17 Upcycled Outdoor Christmas Decorations (DIY on a Budget)
Thrift store upcycles and fast, cheap decorating ideas for a rustic Christmas porch, front door, and garden. DIY upcycled outdoor Christmas decorations on a budget.
You know what I love most about decorating outside for Christmas? It doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Every idea in this list is either upcycled from something thrifted (or found in nature) or a fast, cheap decorating trick you can do in minutes. Old buckets, scrap wood, thrifted skates, evergreen clippings from your own yard. Rustic, cozy, and kind to your wallet.
Browse the list, click any photo for the full tutorial, and before you buy anything new this year, check your thrift pile first. I’ll show you why that’s the best Christmas decision you’ll make this season.
Rustic Front Porch Christmas Decor With a Decorated Bench
Everything in this front yard came from the garden and the thrift pile. Twigs, greenery, pinecones and a little sparkle from some thrift store baubles, and not one big-box purchase.
Front Porch Christmas Decorating in the Color of the Season
One color, a whole porch, and a plan. See how this porch got its Christmas look without spending a fortune.
DIY Christmas Swag & Planters from Foraged Greens ($0)
Skip the box store and go foraging instead. This video tutorial shows how to turn free greens into swag and planters on a budget.
Rustic DIY Front Door Garland From Your Own Backyard
Evergreens, pinecones, and a strip of burlap, all gathered for almost nothing. This garland looks like a magazine and costs like a yard clipping.
Easy Outdoor Christmas Centerpiece: Two Wreaths and a Lantern
Two wreaths, one lantern, done. The cheapest centerpiece I ever made and still one of my favorite looks for the garden table.
Last Minute Outdoor Christmas Decor for a Rustic Garden Table
Lanterns, wreaths, and natural textures, most of it already in the shed. Simple decorating that does not touch the Christmas budget.
How to Turn a Plain Faux Wreath Into a Luscious Evergreen One
A basic store wreath plus fresh greenery from the yard equals a luscious front door showpiece. The fastest upgrade in outdoor Christmas decorating.
White Rustic Wonderland: Outdoor Table Decor
Real greenery, white blooms, and a little upcycled charm. This nature-inspired table sparkled all season without a single new purchase.
Upcycled Kitchen Utensils Become a Snowman
Those mismatched pot lids and utensils you keep almost throwing out? They are a snowman now. Whimsical, thrifty, and honestly kind of brilliant.
Easy Outdoor Christmas Arrangements You Can Make Today
One hour, one garden table, done. This rustic natural look came together faster than the Christmas cookies baked the same afternoon.
Front Entry Christmas Decor With Winter Accessories You Own
Winter accessories and upcycle ideas doing double duty as Christmas decor. Proof that the entryway can be festive without a single new thing.
Scrap Wood JOY Sign for the Christmas Porch
A little scrap wood, a little paint, one happy porch. This DIY JOY sign is the definition of cheap and cheerful.
Homemade Christmas Floral Arrangements With Fresh Greenery
Basic materials and fresh greenery from the garden, arranged step by step. Homemade flowers for the table, no florist prices involved.
The Fluffy Full Wreath Hack That Saves a Sad Wreath
That thin, sad wreath from the sale bin can be saved. One hack turns it into the fluffiest wreath on the street, no new wreath required.
Farmhouse Christmas Porch Tour: Black, Red, and Fresh Greenery
A black base, pops of red, and lots of fresh greenery. A farmhouse porch tour with plenty of ideas you can borrow for your own steps.
3D Christmas Tree Porch Sign From a Real Branch
One real branch, faux garland, and a stencil make a 3D tree sign for the porch. It can even stay up as a winter tree long past Christmas.
Junky Rustic Christmas Patio, All Upcycled Thrift Finds
A covered patio dressed for Christmas with upcycled and repurposed thrift finds. Take the tour and start your thrift list.
So that’s the list. Which one would you actually make? I’m partial to the one with the skates. Pin your favorites so they’re waiting when you’re ready.
