Easy Last Minute Christmas Ideas

Easy last minute Christmas ideas that you can do by using things you already have on hand…or things you can get at any grocery store! 

easy last minute christmas ideas dough bowl centerpiece

*This post was originally published in 2018. It’s just been updated with more ideas and inspiration!

I’m hoping this finds you in good shape for the upcoming holiday, but just in case you need a bit of last minute inspiration, I’ve got you covered. All of the last minute Christmas ideas I’m sharing below can be accomplished with things you already have on hand, or things that can be easily picked up at the grocery store.

*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.

last minute christmas ideas centerpiece with pomegranates

Centerpieces

1.) The easiest centerpiece ever is simply to layer fresh pine in a bowl, and add something festive. Use any bowl or tray you have on hand. If you don’t have any pine you can clip from your yard, pick some up at the grocery. Most pine will last at least a few days indoors, so there is no need to use any water. Some suggestions for the festive part:

  • pomegranates
  • red and green Anjou pears
  • red and green apples
  • clove oranges
  • Christmas ball ornaments
  • pine cones

The best thing about a low centerpiece is that your guests will be able to see each other across the table! (Click HERE for the long dough bowl.)

christmas centerpiece in long dough bowl

2.) Pictured above is another easy centerpiece idea using the same long dough bowl. This time I used faux greens to fill the bowl, and topped them with a handmade wool felt garland. Tiny fairy lights completed the look.

fresh greenery in white pitcher

3.) One more easy centerpiece idea for a small table is to put fresh greens in a pitcher or vase that’s been filled with water. Something like this would also be perfect for the beginning or end of a buffet line. Make sure to give the pine pieces a fresh snip on the ends before placing them in the vessel.

last minute christmas ideas easy place setting

Place Setting Ideas

Idea #1: If you want to dress up your place settings, all you need is twine and fresh greenery. Simply tie a twine bow around your napkin, and tuck in a piece of greenery. It’s optional to string on a tiny ornament, but it only takes an extra few seconds.

white plate with napkin and christmas greenery

Idea #2: Take Idea #1 a step further. Instead of a little ornament, tie on a pretty gold or silver bell with festive red and white twine. After tucking in the greenery, add two or three cinnamon sticks.

lenox christmas plate with napkin and candy cane

Idea #3: Tie a red bow around a candy cane, and place it on the napkin.

free printable christmas napkin ring with ribbon

Idea #4: Use custom printable napkin rings.

Sources: round hyacinth placemats | jute twine | red and white twine | gold bells | cinnamon sticks | DIY No Sew Linen Napkins

drinks in glasses floating cranberries

Cranberry Christmas Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

Need an easy, but oh so refreshing non-alcoholic drink idea? Mix equal parts of cranberry juice, ginger ale, and orange juice. You can make as much or as little as you want. Float some fresh cranberries in the glasses and if you have an extra orange, slice it to use as a garnish. Want an alcoholic drink? Just add a shot of vodka or gin to each glass. *PRINTABLE RECIPE AT THE END OF THE POST.

Variations

  • You can use any kind of cranberry juice you want…the real thing or the cocktail version. I used Diet Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Drink.
  • Tonic can be substituted for the ginger ale. To save even more calories, I used diet ginger ale.
  • Fresh orange juice is amazing, but feel free to use whatever is easiest. I used Tropicana Trop50.
  • To serve this drink when cranberries are out of season, substitute cherry juice and use fresh cherries for garnish.
  • See the FAQ’s below to find out how to make flavored ice cubes!
last minute christmas ideas drink in glasses

Gifts from the Kitchen

Last minute gifts can be tricky because you don’t want the recipient to think they are an afterthought! When I need a gift at the last minute, I always head to the kitchen. Here are some ideas of baked goods you can make now, and keep in your freezer for that last minute emergency.

For much more information on creating and wrapping gifts from your kitchen, see this post: Last Minute Gift Idea From Your Kitchen.

Tip: Ahead of time, purchase some cellophane bags, twine, and ribbon so your packaging is ready to go when you need it. These are good things to always keep on hand!

christmas ideas bread with gift tag

Custom Gift Tag for Baked Goods

No gift from the kitchen would be complete without a custom tag. If you aren’t an OSP subscriber, but would like these tags, just fill out the form below, and I’ll send them right away. **Please note: if you are already an OSP email subscriber, go ahead and fill out the form below. I will send the download straight to your inbox. My email company makes sure you won’t have duplicate subscriptions.

bread in cellophane bags with christmas tag

Frequently Asked Questions

You can! Cranberries freeze very well, but make sure to wrap them properly. Simply place an unopened bag of fresh cranberries in a resealable freezer bag, and place it in the freezer. Make sure to mark the date. The cranberries will retain their taste and texture for up to six months.

Flavored ice cubes are a great way to keep your drinks from becoming watered down by regular ice. Add one or two cranberries to each vessel of an ice cube tray. Pour in cranberry juice or ginger ale, and freeze until solid.

Yes! Click HERE for some fun choices.

I hope these last minute Christmas ideas have inspired you to keep things simple, yet festive and welcoming for your family and friends. Christmas really isn’t about the stuff…it’s about the people. By going the less complicated route, you are not only giving yourself the gift of time, you are giving it to your family as well.

last minute christmas ideas drinks in glasses floating cranberries

Cranberry Christmas Cocktail

This cranberry Christmas cocktail is an easy and refreshing drink for your holiday gatherings. It's low calorie and can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 3 votes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Ann Drake
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Refrigeration Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
  • 2 cups ginger ale diet or regular
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  • Mix the cranberry juice cocktail, ginger ale, and orange juice together in a pitcher or container.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

*For a very low calorie drink use: 5 Calorie Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail, diet ginger ale, and Trop50 orange juice. 
*When fresh cranberries are out of season, substitute cherry juice and garnish with fresh cherries. 

Nutrition

Serving: 12oz. | Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 116mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

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Recipe Rating




24 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Ann, Love all your ideas! Especially the baked items. Can’t wait to plan some garlands for next year with those felt pieces. Have a wonderful holiday with your family! Merry Christmas!

  2. Merry Christmas Ann. I always enjoy your blog so much. Have a joyous Christmas season and Happy New Year.

  3. Great ideas!! I really love the pomegranates in the bowl with greenery idea. So pretty 🎄

  4. Merry Christmas, Ann. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I have enjoyed your blog for years.

  5. Thanks for all your tips & tricks Ann !
    Have a Merry Christmas & with God’s blessing a healthy, happy, New Year !
    Looking forward to your posts in 2021 !

  6. Koni Billings says:

    5 stars
    21 loaves (mini) of Eggnog bread w/ Rum glaze made this month. I had made 12 loaves of the Cranberry Citrus loaves in November and put them in the freezer. Just wrapping and going to deliver this week end, but wanted you to know that I love this site, and especially your archive system for printable’s, recipes, and TAGS! Your photo ideas are a “don’t live without” must for making and doing. I love to use them as a base, then tweak the ideas to fit into my Southwestern decor. Thank you and thank you for our Saturday emails♥
    From the Heart of the Great State of Texas- YeeHaw and Merry Christmas to ya’ll!!

  7. Cindy Hall says:

    Merry Christmas, Ann! I hope you have moments of restful bliss scattered through your busy days.

  8. Ann,
    Happy Holidays to you and your family! Enjoy some relaxing time!
    Thank you for all you do!
    Love your Blog! I look forward to reading it always!

  9. LOVE all your Elegant & Simple Ideas! Your posts always brighten our days. Merry Christmas to You and Your Family, Ann!

  10. Karen K from Buffalo says:

    Merry Christmas Ann & to your family. Thank you for all your beautiful inspiration for this season!

  11. Terri Barton says:

    Thanks for all your ideas, thoughts and beautiful decorating. I’m looking forward to 2019 and all you will share! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

  12. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

  13. Christina says:

    Thank you, Ann! Wonderful ideas!♥️

  14. Charlotte B Farley says:

    I always enjoy your posts and lovely inspirations. Thanks for sharing your simple and beautiful ideas, and your home with us this year.
    Have yourselves a “Merry Little Christmas” this year, and a happy and healthy New Year.

  15. Merry Christmas. Thanks for all your uplifting posts. Evelyn

  16. Thanks for being there Ann. I appreciate each and every post. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  17. Nan, Odessa, DE says:

    What is the narrow wooden type tray you are using with the pomagrants?
    Where would I obtain this iitem? Can you tell I like it? HA! HA!

  18. All your ideas are very simple and festive,I love the pomegranates and greens.Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  19. Carol@BlueskyatHome says:

    Great, simple ideas, Ann. Those are the best kind. Especially love the bowl of greenery and pomegranates ~ they are huge this year. Merry Christmas.

  20. Anabel Luna says:

    Beautiful place to be and read every morning,thank you.

  21. Gael Fawley says:

    Just wanted to let you know that I love your site and all your lovely ideas. I look forward to it!
    Happy Holidays and thanks for making mine much better with your ideas.

  22. Charmaine Boggs says:

    So many simply elegant ideas! Love them all and will definitely be serving that cranberry mocktail at my family gathering on Sunday.
    Thanks for another year of inspiration…and the printable calendar for 2019!
    Hope your Christmas is merry and bright!
    Charmaine

  23. Kathy Menold says:

    Than you Ann for a wonderful year of writing that has been not only beautiful,informative, delicious but also like getting to have a new friend every time I open your blog.
    Looking forward to more in 2019.
    Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year filed with good times. Kathy