Mermaid XMas MakeOver - These DIY Decor Ideas Will Leave You Spellbound

Ah, Christmas—the season of warmth, joy, and connection. It’s the time when we deck the halls, gather with loved ones, and bring a little extra sparkle into our lives. But who says Christmas can’t have a splash of ocean magic? As a lifelong mermaid enthusiast and the CEO of MerMapp, I know firsthand how adding a mermaid twist to your holiday décor can honor the festive spirit while reflecting your unique passion for the sea.

Decorating in mermaid style isn’t about trading tradition for novelty—it’s about infusing your space with creativity, wonder, and the soothing beauty of the ocean. So whether you’re a devoted mermaid, an ocean lover, or someone just looking to shake things up this year, I invite you to dive in and explore these DIY ideas for creating your very own underwater Christmas wonderland.

Shell Yeah: Let’s Start with the Tree!

Deck the Halls (With Scales and Shells)

The Christmas tree is the heart of any holiday décor, and with a mermaid twist, it can become a shimmering oceanic centerpiece.

Ornaments That Make a Splash

• DIY Shell Ornaments: Collect shells from past beach trips (or grab some from a craft store) and paint them with metallic or pastel hues. Add glitter for extra sparkle, and use twine or fishing line to hang them from your tree.

• Mini Starfish Accents: Nothing says "ocean" like starfish. Attach mini starfish to clear glass baubles or use them as standalone ornaments. For a sustainable twist, opt for resin replicas instead of real ones.

• Mermaid Baubles: Create small tail-shaped ornaments from polymer clay, paint them in iridescent tones, and bedazzle with rhinestones. These will make your tree sing "Under the Sea" in no time. Other than mermaid tails, you can of course also go for ocean-themed ornaments in general like these beautiful glass ornament examples or starfish decoration. We even found a DIY blog article of how to craft these cool sail-boat ornaments for you, as well as the iridiscent net baubles.
  And for the ones that would rather buy than DIY, here are a few nice ornaments we found on Amazon:
  Europe: Seahorse, Ocean-Glitter Baubles, Jelly-Fish; US: Jelly-Fish, ocean-baubles, glitter-fish

• A Sea-Worthy Tree Topper: Swap out your traditional star or angel for a glittering mermaid figurine, a DIY coral crown made from spray-painted branches or - duhhh - a starfish. It’s a simple way to set the tone for your underwater theme.

  Ocean-Inspired Garland: Instead of traditional tinsel, string together faux pearls, strands of blue and green beads, or even small seashells to wrap your tree in ocean vibes.

The holiday table is where memories are made, so why not make it unforgettable?

Ocean-Inspired Centerpieces

• Fill clear glass vases with layers of sand, sea glass, and shells, then add candles or fairy lights for a glowing centerpiece.

• Use coral figurines or driftwood adorned with miniature ornaments to bring an earthy, underwater feel to your table.

Mer-Mazing Place Settings

• Use chargers or plates in iridescent or aqua tones. Add shell-shaped napkin rings or tie utensils with twine and a mini starfish for a thoughtful touch.

• Personalize each setting with a handwritten note or name card attached to a shell or piece of sea glass.

Drinks with a Splash: Set up a hot cocoa station or cocktail bar with mermaid-themed accents. Think aqua-blue drink stirrers, shell-shaped candy molds for chocolates, or shimmering edible glitter for drinks.

A Table Set for Mer-Kings and Queens

Let It Glow: Ocean Lights Everywhere

Lighting is key to creating ambiance, and for a mermaid Christmas, it’s all about soft, glowing blues and shimmering whites.

Mason Jar Magic: Fill mason jars with faux snow, LED tea lights, and small seashells or ornaments. Place them around your home for a cozy glow.

Underwater Lanterns: Transform paper lanterns into glowing jellyfish by attaching ribbon and fabric strips. Hang them in clusters to mimic an underwater scene.

Shimmering Fairy Lights: Use strings of fairy lights in blue and green hues to mimic the shimmering light of the ocean. Drape them over curtains, furniture, or even your Christmas tree for an ethereal effect. Here there is the neon-vibe and here the more natural version for Amazon in the EU, and here are the nautical net-baubles, natural shell lights, ocean-animal garland and pearl-lights for the US.

Your walls, mantels, and shelves are prime real estate for spreading mermaid cheer. Let’s make them shine!

Mermaid Stockings: Craft or customize stockings with sequin fabric to mimic mermaid scales. Add accents like shell appliqués, pearl buttons, or even a fin-shaped cuff at the bottom. Hang them on your mantel or staircase for a touch of undersea magic.
Here they are for Amazon in the EU, and here we've got various options for the US: pink-white, red-white, bright-pink

Seashell Garland: String together seashells, dried seaweed (or faux greenery), and fairy lights for a cozy, oceanic vibe. This garland works beautifully draped over a fireplace or window frame.

Netting Meets Festivity: Drape fishing net (available at craft stores) over shelves or walls and weave in ornaments, starfish, and LED string lights. It’s an easy way to create a subtle but impactful oceanic display.

Why MerMapp Loves a MerMazing Christmas

Even your gift wrap can reflect your oceanic Christmas theme.

Oceanic Wrapping Style: Opt for paper in seafoam green, aqua, or iridescent finishes. Add mermaid stickers, shell accents, twine for a natural touch or these cute coral wire imitations instead of the typical bow. These nautical nots also are a beautiful idea to transmit the ocean vibes - especially for people that are maybe a bit less whimsical but just as appreciative of the beauty of the see. Here is the instruction of to do these nots.

DIY Tags: Create personalized gift tags from cardstock cut into shapes like shells, starfish, or fins. Decorate with glitter, metallic pens, or small pearls.

Gifts from the Sea: Wrapping Ideas

At MerMapp, we believe mermaiding is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle that brings joy, connection, and a deep appreciation for the ocean. Decorating your home in mermaid style for the holidays is a fun, creative way to honor that passion and share it with loved ones. It’s also a reminder of how special our community is, united by a love for the sea.

Let’s make this Christmas a celebration of everything we love about being mermaids: the beauty of the ocean, the magic of creativity, and the joy of sharing it all with others. So, dive into these DIY ideas, and let’s make waves of holiday cheer together!

We’d love to see how you’re celebrating Christmas in mermaid style. Tag us on social media (@mermapp.official) and show off your decorations! Who knows—you might inspire another mermaid to make their holidays extra magical this year. Happy holidays, and may your days be merry and mermazing!