This Adorable Christmas Decor Hack Is A Genius Way To Reuse Old Books

Every year, it seems like everyone is on the hunt for that perfect bit of decor — something that's unique, charming, sustainable, and that doesn't require a master's degree in crafting or a hefty budget. We've got an easy holiday DIY that delivers maximum impact for minimal effort. This cute decor trick repurposes old books you probably aren't reading anymore and transforms them, not by decorating their covers, but by making use of their stacked volume and texture of their pages.

The process is delightfully simple and doesn't require any specialized tools or skills. All you need to do is gather five or six paperback books that are each similar in size. Don't worry about the condition of the covers; it may even be better to use books that have seen better days. Open each volume exactly halfway through, and stack them face-down atop one another. The magic happens as the weight of each of the stacked books causes the pages of the ones below to splay outward, and they instantly mimic the iconic tiered shape of a miniature Christmas tree. 

This technique is genius for three reasons. First, it's a zero-skill DIY project that takes mere minutes to execute. Second, it instantly adds a lovely creamy texture to your space; the neutral aged color of the pages creates a warm snowy effect that is chic and would go well with this quiet, glowy Christmas decor trend. Finally, by upcycling your old books, this Christmas decor hack gives new life to forgotten volumes before they head to a landfill or the donation bin.

The completed result is so much more than a simple pile of books; it's a perfectly crafted paper pine Christmas tree. What we like best about it is its neutral, textured vibe. It'd make for a simple, elegant centerpiece to anchor your holiday vignettes. Thanks to its layered look, it acts like a pedestal and adds height and dimension to any table, mantel, or bookshelf. And because of its neutral color, you can easily dress it up or down as it's super versatile.

For a cozy and more traditional-looking centerpiece, lean into its Christmas tree vibes by placing red and green globe or star ornaments around it, or some holly branches and mistletoe. On a mantelpiece, place the book tree next to a pair of brass candlesticks or even a sprawling garland to break up the linear look. Opting for a high/low contrast is also a great choice for some contrast, which you can do by pairing the adorable stack's neutral design with classic Christmas colors and polished metals, providing a little calm in the holiday hustle and bustle (especially if you love books).

To finish the look and add that final flourish of seasonal color, add a little something around the base or at the top. Since the pages offer a textured but neutral canvas, adding a stylish ribbon provides the necessary pop and formality. We heartily recommend a sumptuous velvet ribbon in deep emerald or ruby. Alternatively, if you like the neutral vibes, go for simple twine, burlap, or some twinkle lights. This is a fun seasonal hack, and it proves you can incorporate books as art in your home.