How To Decorate Even Your Trash Can For Christmas

One of the best parts of the holiday season is adding festive touches to a home. Whether you're decorating for Christmas on a budget or the sky's the limit, there are endless ways to make a space feel cozy and cute. Indeed, some of the most creative Christmas decorations can be made with everyday household items – and yes, that includes the humble trash can. As one Xmas-obsessed DIYer showed off on TikTok, absolutely anything can be jazzed up with holiday cheer; all you need is some wrapping paper and ribbon.

While it's true you could buy a ready-made cover, DIYing a temporary holiday getup for your waste bin is much more fun, and customizable. Not to mention, it's quick and affordable to complete and works on both plastic and metallic containers. It is worth noting, however, that a rectangular trash can will make this project easier, but it's also applicable to round waste bins. 

Once you've transformed your trash can into a present, you can use the same method on all of your indoor trash receptacles to create a matching or complimentary set, sticking with the gift aesthetic or mixing things up with candy cane stripes, snowflakes, or any other festive motif you fancy. First, wash off any grease and grime from the outer walls using warm water and soap and allow to dry fully, then it's time to get crafting.

Wrapping paper is a great way to say goodbye to the eyesore of indoor trash cans. To transform yours into a giant present, measure the height and width and cut red wrapping paper to size. Wrap the body, just as you would a gift, taping down both ends at the back where no one will see the joint line. If your can has a lid-opening step, you may choose to run the paper right above it or use an X-Acto knife and a few smaller pieces of paper to wrap tightly around it. 

For the lid itself, repeat the process with a long piece wrapped around the rim and a flat piece cut to size to fit right atop the lid (two-sided tape is great for this portion). Finally, glue two strands of gold ribbon around the can, one running horizontally and one vertically, before placing a big bow on top. Other fun options like wrapping it with tinsel or even Christmas lights will help bring even more charm to this utilitarian item.

For a more permanent option, which can bring holiday cheer year-round or be stored away for use next year, consider turning this DIY into a decoupage project. Follow the same steps as above but use Mod Podge instead of tape to keep the wrapping paper in place. A good hack is to coat the bin with Mod Podge instead of the thin paper to avoid rips, then use your hands or a brayer to slowly stick and smooth it out, section by section.