Christmas Ornament-Making Party Ideas + DIY Wood Ornaments
Want to host a Christmas ornament-making party without spending days gathering supplies? Set out ornament blanks, colorful markers, ribbon, and little baskets of embellishments, then let everyone create a keepsake to take home.
My kids and I used to do this every November with their friends, and it became one of our favorite Christmas traditions. I’ll show you how to set up the table, what supplies to offer, and how to make personalized wood ornaments. I’ll also show you the Ornament Bar Kit I created to make hosting one easier.
The Christmas Tradition That Inspired This Kit
When my kids were little, we used to host mini ornament-making parties every November. They’d invite a few friends over, and I’d spread supplies across our big table: ornament blanks, paint, ribbon, stickers, glitter, glue, and all kinds of little embellishments.
Then I’d let them create whatever they wanted. It was messy, sparkly, and so much fun. At the end, everyone showed off their ornaments and took home something they had made themselves. Those afternoons became one of our favorite holiday traditions. ❤️
I shared ideas for hosting your own party, along with a free printable Ornament-Making Party Checklist, in my DIY Christmas ornaments post.
As much as I loved those parties, getting ready meant collecting all the supplies. So I started thinking: what if I could put the ornament-making experience into one box?
How to Set Up a Christmas Ornament-Making Party
I love setting out the pieces in little baskets or trays so everyone can see what’s available. Put the ornament bases in one basket, the larger embellishments in another, and the smaller details in a third. Keep the personalized plaques, glue dots, and ribbon nearby for the finishing touches.
Then add acrylic paint markers or craft paint, turn on some Christmas music, and set up a hot cocoa station. That’s the kind of afternoon I remember having with my kids!
Meet the DIY Christmas Ornament Bar
My Ornament Bar Kits come with unfinished, laser-cut wood ornament bases and Christmas pieces that guests can mix and match. I designed the kits so you can open the box, set up a creative table, and let everyone make an ornament that feels like their own.
Each guest gets an ornament base and a personalized engraved name plaque. The kits also include ribbon or twine, glue dots, instructions, and an assortment of wood embellishments to share.
You can choose a kit for 6, 10, or 20 people.
- 6-person kit: 6 ornament bases, 40 mix-and-match wood pieces, 6 personalized name plaques, and 3 bonus 2026 plaques.
- 10-person kit: 10 ornament bases, 70 mix-and-match wood pieces, 10 personalized name plaques, and 5 bonus 2026 plaques.
- 20-person kit: 20 ornament bases, 140 mix-and-match wood pieces, 20 personalized name plaques, and 10 bonus 2026 plaques.
Paint and markers are sold separately, so you can use supplies you already own or choose the colors that fit your party.
Shop the DIY Christmas Ornament Bar Kits →
I’m personally laser cutting, sorting, and assembling these boxes, and each one takes a lot of time to make. I have a limited number available for this Christmas season, and I don’t plan to make another batch this year once they sell out.
My Favorite Way to Color the Wood Ornaments
You can decorate the wood pieces with craft paint, acrylic paint markers, or wood stain. You can also leave some of the natural wood showing.
For a party, I like acrylic paint markers. They’re easy to pass around the table, and there are no paintbrushes or cups of water to manage. I use my Ohuhu acrylic paint markers when I want lots of color choices.
If you’re buying markers just for this party, you can also use this budget-friendly paint marker set. I also found this affordable marker set and this cheap marker set that work well on the wood ornament pieces. And if you already have paint or markers at home, use those!
Tip: Color your ornament base and wood pieces before you attach them. I like to leave the engraved name plaque natural, or use a light stain, so the name stays easy to read.
How to Make Personalized Wood Christmas Ornaments
- Choose an ornament base.
- Pick your favorite wood embellishments from the baskets.
- Color the base and pieces with acrylic paint markers, craft paint, or stain.
- Arrange the pieces on your ornament before attaching them.
- Use the included glue dots or your own craft glue to attach the pieces.
- Add your personalized name plaque.
- Thread ribbon or twine through the ornament and hang it up!
Everyone can choose different pieces and colors, so even guests at the same table will end up with completely different ornaments.
Who Would Love an Ornament-Making Party?
This would be fun for a family Christmas night, a girls’ night, a sleepover, a grandparents-and-grandkids afternoon, a cookie exchange, or a holiday gathering with friends. You could even make it an annual tradition and hang everyone’s newest ornaments on the tree together.
My favorite ornaments from when my kids were little aren’t perfect. That’s why I love them. Every year when I take them out, I remember who made them and the afternoon we spent together.
That’s what I wanted to share with these kits: a reason to sit around a table together and make something you’ll be excited to unwrap again next Christmas. ❤️
Ready to Host Your Own Ornament Bar?
Choose the 6-person, 10-person, or 20-person kit that fits your gathering, and add the guests’ names for their engraved plaques when you order. I made a limited number of boxes for this season, and once they’re gone, I don’t plan to cut and assemble another batch this year.
Shop the personalized Christmas Ornament Bar Kits →
Want to gather your own supplies instead? Visit my DIY Christmas ornaments post for more ideas and the free Ornament-Making Party Checklist.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links or a sponsored post. All opinions are always 100% mine and I don’t partner with any product or company that I don’t use and love. Please see our Full Disclosure for more information.
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