Deck the Halls, Holiday Party Decor Tips

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Nov 29, 2012) - (Family Features) When it comes to decking the halls in advance of a holiday party, there's nothing quite as festive as creating homemade decorations with the family. From handmade ornaments to shimmering trees, your party guests will catch that holiday spirit when they see the special décor created just for the event.

To help get you started, the inspiration experts at the Jo-Ann Stores have shared the following holiday craft ideas. These simple step-by-step projects are great for crafters at every level, and the best part is you can get the whole family involved.

Décor Ideas
Small touches can make a big impact on your guests. Use these ideas to add small details to your party decorations:

Create a winter wonderland - Teach the kids how to create paper snowflakes, then string them up throughout the house using fishing wire. From the dining room chandelier, to the windows, fireplace and staircase, you can create a flurry of snowflakes around the house in minutes.

Design a sparkling centerpiece - To get started, gather pinecones on a walk around the neighborhood. In a well-ventilated area, use glitter or metallic spray paint to completely coat the pine cones in silver and gold. Then simply stack in a glass bowl and place at the center of the table surrounded by sprigs of fresh greenery and holly branches.

Take your holiday décor above and beyond with these holiday craft project instructions for a Champagne Shimmer Tree and Glitter Glass Ball ornaments. Your guests will love walking into the winter wonderland you create just for the occasion.

For more holiday décor inspiration and craft projects, visit www.JoAnn.com.

Champagne Shimmer Tree
Skill Level 1: No experience necessary
Approximate Crafting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Read all directions before starting and use the photo as a guide.
Note: Make sure to read the directions on the spray paint can before using. Use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.

Supplies and Tools:

2		cans champagne metallic spray paint
1		4-foot white Christmas tree
1		drop cloth
1		sturdy cardboard box

Working outside, place cardboard box on drop cloth.

Open up tree and fluff branches to give it a natural look. Place tree on box to give it some height.

Spray around every branch, so paint coats all of the tree's needles. Allow to dry for a few minutes and spray a second coat. Allow to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area before decorating.

Glitter Glass Ball Ornaments
Skill Level 1: No experience necessary
Approximate Crafting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Supplies and Tools:

Glitter

Double-sided tape

Ready-to-finish glass ball ornaments

Wide plastic cups

Tacky glue and paintbrush (optional)

Wrap a piece of double-sided tape evenly around glass ornament.

Place glitter in plastic cup or other container. Remove the tape backing, and dip the glass ball into glitter, making sure to cover tape completely in glitter. Hang on tree.

Optional: Use the paintbrush and tacky glue to paint designs on the ornaments, then sprinkle with glitter. Allow to dry before hanging on tree.

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