Elegant Christmas Ornament Hostess Gift Ideas

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Finding perfect hostess gift ideas during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when they come from the heart.

I love creating something handmade and meaningful to bring along to parties or family gatherings, and these vintage-style Christmas ornaments are elegant, easy to make, and the sweetest little gesture of gratitude. Whether you tie one around a bottle of wine, add it to a wrapped present, or give a set in a pretty box, this DIY hostess gift idea adds a personal, festive touch that feels every bit as special as the season itself.

Two white Christmas ornaments with botanical designs hang from red ribbons on a pine garland with pinecones and red berries.
Four images show Christmas-themed ornaments: stamped clay decorations, vintage glass bulbs, painted shell ornaments with trees, and a festive holiday table setting.
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Hostess Gift Ideas and the Sweetest DIY Vintage Ornaments

A white ornament with painted leaves, berries, and pinecones is wrapped in clear plastic tied with a white ribbon, next to red decorative berries on a light wood surface.

The holidays are all about connection, gathering with friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing moments that make the season magical. And if you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself looking for thoughtful ways to say thank you to those who open their homes and hearts this time of year.

I always like to bring a little something special when I’m invited to dinner, a party, or even a casual gathering, something meaningful and handmade.

Three white Christmas ornaments with red and green botanical designs hang among green eucalyptus leaves and red berries against a light wooden background.

This year, I created the most charming little vintage-style Christmas ornaments, and they’ve quickly become my favorite hostess gift idea for the season.

They’re classic, nostalgic, and full of that handmade touch I love so much. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple materials … glass ornaments, paint, pretty paper napkins, and Mod Podge.

You can tie one around a bottle of wine, add it to a wrapped gift, or present a set of them in a pretty box. They’re the perfect blend of personal and beautiful — and I can’t wait to show you how to make them.

Why Handmade Hostess Gifts Mean So Much

A hand holds a white ornament being decorated with cut-out botanical illustrations of red berries and green leaves, with a red ribbon attached.

There’s something extra special about giving a gift that’s been made by hand. It’s not just about the item itself; it’s about the time, thought, and care that went into creating it.

When you arrive at someone’s home with a homemade gift, it tells them, “You matter to me.” It’s a gesture that goes beyond convenience and trends; it’s a token of gratitude wrapped in creativity.

I’ve given everything from homemade jam and hand-poured candles to embroidered napkins and clay ornaments. But this year, I wanted to make something that felt a little vintage, something that reminded me of the delicate, European-inspired ornaments my mom used to hang on our tree when I was little.

These DIY ornaments capture that nostalgic charm perfectly. The glass shapes feel timeless, and the floral and greenery details from the paper napkins add a beautiful, layered texture that resembles fine, hand-painted art.

They’re a lovely reminder that you don’t need to spend a lot to create something memorable. You need a little creativity and a lot of heart.

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The Inspiration Behind the Design and Supplies You’ll Need

A bottle of Mod Podge, five plain white ornaments with red strings, a decorative napkin, two brushes, and green foliage on a white surface.

I love anything that looks like it has a story, vintage glass ornaments, mercury finishes, and soft botanical motifs that bring a bit of nature into holiday decor.

When I found a set of napkins featuring delicate watercolor-style greenery and red berries, I instantly knew I wanted to use them in a project. I’ve used Mod Podge for countless crafts over the years, from decoupaged pumpkins to textured trays, and I realized this same technique would work beautifully on ornaments.

If you love that cozy, vintage Christmas aesthetic, these ornaments are for you.

Here’s everything you need to make your own DIY Vintage-Style Christmas Ornaments:

Materials:

A set of clear, empty glass Christmas ornaments with silver tops, shown in a group and as a close-up of a single ornament—perfect as a festive hostess gift.
10pcs Glass Cover Ornament Baubles 
Eight glass ornaments with silver caps are arranged in two neat rows on a plain white background.

4E’s Novelty 12-Pack 3.15 Inch Clear Glass Christmas Ornament Balls

A grid of twelve clear glass Christmas ornaments in three elegant shapes, arranged in four rows and three columns on a black background—perfect as a sophisticated hostess gift.
12 Pcs Clear Glass Christmas Ball Ornaments Set 3.15″
A roll of ribbon displaying five colors—green, red, silver, gold, and white—unspooled on a white background, perfect for adding a festive touch to any hostess gift.
4 Rolls 100 Yards Christmas Ribbons 

Mod Podge

Six flat paintbrushes with brown wooden handles and orange synthetic bristles, arranged in a fan shape against a white background—perfect for painting details on glass ornaments or other creative crafts.

Transon Flat Paint Brush Set

A spool of white and green twine, reminiscent of the delicate hues of an oyster shell, is shown against a pristine white background.

Wrapables Cotton Baker’s Twine

Box of Arteza Metallic Acrylic Paint set with 12 tubes in assorted colors, displayed with packaging and paint tubes arranged in a plastic tray.

Arteza Metallic Acrylic Paint, 12 Colors

Twelve bottles of FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin acrylic paint in various colors are arranged in two rows on a white background.

Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Assorted Colors

A stack of white paper napkins decorated with a holiday pattern of green leaves, red berries, and pinecones—perfect as a festive hostess gift.
3-Ply Christmas Napkins
Illustration of two red cardinals perched among pine branches, pinecones, and red berries on a white background—a charming scene perfect as a hostess gift.
Christmas Cardinal Birds Paper Napkins
Illustration of small potted Christmas trees decorated with colorful ornaments, set against a white background with subtle oyster shell patterns and scattered holly leaves.

Festive Holidays (Green), 16-Count Napkins

Optional:

  • Glitter or mica flakes for a subtle shimmer
  • Decorative box or tissue paper if you’re gifting them
Two decorative rectangular boxes with floral and leaf patterns, wooden buttons, and loops for closure, shown from a front and side angle.

Creative Co-Op Floral Wide Paper Gift Boxes Set

Rows of festive wrapping paper in red, green, white, and brown colors with holiday-themed patterns such as holly, pinecones, plaid, and ornaments—perfect for wrapping a thoughtful hostess gift.
Simetufy Christmas Tissue Paper for Gift Bags
A pile of translucent, flaky, white mineral pieces scattered on a white surface—perfect as a unique hostess gift for those who appreciate natural beauty.
Shiny Stone Crushed Magical Natural Mica Flakes

Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Vintage Ornaments

This is one of those projects that looks complicated but is actually very forgiving, and that’s part of why I love it. The process is quick, relaxing, and perfect for an afternoon of crafting by the fire with Christmas music playing in the background.

Step 1: Paint the Ornaments

A plate with clear glass Christmas ornaments arranged on it, surrounded by artificial pine branches, berries, and small decorated trees.

Start by removing the metal tops from your ornaments and setting them aside. Paint the surface of each ornament with acrylic paint using soft, even strokes.

You can choose any color palette that matches your decor. I had some vintage ornaments in my craft storage, so I used those, but you can achieve the same effect using these ornaments and some acrylic paint. These soft tones give a vintage look and make the greenery from the napkins stand out beautifully.

Allow the first coat to dry completely, then apply a second coat if necessary for full coverage.

Step 2: Prepare the Napkins

Two hands separate layers of a decorative paper napkin with a floral and berry pattern on a white surface.

Next, take your decorative paper napkins and carefully separate the top printed layer from the plain backing layers. (Most napkins are 2- or 3-ply, and you only want the thin top layer with the design.)

A hand uses scissors to cut out a paper illustration of green leaves, with more botanical drawings and cutouts on a white surface in the background.

Then, cut out the sections of the pattern you want to use. I focused on greenery sprigs, holly leaves, pine branches, and berries. As I cut out the images I began to see how I wanted to use them as a design on the bulbs.

A white surface with cut-out illustrations of leaves, pinecones, and red berries, with green artificial leaves in the top right corner.

Step 3: Apply the Design

Paper cutouts of botanical illustrations, including leaves, berries, and pinecones, are spread on a white surface with a ruler and measuring tape nearby.

To finalize my design, I measured the circumference of the bulb and then laid out the napkin pieces so they would fit all the way around.

Cut-out illustrations of green leaves, red berries, pine needles, and pine cones are arranged on a white surface.

This is the design I chose for each bulb.

A hand holds a white Christmas ornament painted with green leaves and red berries, matching botanical artwork on the paper underneath.

Working one ornament at a time, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the painted surface where you want to place your napkin design.

Lay the napkin piece gently onto the ornament and press it down lightly with your brush. Be gentle, as the napkin becomes delicate once wet. If it wrinkles, that’s okay! Those little creases actually add to the vintage charm.

Repeat the process on the other side of the ornament until you’re happy with the design.

A white Christmas ornament with a botanical design featuring green leaves and red berries hangs from a red ribbon.

Once the napkin is in place, let it dry and then gently brush another thin coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Let it dry completely.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Once your ornaments are dry, paint the metal tops with gold metallic paint for an elegant, polished look. You can also add a touch of glitter or mica flakes for a subtle shimmer.

Reattach the tops once everything is dry.

Finally, tie a beautiful ribbon through the loop at the top. I could have used velvet ribbon in deep red, forest green, and champagne, which adds that old-world holiday touch I adore.

Step 5: Wrap and Gift

Three white Christmas ornaments with red and green botanical designs hang from a pine garland on a staircase railing.

Now comes the best part, gifting them!

These ornaments look lovely on their own, but they’re even more special when paired with something thoughtful. Here are a few of my favorite ways to gift them:

  • Tied to a bottle of wine: Add a velvet bow and attach the ornament to the neck of a wine bottle for a festive hostess gift.
  • On top of a wrapped package: Use one as a “bow” on a beautifully wrapped gift for a friend or neighbor.
  • In a set of three: Place a few ornaments in a small box with tissue paper and a handwritten tag. It’s a perfect keepsake gift for anyone who loves vintage Christmas decor.
  • With baked goods: Add one to a bag of homemade cookies or a loaf of holiday bread. It’s the little handmade touch that makes the gift unforgettable.
Festive wrapping paper featuring woodland animals, trees, and red gift boxes is a perfect idea for gift wrapping. Accentuated with a red ribbon tied in a bow, it adds charm to any present.

Christmas Woods Rolled Wrapping Paper

Four large wooden spools are wrapped with velvet ribbon in varying shades of red and gold, each secured with a pearl-headed pin.

Creative Co-Op 10 Yard Velvet Ribbon 

A stack of blank square tags, perfect for gift wrapping, with one tied by twine, sits next to an untied bundle of twine.

Square Gift Tags,100 PCS

Four clear gift bags filled with cookies, each featuring a festive holiday design—poinsettias, snowflakes, red stripes, and green Christmas trees—make a delightful hostess gift for any holiday celebration.
Cellophane Xmas Cookie Tray Bags with Twist-Ties
A stack of four red gift boxes with white ribbon designs, arranged neatly on top of each other against a plain background—perfect as a charming hostess gift.
Soul & Lane Christmas Square Decorative Boxes with Lids
Seven sheets of Christmas-themed wrapping paper, featuring solid colors, stripes, gold snowflakes, "Merry Christmas" text, and gold reindeer patterns—perfect for wrapping a thoughtful hostess gift this holiday season.
150 Sheets Christmas Tissue paper

Tips for Success

A white Christmas ornament with painted red berries and green leaves is held by a clamp, surrounded by small botanical stickers on a white surface.

Here are a few helpful hints I picked up while making these:

  • Thin is key: The thinner the napkin layer, the more it melts seamlessly into the ornament.
  • Don’t overthink placement: Each ornament turns out slightly different, and that’s what makes them charming.
  • Use matte Mod Podge: It gives a beautiful, soft finish that enhances the vintage look.
  • Test before sealing: If you want to add glitter, test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t overpower the napkin design.
  • Batch your work: Paint all your ornaments first, then move to the Mod Podge step once they’re dry to streamline the process.

Why I Love These Vintage-Inspired Ornaments

Three white Christmas ornaments with red berry designs and red ribbons are displayed on a light wood surface with green foliage and red berries.

Every time I make something by hand, I’m reminded why I love creating. These ornaments are simple yet so meaningful as they develop a sense of nostalgia, delicacy, and uniqueness.

When I tied one onto a bottle of wine for a friend’s holiday dinner, she gasped and said, “You made this?!” That’s when I knew I’d found my go-to hostess gift for the season.

I love that each ornament tells a little story — of creativity, care, and thoughtfulness. In a season where everything moves so fast, it feels great to sit down and create something beautiful with your hands.

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A wine bottle decorated with a large red flower, green foliage, a green plaid ribbon, and a gold letter "A" adorned with pearls—perfect for Simmer Pot Gifts—set against a background of warm, blurry string lights.

Pearl Monogram Ornament or Gift Topper | Craftberry Bush

These beautiful pearl monograms make beautiful gift toppers, ornaments or can also be used as table place settings.

Nine gift boxes are shown from above, each containing a small bottle labeled "Vanilla," wrapped baked goods, and brown crinkle paper, tied with twine or gingham ribbon—thoughtful gifts perfect for pairing with simmer pot recipes.

Homemade Vanilla Extract + Shortbread Cookies | Most Lovely Things

Homemade vanilla extract is the perfect little gift for anyone who bakes, especially at the holidays!

Two upcycled liquor bottles with soap dispensers, perfect as unique gifts, one brown and one black, are decorated with bows and rosemary sprigs. They sit on a tray with two scrub brushes and a folded cloth on a wooden table.

DIY Gift Idea Bottle Upcycled Soap Dispensers | My Sweet Savannah

I’m sharing how I upcycled empty Hendrick’s and Cointreau bottles into chic, high-end soap dispensers for our DIY Gift Ideas Blog Hop. This simple, affordable project looks incredibly thoughtful, styled on a concrete tray with a linen towel and wood scrubber—a neutral, modern gift anyone would love.

A glass Simmer Pot filled with cranberries, whole tangerines, cinnamon sticks, and star anise sits among greenery, bay leaves, and spices, with a green velvet ribbon on the handle—perfect for festive gifts or simmer pot recipes.

Simmer Pot Recipes (For Gifts) | Happy Happy Nester

Simmer pot recipes are among the coziest and most popular DIY gifts this season, and they’re a great way to fill your home with festive holiday scents. These simple stovetop recipes combine dried and fresh citrus, warm spices, and fragrant herbs to create a natural, long-lasting aroma that feels like Christmas in a pot.

The key is to give something that feels personal and thoughtful — it doesn’t have to be big or expensive to be meaningful.

A glass candle with green pine branch designs sits in front of its matching box labeled "Thymes Frasier Fir," making it a perfect hostess gift.
Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle
A stack of white gift tags with gold text, some reading "MERRY," alongside cream ribbon ties—perfect for pairing with your favorite glass ornaments.

Christmas Gift Tags

Two glass jars decorated with snowflakes and ribbons—one filled with colorful jellybeans, the other with cookies. A hand is placing a cookie into the jar beside a frosted pine branch—perfect as a festive hostess gift.
24 Set 12oz Christmas Mason Jars

A Handmade Touch for the Holidays

A wine bottle wrapped in a holiday-themed cloth bag with red ribbon and a decorative heart ornament, set on a table with a green glass bottle and leafy background.

Handmade gifts carry a kind of magic that store-bought ones simply can’t replicate. They hold intention. Love. Time.

These vintage-style ornaments are one of those projects that remind me why I love crafting so much. They’re beautiful, meaningful, and simple, a perfect combination for this busy season.

Whether you’re making them to give, to decorate your own tree, or to add a personal touch to your gift wrapping, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives them.

As we head deeper into the holiday season, I hope this project inspires you to slow down, create something beautiful, and share a bit of handmade joy with the people who make your world brighter.

Because in the end, that’s what the holidays are truly about: connection, gratitude, and the thoughtful little gestures that make this season so special.

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A box of nine vintage Christmas ornaments in red, green, and gold, adorned with festive designs and phrases like "Merry Christmas" and "Silent Night," captures a timeless charm.

Shiny Brite Holiday Splendor Rounds

A brown storage box with empty compartments sits next to nine festive glass ornaments in red and green on a light surface.

2′ H Embossed Mercury Glass Ornaments

A hand holds a bunch of colorful, striped and polka-dotted paper ornaments shaped like seashells against a plain background.

Handmade Paper Mache Ornament

Twelve white star-shaped ornaments with jute twine loops, subtly accented in Christmas colors, are arranged in two rows.

Farmhouse Star Ornaments

A round, white glass ornament with faint brownish swirl and leaf patterns, suspended by a thin string attached to a black cap at the top.

6″ Round Mercury Glass Ornament

Strings of small, round, gold and clear glass ornaments are hanging vertically against a white background.

Serene Spaces Living Mini Gold Ribbed Mercury Glass-Finish Ornament Garland

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Cricut cutting machine with accessory tools, colorful vinyl sheets, cutting mats, a pen, and a tablet displaying design software—a creative hostess gift for DIY enthusiasts.
Cricut Maker 4 – Smart Cutting Machine (Seashell)
Two upholstered barstools with wooden legs are placed in front of a kitchen island in a modern, light-filled kitchen with neutral tones and minimal decor—perfect for enjoying drinks or showcasing a thoughtful hostess gift.
COLAMY Counter Height Bar Stools Set of 2
A pink Ninja CRISPI air fryer filled with cooked chicken sits next to a glass container holding broccoli and a cooked orange dish—perfect as a thoughtful hostess gift for any food lover.
Ninja | Air Fryer | Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Cooking System
A white Levoit air purifier with a perforated front panel is shown next to a smartphone displaying air quality data via a connected app—an ideal hostess gift for any home.
LEVOIT Air Purifiers
A Bissell CrossWave vacuum and mop is shown with a cleaning solution bottle and a black tray attachment on a white background—an ideal hostess gift for anyone who loves a spotless home.
Bissell Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop
A cordless stick vacuum cleaner with a detachable handheld unit, shown with three different attachments for versatile cleaning—an ideal hostess gift for any home.
Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum
Silver smart ring with internal sensors visible around the inner band, designed for tracking health and fitness metrics—a stylish and thoughtful hostess gift for wellness enthusiasts.

Oura Ring 4
Magna-Tiles 100-piece set box with colorful magnetic tiles forming geometric structures; labeled for ages 3-99. A thoughtful hostess gift that sparks creativity for kids and adults alike.
MAGNA-TILES Classic 100-Piece Magnetic Construction Set
A toy vending machine labeled "Snacks to Go" with colorful buttons, pretend snacks, play coins, and a menu card displayed beside it—perfect as a unique hostess gift for imaginative play.
Melissa & Doug Sort-Stock-Select Wooden Vending Machine

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