
• Herbs/flowers

Stamped Paper Bag Takeaways Materials

• Brown canvas, burlap or paper bags
• Stencil (ours is Antlered Deer by Stencil 1, $6)
• Black craft paint
• Taffy or other candies (we love Salty Road’s Holiday Trio , $22)

Videography and photography by Mikal Marie Photography. 

Related:

• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome
• Styling Bar Carts: 4 Irresistible Looks
• A Guide to Giving Holiday Gifts to Your Roommates

Originally published December 4, 2015.