27 Cheap Christmas Centerpieces

Creating a beautiful holiday table doesn’t have to drain your wallet. These budget-friendly centerpiece ideas use simple materials you probably already have at home or can pick up for just a few dollars. From rustic pinecones to elegant candles, there’s something here for every style. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want to add some festive cheer to your everyday table, these DIY centerpieces will make your home feel cozy and inviting all season long.

1. Mason Jars Filled with Cranberries and Floating Candles

This classic centerpiece brings a pop of red to your table with minimal effort. Fill clear mason jars about three-quarters full with fresh cranberries, then add water and drop in white floating candles. The cranberries create a gorgeous backdrop while the candlelight reflects beautifully through the water.

You can use different sized jars grouped together for visual interest, or space single jars down the length of your table. The best part is that cranberries are usually pretty cheap during the holidays, and the whole setup takes just a few minutes to put together.

2. Pinecones Spray-Painted Gold or Silver in a Bowl

Gather pinecones from your yard or a local park, then give them a glamorous makeover with metallic spray paint. Gold creates a warm, luxurious feel while silver adds a cool, wintery vibe. Let them dry completely, then pile them into a decorative bowl or wooden tray.

You can mix sizes for a more natural look, or stick with similar-sized cones for something more uniform. Add a few sprigs of evergreen or some small ornaments tucked between the cones if you want extra detail. This centerpiece works great on coffee tables, dining tables, or side tables throughout your home.

3. Christmas Mini Village on a Wooden Bowl

Create a charming holiday scene by arranging a miniature Christmas village on a wooden bowl or shallow wooden tray. Use small ceramic or wooden houses, tiny trees, and figurines to build a festive village. Sprinkle artificial snow, Epsom salt, or glitter around the base for a snowy effect. Add small pinecones, berries, or miniature ornaments for extra texture and color.

The natural wood bowl gives the display a cozy, rustic feel, while the layered arrangement of houses and greenery creates a delightful winter wonderland centerpiece perfect for a table or mantel.

4. Cinnamon Sticks Bundled with Ribbon Around Pillar Candles

Tie cinnamon sticks around pillar candles using twine, ribbon, or raffia for a centerpiece that looks great and smells amazing. Arrange about eight to ten cinnamon sticks vertically around the candle, making sure they’re roughly the same length as the candle. Secure them with a few wraps of your chosen tie, finishing with a bow.

The natural brown tones work beautifully with cream or burgundy candles. When you light the candles, the gentle heat releases the warm cinnamon scent throughout your room. Group several of these together on a wooden tray or pewter platter for maximum impact.

5. Glass Vases Filled with Ornament Balls

Grab some inexpensive glass vases in different heights and fill them to the top with shiny ornament balls. You can stick with one color for a clean, modern look, or mix metallics like gold, silver, and bronze. Red and white combinations look cheerful and traditional, while all-silver or all-gold feels more upscale.

The great thing about this centerpiece is how easy it is to customize to your color scheme. Use ornaments in different sizes to fill gaps and create visual texture. These vases catch the light beautifully and add instant holiday cheer to any table without requiring any crafting skills.

6. Fresh Greenery Clippings Arranged in a Wooden Box

Find a shallow wooden box, crate, or tray and fill it with fresh evergreen clippings from your yard or pick up some inexpensive bundles from a garden center. Trim the stems and arrange them so they fill the box naturally, letting some pieces hang over the edges.

Tuck in some pinecones, berries, or small ornaments for pops of color. You can add pillar candles placed directly among the greenery, or keep it simple with just the natural elements. The fresh pine scent will fill your room, and the organic look feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.

7. Wine Bottles Painted and Used as Candle Holders

Transform empty wine bottles into elegant candle holders with just a bit of paint and creativity. Clean the bottles thoroughly, then spray or hand-paint them in matte white for a classic winter look, or go for metallic silver to add a festive, modern shine. Once dry, insert taper candles into the necks, white, gold, or deep red candles all look beautiful. Arrange a few bottles together in different heights for visual interest.

You can keep the design sleek and simple or embellish with a ribbon, a sprig of greenery, or a hint of glitter for extra holiday sparkle. This easy upcycling idea adds instant charm and sophistication to any table or mantel display.

8. Dollar Store Ornaments in a Glass Hurricane Vase

Pick up a tall glass hurricane vase and a bag of colorful ornaments from the dollar store. Simply fill the vase with the ornaments, layering different sizes and colors until it looks full and festive. The glass shows off the shiny ornaments beautifully, and the height adds drama to your table. You can top the vase with a pillar candle if it’s wide enough, or just let the ornaments be the star.

This centerpiece takes literally two minutes to make but looks polished and intentional. Switch out the ornament colors to match any holiday color scheme you’re going for.

9. Birch Logs Drilled to Hold Tea Light Candles

Find a birch log section about twelve to eighteen inches long and drill holes just wide enough and deep enough to hold tea light candles. Three to five holes work well depending on the length of your log. The white bark and natural wood create a beautiful rustic-modern combination that works with almost any decor style.

Place battery-operated tea lights in the holes if you’re worried about real flames, or use traditional tea lights for authentic candlelight. Set the log directly on your table or on a bed of greenery. It’s a simple project that creates a really striking centerpiece.

10. Candy Canes Arranged in a Clear Vase

Stand candy canes upright in a clear glass vase, packing them tightly so they support each other. The red and white stripes create a cheerful, whimsical display that kids especially love. You can use a cylindrical vase for easy arrangement or any other shape of vase according to your choice.

You can fill the center with ornaments, a small bouquet of flowers, or even more candy canes turned upside down. This centerpiece is completely edible if you want to hand out the candy canes after dinner. It’s festive, fun, and costs just a couple of dollars to create.

11. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland Coiled Around Candles

Make an old-fashioned popcorn and cranberry garland by threading them onto fishing line or strong thread. Coil the finished garland around pillar candles on a tray or directly on the table. The red and white color combination looks classic and homey. Making the garland is a great activity to do with kids or while watching holiday movies.

You’ll need a few feet of garland for each centerpiece, so plan accordingly. The natural materials give off a handmade, cottage-core vibe that feels warm and inviting. Just remember this centerpiece is best for shorter display times since the cranberries will eventually dry out.

12. Mini Christmas Trees in Terracotta Pots

Small tabletop Christmas trees, usually sold for just a few dollars during the season, look adorable planted in terracotta pots. You can paint the pots white, red, or leave them natural depending on your style. Add a little moss or fake snow around the base of the tree, and tie a ribbon bow around the pot. Line several of these down your table for a forest effect, or use just one as a simple statement piece.

You can even add tiny ornaments to the trees if you want them more decorated. After the holidays, plant the trees outside if they’re real, or store the artificial ones for next year.

13. Clear Glass Jars Filled with Epsom Salt as Fake Snow

Large glass jars filled with Epsom salt create a magical snowy landscape for just a few dollars. Pour the salt to create drifts and hills, then nestle in small bottle brush trees, miniature houses, or figurines to create a winter scene. You can add battery-operated fairy lights underneath for a soft glow. The Epsom salt sparkles like real snow and you can pack it down or fluff it up to create different effects.

Add some silver ornaments or pinecones for extra detail. This centerpiece works great for coffee tables or buffet tables where people can enjoy looking at all the little details you’ve created.

14. Distressed Tin Cans with Evergreen Sprigs

Give old tin cans a second life by turning them into charming rustic vases for your holiday greenery. Leave the metal as-is to showcase its naturally weathered, distressed look, this adds character and a touch of vintage charm. Place a small foam block inside each can to hold your stems in place, then insert sprigs of evergreen, pine, or holly for a fresh, festive feel.

Tie a plaid or satin ribbon around the top for a simple decorative touch. Cluster several cans together on a tray or line them down your table for an easy, budget-friendly centerpiece that feels cozy and handmade.

15. Brown Paper Bag Luminaries with Festive Cutout

Turn plain brown paper lunch bags into warm, rustic luminaries perfect for the holiday season. Fold each bag and cut out festive shapes like stars, trees, hearts, or snowflakes—anything that fits your theme. Open them up and place battery-operated tea lights or fairy lights inside to let the cutouts glow softly through the kraft paper. Line these down your table for a soft, magical effect that’s perfect for evening dinners.

The natural brown tone adds a rustic charm, while the flickering light creates a welcoming holiday glow. Make sure to use battery-operated lights rather than real candles for safety since paper is flammable.

16. Orange Pomanders with Cloves in a Wooden Bowl

Press whole cloves into oranges in patterns or designs to create traditional pomanders that smell incredible. You can make stripes, spirals, or cover the entire orange with cloves. Pile several finished pomanders into a wooden bowl or basket for a centerpiece that looks beautiful and fills your home with a warm, spicy scent.

This is another great activity to do while watching movies since it’s a bit time-consuming but not difficult. The pomanders will last for weeks as they slowly dry out, getting even more fragrant over time. Mix in some cinnamon sticks or star anise for extra visual interest and scent.

17. Canning Jars with Battery-Operated String Lights Inside

Stuff battery-operated string lights into clear canning jars for an easy glowing centerpiece. The lights create a soft, magical ambiance that’s perfect for evening gatherings. You can use mason jars, old jam jars, or any clear glass containers you have around. Add a ribbon tied around the neck, some fake snow at the bottom, or leave them simple and clean.

Cluster several jars together in different sizes for more impact. The battery packs are small enough to hide in the jar or tuck under a napkin. This centerpiece is completely safe since there’s no flame, making it perfect if you have kids or pets.

18. Wooden Slice Rounds with Painted Snowflakes

Pick up wooden slice rounds from a craft store or cut them yourself from fallen branches. Paint white snowflakes on the natural wood using acrylic paint or a paint pen. Stack a few slices together or use one large round as a base for candles or other decorations.

The natural wood grain showing through creates a rustic look while the snowflakes add a festive touch. You can seal the wood with a clear coat if you want it to last for many years. These rounds work as chargers under plates, stands for candles, or scattered down the center of your table for a woodland feel.

19. Mini Christmas Tree with Real Pine Branches

Create charming mini Christmas trees using real pine branches and a bit of creativity. Secure the branches upright in small containers, such as tin cans, ceramic pots, or wooden boxes, using floral foam or a small dowel for support. Once your mini trees are arranged, tie a plaid or buffalo check ribbon around each container for a cozy, festive touch.

Add a strand of tiny fairy lights, a few miniature ornaments, or berries for extra sparkle. These little trees bring the scent and beauty of fresh pine indoors, making them perfect accents for tabletops, mantels, or window sills. Simple, natural, and full of holiday warmth.

20. Dollar Store Candlesticks Spray-Painted in Festive Colors

Hunt for mismatched candlesticks at thrift stores or dollar stores, then spray paint them in coordinating holiday colors. Gold, silver, white, or red all work beautifully depending on your color scheme. Once dry, add taper candles and group them together in odd numbers for the best visual impact. Varying the heights creates more interest than having them all the same.

You can place them directly on the table or set them on a runner or tray. This project gives you designer-looking candlesticks for just a few dollars, and you can repaint them next year if you want a different look.

21. Wine Glass Candle Holders with Evergreen

Turn simple wine glasses into charming wintery candle holders. Fill the base with a layer of Epsom salt or fake snow to create a frosty effect. Nestle small sprigs of evergreen, holly, or pine inside, and add a strand of tiny battery-operated fairy lights for a magical glow.

Place a tealight or small pillar candle on top of the glass, or let the lights themselves shine through for a soft, ambient effect. Arrange several glasses together in varying heights for a sparkling, cozy holiday centerpiece that’s elegant, inexpensive, and reusable year after year.

22. Paper White Bulbs Growing in Stones and Water

Plant paperwhite bulbs in shallow bowls filled with decorative stones and water a few weeks before you need them. By Christmas, they’ll have grown into beautiful white blooms with a lovely fragrance. The active growing plants add life to your table in the middle of winter. You can use one large bowl or several small ones scattered down the table.

Tie ribbon around the containers or add small ornaments tucked between the stones for extra holiday flair. The bulbs are inexpensive and easy to grow, requiring no soil. Plus, watching them grow becomes part of the holiday countdown.

23. Miniature Wrapped Gift Boxes Stacked as Decoration

Wrap small cardboard boxes in pretty holiday paper and stack them like presents in the center of your table. Mix different sizes and patterns for a playful look. Tie real ribbon around each box and top with bows. You can make these boxes from empty jewelry boxes, small shipping boxes, or even fold them from cardboard.

Stack them pyramid-style or in a casual pile. Tuck some greenery or ornaments around the base. This centerpiece plays with the excitement of gift-giving and adds color and pattern to your table. Kids especially love this whimsical idea.

24. Festive Tray Display with Vintage Cookie Cutters

Gather a collection of vintage metal cookie cutters in classic holiday shapes—stars, trees, bells, and snowflakes—and arrange them upright or laid flat on a decorative tray. Surround them with small candles, jingle bells, pine sprigs, and a few shiny ornaments to create a charming holiday vignette.

The aged patina of the cookie cutters adds a nostalgic, farmhouse feel, while the mix of metallics and greenery brings warmth and sparkle. This simple yet eye-catching arrangement makes a lovely centerpiece for your coffee table or kitchen counter and can be easily customized with whatever festive accents you have on hand.

25. Walnuts Glued into a Wreath Shape Around Candles

Create a warm, rustic centerpiece by gluing whole walnuts together in a circular wreath shape that fits snugly around a pillar candle. Arrange the walnuts on a sturdy cardboard or wooden base, gluing them side by side until you form a complete ring. Once the wreath is assembled, nestle a candle in the center. The natural texture and warm brown tones of the walnuts give the display an earthy, handcrafted feel.

You can keep it simple for a minimalist look or add small berry picks, ribbon, or a touch of gold paint for festive flair. This easy DIY brings natural charm to your table while upcycling pantry staples into beautiful seasonal décor.

26. Frosted Wine Bottles with Holly Berry Picks

Give your empty wine or beer bottles a magical winter makeover with a frosted finish. Lightly spray the bottles with matte white or frosted glass paint, letting some areas remain slightly translucent for a soft glow. Once dry, decorate the necks with sprigs of holly and berry picks secured using a bit of floral wire or ribbon. The frosted texture adds a snowy, elegant touch while the berries bring in cheerful pops of festive red.

Arrange several bottles together in varying heights on a mantel or table for a simple yet stunning holiday display. This easy upcycling project turns ordinary bottles into beautiful seasonal décor.

27. Christmas Tree using Ribbons

Create a festive mini Christmas tree entirely from ribbons for a colorful, budget-friendly centerpiece. Use a small foam cone or cardboard base as the tree form. Cut strips of ribbon in varying lengths and widths, and tie or glue them around the cone, layering them to mimic the shape of a tree. Mix patterns and colors, plaid, metallics, or traditional red and green, for a vibrant look.

Add small ornaments, beads, or a tiny star on top for extra charm. Place the ribbon tree on a tray or table with a few pinecones or berries scattered around to complete the holiday display.