DIY Farmhouse Christmas Bells Review – An Easy Rustic Ornament You Can Make on a Budget

There is something very satisfying about a Christmas craft that looks far more expensive than it actually is, and these DIY Farmhouse Christmas Bells definitely fall into that category. This project takes a very simple base, a large plastic cup, and transforms it with nautical rope, ribbon, small silver bells, and boxwood sprigs into a rustic hanging decoration with lovely farmhouse charm. It is a clever upcycling-style project that feels festive without being fussy.

What I really like about this one is that it gives that high-end holiday decor look without asking you to buy anything too complicated. If you have ever spotted oversized rustic bell decorations in stores and thought, “That is cute, but I am not paying that much for it,” this is exactly the kind of craft that scratches that itch. The tutorial wraps rope around the outside of the cup, leaves extra rope for hanging, then finishes the piece with a simple bow and bits of greenery.

It is also the sort of project that suits a lot of decorating styles. Even though it is called farmhouse, it would work just as nicely in a coastal Christmas theme, a neutral holiday scheme, or even tucked into a wreath or entryway display. The rope gives it texture, the ribbon softens it, and the little bells add just enough festive detail without making it feel overdone.

Another thing I appreciate is that this is not an intimidating holiday craft. You do not need special cutting machines, sewing skills, or a giant stash of supplies to make it work. The materials list is short, and the method is straightforward enough for a relaxed afternoon craft session. It is very beginner friendly, which is always a win during the busy holiday season when patience can be in a bit short supply and glitter somehow ends up on absolutely everything.

This would be a lovely project for:

front door decor
Christmas tree ornaments
mantel styling
gift toppers for oversized presents
rustic holiday centerpieces

I can also see these working beautifully in a pair or trio, especially since the tutorial suggests repeating the process for a second bell and even mentions making a third. Grouped together, they would have much more visual impact and give that styled, boutique-look finish people love at Christmas.

For crafters who enjoy budget Christmas decorating ideas, DIY farmhouse ornaments, or easy rustic Christmas crafts, this one is worth a look. It is creative, achievable, and has that nice balance of homemade charm and polished finish.

My take? This is a sweet and practical holiday project that turns humble supplies into something festive and display-worthy. It is especially appealing if you love neutral Christmas decor, rope accents, and crafts that look good without costing a fortune.

Christmas decorating can become expensive one small purchase at a time.

A runner does not seem like much. Neither do the matching napkins. Then there are candles, place-card holders and a little arrangement for the middle.

Before you know it, the table has cost more to decorate than you intended.

This Christmas table plan sets a clear limit: less than A$50 in additional decorating costs for six people, using plates, glasses, cutlery and furniture you already own.

Food, drinks and household tableware are not included. The figures below are spending limits, not quoted retail prices.

You do not need to spend the full amount. Coming in at $12 because you reused nearly everything is an excellent result.

Make your budget before choosing your theme

Start with what is available at home, then allocate money only to missing details.

Possible purchase	Maximum allowance
Napkins, if needed	A$8
One roll of ribbon	A$6
Paper for cards or decorations	A$4
Battery lighting	A$10
One missing centrepiece element	A$8
Delivery, batteries or other extras	A$10
Planned maximum	A$46

The remaining $4 keeps the plan below $50 and gives you a little breathing room.

If an item costs more than its allowance, substitute something rather than automatically increasing the total.

Decide what you can skip

For this table, leave these off the shopping list:

New dinner plates.
Decorative charger plates.
Bought place-card holders.
Matching Christmas glasses.
Individual decorations for every chair.
A ready-made floral centrepiece.

None is essential to a welcoming Christmas lunch.

A bare timber table, everyday crockery and a consistent colour detail can look lovely.

Pick an inexpensive colour connection

Red and cream work well when you own plain dishes and traditional Christmas decorations.

For another option, use green paper cards and natural twine. If your plates are patterned, choose one colour from the pattern instead of introducing several more.

A single roll of Christmas ribbon on Amazon is an optional way to connect the place settings. Compare length and delivered cost, then make one sample bow to calculate how much you need.

Do not buy a second colour simply because it is suggested beside the first one.

Build the centrepiece from your decorations box

Use an existing shallow bowl and a few ornaments.

Our Christmas balls centrepiece gives you an arrangement idea, but a loose bowl display avoids buying glue and preserves your decorations for next year.

Choose colours that work with your ribbon.

If you do not own baubles, a bowl of whole fruit already included in your grocery plan can work instead. Keep it unpainted and separate from craft materials so it remains useful afterwards.

Make place cards from scraps

Cut six pieces of cardstock to the same size and fold them in half.

Write the names clearly. Add a small drawn star or a strip of leftover paper if you like.

Consistent size and placement matter more than elaborate lettering.

For another handmade detail, browse our Christmas napkin-holder ideas. Pick a design that uses materials you own rather than treating the entire collection as a supply list.

Decorate behind the table if space is tight

A small dining table can feel crowded quickly.

One paper-bag star on the wall nearby can provide a festive focal point while leaving room for serving dishes. Use suitable fixings and keep paper away from heat.

This is particularly useful when your everyday table is doing its best to accommodate extra guests.

Count the extras before paying

Include delivery fees, batteries, adhesive and any additional packets needed to finish the project.

Keep a running total on your phone. If a purchase would push you over budget, remove something or choose a simpler option.

After setting the table, take a photograph and note what you used. Next year, you can repeat the look without shopping from scratch.

A budget Christmas table works because you make deliberate choices. Spend where it helps, reuse where you can and leave the unnecessary extras in the shop.

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