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With the festive season approaching and summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for family gatherings, outdoor braais, and summer celebrations. Whether you’re hosting loved ones for Christmas lunch or prepping your space for New Year’s Eve, a few easy and fun DIY projects can make all the difference.
“The great news for DIY newbies is that you don’t need to be a seasoned pro to give your home a festive refresh,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware. “From crafting unique holiday decorations to sprucing up your outdoor space, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.”
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Create a Modern Wooden Christmas Tree
If you’re looking for a stylish, eco-friendly twist on the traditional Christmas tree, why not try making your own? Using reclaimed wood, like salvaged pallets or off-cuts from local carpenters, woodwork studios, or hardware stores, is a great option. But you can also use new materials if that suits your style better. With a few planks, some nails, and a little creativity, you can design a minimalist tree that can be decorated with lights and ornaments for a festive touch.”.
2. Festive Wreaths and Centrepieces
Why buy when you can DIY? Gather up some greenery from your garden and create a beautiful wreath to hang on your door or as a festive table centrepiece. Add a contemporary touch with metallic spray paints or stylish, textured finishes, making your creation unique. You can also use ribbons, dried flowers, and baubles for a personalised look.
3. Create DIY Stocking Holders
No fireplace? No problem! You can create unique stocking holders by repurposing wood or old hooks to hang stockings on the wall or along a shelf. Paint them in festive colours or give them a rustic finish for a personalised touch that fits into your décor.
4. Guest Room Glow-Up
Expecting family or friends to stay over? A quick DIY guest room makeover can ensure they’re comfortable and impressed. Simple updates like adding a fresh coat of paint, building a DIY headboard, or creating cosy accents like throw pillows and blankets will help you get that room holiday ready.
5. Create a festive outdoor snack bar and cinema
“Since it’s summer, why not create a portable snack bar by the pool or set up a fun outdoor cinema? Arrange a table or tray with snacks, drinks, and reusable cups for a poolside treat or movie experience under the stars. String up some fairy lights around the area to add a magical glow, and set out blankets and cushions for cosy outdoor seating. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
6. Outdoor Space Refresh
Since summer is all about outdoor entertaining in South Africa, now’s the time to prepare your patio or garden for festive hosting. Consider giving your outdoor furniture a fresh coat of weatherproof paint, adding fairy lights to brighten up evening gatherings, or building a simple wooden bar cart for easy access to drinks and snacks during those summer braai’s.
7. DIY Festive Lanterns and Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood. You can create DIY lanterns using jars, fairy lights, or even solar lights to illuminate your outdoor space. These lanterns are budget-friendly and can be decorated with festive elements like ribbons, pinecones, or even seashells for a coastal holiday vibe.
8. Festive Terrariums
Create mini festive worlds in glass jars or terrariums. Use small ornaments, faux snow, and tiny trees or figurines to make holiday-themed displays that can sit on your mantel or as centrepieces for your dinner table. These are a great way to repurpose old decorations while bringing a modern, fresh twist to traditional festive décor.
9. DIY Wooden Reindeer
Instead of buying outdoor reindeer decorations, why not make your own out of scrap wood or logs? Use small tree branches for legs and antlers and add some paint to give each reindeer its own personality. These quirky little reindeer can add a rustic yet charming touch to your garden or entranceway.
10. Paint Your Own Festive Signage
Add a personal touch to your décor with DIY festive signs. Use wooden boards and upcycled materials to create hand-painted signs that welcome guests with messages like “Merry Christmas,” “Season’s Greetings,” or “Welcome to Our Home.”
“With all these fun DIY projects to tackle, your home will be the go-to spot for festive celebrations. Whether you’re building a tree, crafting personalised decorations, or getting your outdoor space summer-ready, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by making it your own,” says Luis.
“And remember, if you need some inspiration or advice on getting your DIY ideas off the ground, the team at Brights is always ready to help! Pop into your nearest Brights store to chat with the experts, pick up all the tools, materials, and supplies you need, and turn your festive vision into reality. After all, nothing says “season’s greetings” quite like a home that’s been lovingly prepared with your own two hands – and Brights has everything you need to make it happen!”
Brights Hardware stores are located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Richmond Park, Plattekloof, Stonewood, Brackengate and Sunningdale. An online store shopping experience is available at www.brights.co.sa which offers delivery to anywhere in South Africa. Brights also offers same-day delivery in the Western Cape for products purchased online.