Try This Quick and Simple Christmas Ornament Table Centerpiece Hack Using Pieces You Already Own

Christmas is all about joyful celebration, and for me, that usually means a lot of fabulous new decorations. But I've learnt that you don't need to spend big to feel festive, and the simplest ideas can look surprisingly impressive. When it comes to Christmas table decor ideas, there's one trick that never fails: filling a vase with Christmas ornaments to create an effortless centerpiece.

The first time I tried this DIY Christmas craft idea, I was amazed that I hadn't done it sooner. Adding sparkling ornaments to a glass vase or jar can elevate any space, whether you display the finished centerpiece on a sideboard, dining table, or even a mantel. I like to start with my hammered glass hurricane jar from Pottery Barn, and I use different ornaments every year – sometimes plucking a few from my tree that work well together. For a fun and eclectic idea, try adding in some cookery-themed Christmas ornaments.

This centerpiece hack is, of course, totally customizable. You can vary the size of your vase, depending on where you'll be placing it – a taller option like McGee & Co's Allaire vase is ideal if you're lacking table space, while a lower, wider vessel like the Georg Jensen Facet vase will really make a statement. You can even use serveware like Crate & Barrel's Atwell glass serving bowl, if you like.

When it comes to choosing ornaments, the options are endless. If you want to show off spare decorations that you can't quite squeeze onto your tree, this is the perfect opportunity: build a collection of ornaments in different shapes and colors for a whimsical, eclectic look.

If you often lean towards more slick Christmas decorating ideas, however, stick to a narrow color scheme. You can still experiment with unexpected Christmas colors like pink and mauve (I've been desperate to show off my favorite rosy velvet ornaments from Wayfair) – or go for classic shades like red, navy and green to channel the Ralph Lauren Christmas decor trend.

What I love about this hack is that you really can make it your own: when it's time to show off your centerpiece, you can even add string lights to the vase for a cozy feel, or incorporate a few pinecones and berries to create a rustic look. (Just make sure that your vessel of choice isn't so tall that it's blocking sightlines across the table.)

And, you can swap out the ornaments in your centerpiece whenever you feel like a refresh, so you can ring the changes with your table decor for every gathering.

Shop Everything You Need to Create a Christmas Ornament Centerpiece

If you're looking for more DIY table decor ideas, check out Shea McGee's no-fail centerpiece rules – they're full of ways to use pieces you already own.