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Recycled Crystal Tabletop Christmas Tree

Step into a world of festive wonder with recycled Christmas dishes to make a beautiful tabletop Christmas tree. This unique approach to holiday decorating combines sustainability and style to create a truly magical experience. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply want to add sparkle to your home, this recycled Christmas tree is the perfect choice.




By repurposing old dishes, you can create a personalized and eco-friendly Christmas tree that will impress your guests and bring joy to your household.  These recycled treasures give your tree a touch of elegance while reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable holiday season.  Check out all these wonderful ideas!


Sew Crafty Crochet

T'onna

Winter Star Ornament


Not only are recycled Christmas crystal decor visually stunning, but they also tell a story. Each piece has a history, adding a layer of meaning and nostalgia to your holiday decor. So why not make your Christmas tree a conversation starter this year?


Embrace the spirit of the season and craft a festive wonderland with a recycled crystal Christmas tree. This holiday season, let sustainability shine alongside the joy and sparkle of Christmas.



The Sustainable Craft Challenge bloggers are all doing Christmas-themed projects. You will love them! Thank you to our host, Julie of Sum of Their Stories. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to put this event on each month. See the list of bloggers and their crafts below.



Benefits of Using Recycled Christmas Dishes and Crystal Decor

Embracing recycled Christmas crystal decor not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your holiday celebrations but also brings forth a slew of environmental benefits. One of the most significant advantages is waste reduction. By repurposing old dishes, you prevent them from ending up in landfills, where they would take years to decompose. Instead, you breathe new life into these items, transforming them into stunning decorations that carry a story. This shift from disposable to sustainable practices exemplifies a commitment to being environmentally conscious during the holiday season, a time often associated with excess and waste.


Moreover, utilizing recycled materials fosters creativity and individuality in your decor. Each piece you choose has its own unique history, which allows you to curate a Christmas tree that reflects your personality and values. You can mix and match different styles, colors, and textures to create a visually captivating display that stands out. This personalized touch not only makes your decorations more meaningful but also inspires conversations among guests. They’ll be intrigued to learn about the origins of each ornament, creating an opportunity for storytelling that adds warmth and connection to your gatherings.


Additionally, using recycled dishes and crystal decor can be more budget-friendly than purchasing new decorations every year. Vintage dishes can often be found at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces at a fraction of the cost of new ornaments. This budget-conscious approach allows you to allocate your resources towards other holiday necessities, such as gifts or festive meals. By opting for recycled items, you can enjoy a beautiful and unique holiday display without breaking the bank, all while promoting sustainability and reducing your ecological footprint.


How to Source Recycled Christmas Dishes and Crystal Decor


Finding the perfect recycled Christmas crystal dishses decor requires a blend of creativity and resourcefulness. Begin your search at local thrift shops and charity stores, which often have a treasure trove of vintage items waiting to be discovered. These establishments typically offer an eclectic assortment of dishes, glassware, and other decorative pieces that can be transformed into ornaments. When you browse through these stores, keep an open mind; a chipped plate can become a stunning wall decoration, while mismatched glasses can be hung as whimsical ornaments.


Online platforms are another excellent source for sourcing recycled decorations. Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace are filled with sellers offering unique vintage items. You can also join local buy/sell/trade groups that focus on home decor to find hidden gems. Look for sellers who specialize in upcycled goods, as they often provide creative and sustainable options for your holiday decorating needs. This online exploration allows for a wider range of choices, giving you the chance to find that one-of-a-kind piece that resonates with your festive vision.


Don't overlook your own home and family as a source of inspiration. Raid your kitchen cabinets for dishes that may no longer be in use, or consider asking family members if they have any old ornaments they no longer want. This not only gives you the chance to repurpose these items but also allows you to honor family traditions and memories. Each piece you incorporate can evoke fond recollections of past holidays, enhancing the sentimental value of your decorations. As you gather these recycled treasures, remember that the beauty of this approach lies in the stories and memories that each piece carries with it.


Creating a Recycled Crystal Tabletop Christmas Tree


Materials needed

E6000 glue

Crystal Base (I used a base that I saved when a large vessel I had broke but think of glass buckets, fluted oversized glasses)

4 crystal dishes with sloping sides, like platters, bowls, and plates in graduated sizes, small, medium, and large

3 crystal/glass separators (I used the leftover glass candle containers, the mini size)

a crystal topper

Steps to Make a Recycled Crystal Tabletop Christmas Tree

1.  Wash and dry all your dishes.  Dishes should be completely dry before gluing.

2.  Stack your dishes for practice and to create the design you want.


This is one idea that I didn't keep. Keep stacking and restacking 
until you find one that you love!

4.  Glue the largest plate to the base and set aside.


Here are the different stacks of dishes drying
after gluing.


5. Glue the separators to each of the other plates and set them aside.

6.  Let dry for 3-4 days.  

7.  Check to see if the glue needs more drying time.  You will know if the glued-on plates have given or wiggled.

8. Glue separator/plate combo onto the large plate in the next smallest size.


Here you can have a good look at the separators I chose. My topper
is a votive candle holder and I plan to put a candle in there!

9. Glue separator/plate on top of the dish just glued.

10. Continue until all the plates are glued on.

11.  Glue on the topper.

12.  Let dry for a 5-10 days.  You want the glue to be rock solid!

You can add little fairy lights to the tree.  I suggest a silver-wired one, but any will do.  Here is my favorite one from Amazon.


Conclusion: Embracing a Sustainable and Stylish Holiday Season


As the holiday season approaches, embracing recycled Christmas crystal decor offers a pathway to a more sustainable and stylish celebration. By incorporating these unique elements into your decor, you not only reduce waste but also foster creativity and individuality in your holiday aesthetics. This year, challenge yourself to think outside the box and explore the potential of repurposed items, allowing your Christmas tree to reflect your personal style while also making a positive impact on the environment.


The stories behind each recycled piece will enrich your celebrations, turning your tree into a beautiful tapestry of memories and narratives. As you share these tales with friends and family, you cultivate a deeper connection within your holiday gatherings, reminding everyone of the importance of sustainability and mindful consumption. This conscious approach can inspire others to rethink their holiday decorating habits, creating a ripple effect of eco-friendly practices that extend beyond the festive season.


In conclusion, let your holiday decorations tell a story that resonates with your values and aspirations. By choosing recycled Christmas dishes and crystal decor, you not only create a visually stunning display but also embody the spirit of sustainability that is becoming increasingly vital in our world today. This holiday season, let your creativity shine brightly alongside your commitment to a greener future, crafting a festive wonderland that is both beautiful and responsible.

Would you like to comment?

  1. Your crystal tree is gorgeous Terri. I love how you've put a candle votive at the top, that will look so pretty lit up. I bet the whole thing sparkles so much. What a great talking point you've created, you'll just have to be really careful how you pack it away after Christmas so it can be used and enjoyed for many years!

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  2. Wow! This looks stunning. What a great idea. This sort of thing is so readily available in charity shops too.

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  3. Your crystal tree turned out beautifully. I absolutely love it, and now I want one! This is such a creative idea.

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  4. Your crystal Christmas tree looks quite lovely and unique, Terri! I need to stop by a few thrift stores to collect crystal items! Thanks for the idea!

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  5. What a pretty crystal tree! I can just see it sparkling with nearby candles! This idea could be a lovely centerpiece! -Marci @ Old Rock Farmhouse

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  6. Wow, you were able to find just the right glass pieces to create a unique and stunning Christmas tree. Love it!

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  7. OMGSH! Such a BRILLIANT upcycle! I was heading out to thrift this weekend, so I am adding crystal dishes to my list!
    I’d love for you to join us over at the Creatively Crafty Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
    https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-2/
    Followed and Pinned!
    Creatively, Beth

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