As the holiday season approaches, I find myself looking for meaningful ways to celebrate my first Christmas as an engaged woman. This year feels extra special, and I want every detail of my decorations to reflect the warmth, love, and coziness I’ve been feeling.
Since tea has always been a source of comfort and joy for me, I decided to combine my love for the holidays and tea into a creative project: Tea-Inspired Christmas Ornaments.
Not only do these DIY ornaments add a personal and elegant touch to your tree, but they’re also a beautiful way to slow down and savor the season—just like a perfect cup of tea.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast like me or you’re crafting for someone who is, these ideas will infuse your holiday décor with charm and thoughtfulness.
1. Tea Bag Baubles
Transform your favorite tea bag wrappers into vibrant, personalized ornaments!
Look for tea bags with eye-catching designs, holiday-themed packaging, or nostalgic connections (like a tea you and your loved ones shared during special moments). Gently open clear plastic or glass ornament balls and roll up the wrappers to fit inside.
For added flair, sprinkle in gold or silver glitter, tiny faux snowflakes, or dried flowers like rose petals.
Tip: Include handwritten notes on small strips of paper to tuck inside—these could be quotes, festive wishes, or even a mini love note. These baubles add a heartfelt and meaningful element to your tree.
2. Dried Tea Leaf Sachets
Loose tea leaves can be just as beautiful as they are aromatic.
Fill small fabric sachets (muslin or organza work wonderfully) with fragrant blends like spiced chai, mint, or vanilla rooibos. Tie the sachets with festive ribbons in red, gold, or green.
To elevate the design, attach a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick to the ribbon.
Added Bonus: The natural scents will create a soft, festive fragrance around your tree, especially if you choose teas with holiday-inspired notes like cinnamon, cloves, or orange.
3. Teacup Ornaments
Repurpose old or mismatched teacups into charming tree decorations. Secure a ribbon or twine loop to the handle with a strong adhesive or tie it tightly for a more rustic look.
Nestle miniature pinecones, small ornaments, or faux berries into the teacup for added seasonal flair.
Alternative Use: If hanging them feels too precarious, use the teacups as part of a tea-themed centerpiece or place them on shelves around your home for a cohesive holiday display.
Why It’s Special: Each teacup can represent a memory or story. My own collection features cups gifted by loved ones or bought during travels, making them even more sentimental as they hang on my tree.
4. Tea Tin Treasures
Mini tea tins are the perfect combination of cute and practical.
Look for miniature tins in festive patterns, or repurpose empty ones by painting them with metallic or holiday-themed colors. Drill a small hole in the lid to thread a ribbon, or use strong glue to attach twine.
Extra Touch: Fill the tins with a surprise—a small keepsake, candy, or even a rolled-up note of gratitude for your partner or family member to discover during the holidays.
Why It’s Memorable: These ornaments double as tiny gift boxes and can be reused for years to come, adding a touch of eco-friendliness to your décor.
5. Tea-Stained Paper Stars
Turn simple paper into rustic works of art by tea-staining them.
Brew a strong cup of black tea, dip sheets of white or recycled paper into the tea, and let them dry completely. Cut out festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or hearts, then decorate with glitter, metallic pens, or stamps.
For a Personalized Twist: Write the names of family members or meaningful dates on each ornament to create a keepsake tree. Alternatively, string the shapes together as a garland for your mantel or staircase.
Crafting Tip: Layering multiple paper shapes or adding lace trim to the edges can give these ornaments a vintage, Victorian aesthetic that feels timeless and elegant.
6. Loose Tea Ornaments (Bonus Idea!)
Layer loose-leaf teas in clear ornaments for a visually stunning display.
Use colorful blends like jasmine pearls, hibiscus, or matcha green tea. Layer them to create a sand-art effect, and seal the ornament securely. You can even mix in tiny decorative beads, spices like cloves or anise, or dried orange peel for extra charm.
Why It Works: These ornaments are a great way to showcase your favorite teas and add a unique texture to your tree.
Why I Love This Tradition
This year, I wanted my decorations to reflect more than just festive cheer—I wanted them to tell a story. Creating tea-inspired ornaments feels like a tribute to the quiet moments of reflection and connection I’ve experienced with a warm cup of tea in hand.
Now, as I hang these ornaments on the tree, I feel a sense of peace and gratitude for the new chapter I’m entering.
If you try any of these ideas, remember that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s about celebrating what makes this season meaningful to you. For me, it’s the combination of love, creativity, and of course, tea.
Cheers to a holiday season steeped in joy and sprinkled with creativity!