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!
*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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Idea #3: Tie a red bow around a candy cane, and place it on the napkin.
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
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!
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.
- Eggnog Bread
- Orange Cranberry Bread
- Pecan Tassies
- Snickerdoodle Bread
- Homemade Olive Oil Granola (This does not need to be frozen. It will last, tightly sealed in a mason jar, for 2-3 weeks.)
- Snickerdoodle Bars
- Chocolate Snowball Cookies
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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
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
Nutrition
