These Christmas Lanterns are cozy tiny holiday houses and they are just precious – plus they have a special meaning for many… Add this gorgeous idea into your Holiday decor – you won't be sorry! 

DIY Christmas Lanterns

Last year my friend Jamie shared a picture of the cutest Christmas Lanterns that she found on Pinterest. As soon as I saw it it basically brought up every time I ever dreamed of a fancy dollhouse as a kid (and then even thought of making one for my girls), but it just wasn't a project we'd ever had the time or money to tackle.

But when I saw this Christmas lanterns idea?

Oh my word. I knew I could maybe just do this.

Because these Christmas lanterns weren't an entire doll house, but just a simple glass room really, I figured this project might just be doable.  (And since we were home quite a bit at the time, I figured I might as well enjoy a little happy inside my home)!

Christmas in Heaven Lanterns

Some folks create these tiny welcoming rooms as a way to remember a lost loved one – a way to “save them a seat” to be with them on Christmas.  There's even a sweet little poem that goes with it:

Christmas In Heaven What do they do?
They come down to Earth to spend it with You.
So save them a seat Just one empty chair.
You may not see them but they will be there.

It's something lovely you could make for yourself OR a friend or loved one who's lost someone – and it's such a sweet thought!

How To Make Christmas Lantern Décor

This is probably one of the easiest projects I've ever put together – and so fun!  I've been to the Dollar Tree recently and already knew that they didn't have anything “special” enough for what I wanted.  So I headed to Hobby Lobby, snatched up my supplies, and set to work.

(The sweetest lady was with me in the dollhouse aisle and I'm convinced she was making the exact same project. Every time I got near any of the cute miniature Christmas lanterns supplies, she scooted a little close . . . )

Here's what I used to make my DIY Christmas Lantern! (Scroll down further for a few other options for lanterns and dollhouse decor)

Supplies

• Distressed Terrarium (I was looking for Christmas lanterns, but for this project the size of this terrarium is just perfect!)
• Miniature Wreath
• Miniature Couch Set
• Decorative Mini Christmas Trees
• Miniature Christmas Gift
• Tiny Christmas Star Lights (These Christmas Star lights aren't currently available right now. I'm hoping as we get closer to Christmas they'll be back in stock again, but for now, you could use these tiny lights for the same effect.  These are battery operated as well)

Then I just brought everything home, set to “decorating” my little glass house, and this happy little home project was done.

My son came home from college and we hung out. He talked. I crafted. It was golden.

The only real “crafting” I did was to spray paint the red sleigh grey, because my happy little silvery house just wasn't quite up for a bright red sled.  You could also add a small pillar candle or votive and turn this into a candle lantern as well if you don't want to use the tiny lights.

A gorgeous Christmas decoration – Success. 

So there you have it ~ my happy little “home” inside my home this Christmas ~ just a fun way to do something different in your home this year, and a great simple Christmas lanterns craft!

Reader Melisa shared this variation that she made – isn't it just DARLING?  Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂 

Share Your Christmas Lantern Ideas!

If you have made one of your own Christmas lanterns I would absolutely love to see your pictures!  And maybe I will even include some of them here if you'll give us permission?

I think it would be so fun for everyone to see different little room décor and get inspired with all of your ideas!  If you're willing to share your picture – email [email protected] with the subject line “Christmas lantern picture”. 🙂

Christmas Lantern Decor: 

Lanterns:

• Walmart Decorative Lanterns
• Amazon Decorative Lanterns
• Target Decorative Lanterns

Furniture:

• This Adorable Rocking Chair!
• Dollhouse Furniture
• Calico Critters Living Room Suite

Tiny Trees & Lights:

• Mini Christmas Trees
• Fairy String Lights

Have you started dreaming up DIY projects for Christmas?
I can't wait to use these printable gift tags again and fluff up my home using this Pinecone Wreath.  You can also create a TON of super cute and unique gifts using glass etching (and it's easier than you'd think!) 

I'd love to hear what you've made are hoping to make this year! Leave a comment to share ~ I love hearing from you!