Having a (Christmas) ball!

Well, here we go! Christmas decorating is in full swing. (I lit a few scented candles and put on some Christmas music to really get into the spirit). As I have mentioned before, I love Christmas ball ornaments of all sizes, and it is just so much fun to find different ways to use them! Here are some of my favorites:

Similar to my trifle dish yesterday, here is a simple way to make a centerpiece or mantle decoration using extra Christmas balls.

 I have two of these glass cylinders that I fill and use at the ends of my mantle, the ends of a buffet table, or on bedside tables. So easy and so cute!

This one is a little more labor-intensive than just filling bowls with the balls! I found different sizes of candle holders or liqueur glasses at the thrift shop and topped each one with an ornament that I had painted a letter on. ( I used a gold paint marker, but you could also use a permanent marker or a paintbrush and paint. Or you could even stencil a letter onto the ball). Then I just tied a tiny bow on the top of the ball (where the ornament hook would go). I spelled "noel", but you could do any word: "peace", "Christmas", "love", or even your family's name.

Small Christmas balls can be tied onto gifts as  gift toppers. The person's name could be written on the ornament, or you could simply use the ornament to make the gift beautiful.

So, if you are like me, there's no way you'll ever hang every Christmas ball ornament you have on your tree, but don't just leave them packed away-- find a fun way to use them! You'll be amazed at your own creativity.