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This blog was updated in January 2025.
We ran out of time to host a Friendsgiving this year, so I decided to apply the same concept to Christmas and host a "Friendsmas" dinner. We gathered a few of our closest friends for a night of good food, great wine, and a Christmas cookie exchange. I kept the decorations simple, with a garland made of foraged greenery, candles, and DIY cork mini trees (I'm always looking for ways to put leftover wine corks to use!). The wine cork Christmas trees were so quick and easy to make, and they looked super cute and festive. My favorite kind of DIY is when you get a lot of return for just a little bit of time, and these definitely fit the bill. They're perfect for place cards, ornaments, labeling food, and adding a little Christmas cheer to any corner of the house!
4 Easy Steps for Making Wine Cork Christmas Tree Ornaments
Here's how to make them: 
Step 1:
First things first, drink wine and save the corks. Easy. :)
Step 2:
Cut thick paper into tree-shaped triangles. This doesn't have to be exact, just make the triangles a little more tall than wide. If you're planning to use them as place cards, you can write names at this point.
Step 3:
Next, carefully cut a slit in the top of each cork, about one-third of the way down (I used a straight edge razor blade for this). Slip the paper triangles into the corks, and center them.
Step 4:
Lastly, to make your trees into ornaments, punch a small hole at the top of the triangle and string some baker's twine through it in a loop. 
That's it! You can make a whole bunch of these within the time it takes to watch your favorite Christmas movie. Inexpensive, festive decor--done. I used them as place cards for the table and labels for all the cookies, as well as ornaments/favors. Gotta love a multi-tasking DIY project!
A Toast to the Holidays: Wine Pairings for Your Holiday Celebration
Now, what's a "Friendsmas" without a glass (or two) of great wine to go along with all that delicious food and festive cheer? While you're getting crafty with your DIY wine cork ornaments, let’s talk about some holiday wine pairings to keep the party flowing. Since we’re all about keeping things simple and enjoyable, I’ve rounded up a few easy-to-love selections from Kendall-Jackson that are perfect for your holiday gathering.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
The crisp, citrusy notes of this Chardonnay make it a go-to for holiday dinners. It pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes. And if you're serving up a cheese platter (because, honestly, what’s a holiday celebration without one?), this Chardonnay is a perfect match with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir
If you're going for a lighter red, this Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser. Its soft tannins and red berry flavors complement everything from roasted meats to even the savory flavors of your holiday cookies (yes, cookies can be paired with wine!). Plus, it’s light enough to drink while enjoying appetizers or that cozy dinner conversation.
Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
For the Cabernet lovers at your table, the Grand Reserve is a rich and full-bodied option that will steal the show. It’s got deep flavors of blackberry and plum with a nice finish that pairs beautifully with beef, lamb, or any hearty winter dish you’re planning to serve. Or, for a fun twist, try it with your dessert—chocolate and Cabernet? Yes, please.
DIY Wine Cork Ornaments: More Creative Ideas
If you love these wine cork ornaments, why not take them to the next level with a few creative twists? Here are some fun ways to customize your cork trees and make them even more festive:
- 1. Add Glitter for a Sparkling Touch: Coat your corks with glue and sprinkle on some glitter for a frosty, magical look. Silver, gold, or iridescent glitter can bring a little holiday sparkle to your DIY decor.
- 2. Paint Them for Extra Color: Use acrylic paint to give your corks a pop of festive color. Red, green, metallics—whatever fits your holiday vibe!
- 3. Decorate with Pinecones or Faux Snow: Hot glue mini pinecones or faux snow to the tops for a wintery, rustic look that feels extra cozy.
- 4. Personalize Your Ornaments: Add names or initials with a marker to turn these into personalized place cards or keepsakes for your guests.
- 5. Make Mini Wreaths: Glue corks in a circular shape to create mini wreaths—perfect as tree ornaments or gift toppers. Add a bow or tiny decorations to finish.
- 6. Create a Wine Cork Garland: String multiple corks together to make a festive garland. Hang it across your mantle or use it as a table centerpiece.
- 7. Top Your Trees with a Star: Cut a star from cardboard, paint it, and glue it on top of your cork trees for a cute finishing touch.
- 8. Turn Corks into Snowmen: Stack a few corks, add a face and scarf, and transform them into little snowmen for an adorable, whimsical addition to your decor.
See more pictures of our friendsmas dinner at our blog, At Home in Love.
