DIY ADVENT CALENDAR

The Christmas countdown has begun in earnest and the first sign is the fact there are advent calendars appearing everywhere. Bypass the shop bought ones this year and instead make it an excuse to get creative. Check out our top five DIY Advent Calendar ideas for you to try out this year

1.  Treats for the Tree

Find your favourite 24 glittery decorations and arrange use tiny hooks to hang them from a mini box shelf and you have a lovely looking bit of wall art that gives you the thrill of dressing your tree day by day. Find some tiny hooks from your local hardware store, drape on some fairy lights to maximise the sparkle and you're done.

2. Blackboard Countdown

We love how simple this is to do but how smart it still looks. Blackboard, chalk, twine, brown paper bags and some clothes pegs. Just add a tiny treat a day and a little imagination and hey presto.

3. All Tied Up

Another simple but effective idea - this ticks the good looking box because the bags, ribbons and string each play with pattern but stick to one colour. This one would look fab above the hearth. Once all the pressies are done, just twist on on some baubles and twinkly lights and you're ready for the big day itself.

4. The Memory Wall

We love the idea of every day revealing a picture that brings back a happy memory from the year.  These polaroids add to the nostalgia and also leave space for a message. Order yours now from photobox.com - just upload your digital images and you'll have them in your hand in polaroid form within a couple of days. 

Lead image by by Riikika Kantinkoski