Monochrome Magic: Easy Nutcracker Decor Ideas for Christmas

Looking for nutcracker decor ideas that feel fresh and new? These monochromatic nutcrackers put a chic twist on a classic Christmas tradition with simple decorative embellishments.

Easy Nutcracker decor ideas Pinterest pin.

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My daughter has a few nutcrackers…as in over one hundred!

When she taught elementary music, she collected them and the students would gift her new nutcrackers every year.

So fun and truly meaningful!

I have a few nutcrackers. Yes, really…just a few.

My other daughter would give me one a year when she was in middle school. I treasure them so!

I’ve been seeing lots of slim “streamlined” nutcrackers in stores. So, I thought I would craft some of my own in a classic yet modern twist.

It’s monochromatic meets classic!

Let’s go!

Table of Contents

DIY Monochromatic Nutcrackers: Three Decor Ideas to Add Holiday Charm

Monochromatic nutcrackers are a fresh, modern twist on traditional nutcracker decorations, and they’re the perfect pieces to add a touch of chic whimsy to your holiday season.

Let’s put our own spin on these unfinished wood nutcrackers and create three unique versions that are sure to be a festive focal point in your Christmas decor.

What You’ll Need:

Unpainted wooden nutcrackers (Amazon or Hobby Lobby have great selections)
Spray paint in your chosen color scheme (I used Behr metallic bronze)
Drill and drill bits
Saw
Thin taper candle
Small green wreath
Pre-tied velvet bows
Tiny lantern (optional, with light)
Hot glue gun
Greenery, pine cones, and cranberries for embellishments

Prep Your Nutcrackers

Start by shopping for some unpainted wooden nutcracker figurines. I found mine at Hobby Lobby, but they are readily available at craft stores or online.

Choose one for your project, or grab a few in different sizes. You can never go wrong with three!

Many nutcrackers have a hand that holds a club. Or is it a sceptre? If anyone knows, clue me in!

Using a saw, carefully remove the top and bottom of the club, leaving just the nutcracker’s fist.

Then, drill a hole through the top of the hand, going all the way through to the bottom of the fist.

Sawing the club from a wood nutcrackers hand.

Drilling a hole through a nutcracker's wood hand.

A Monochromatic Paint Treatment

Pick a spray paint color that matches your holiday color scheme.

This year, I am going with a Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas aesthetic. So, I went with a metallic bronze, but silver, white, or classic red could also look amazing.

Apply several light coats of spray paint, making sure to cover every angle.

All the nooks and crannies count!

And be sure to let the paint dry completely before moving on.

A can of Behr spray paint in Antique Brass satin.

Embellish Each Nutcracker

Now that all the nutcrackers have been given a monochromatic coat of paint, I’ve got three ways to add some embellishment and personality to each.

Remember the nutcracker with the drilled hole in its hand?

Take a thin taper candle and push it through the drilled hole in the nutcracker’s hand.

Be forewarned: the first hole that I drilled was too small for the taper. Even though the nutcracker was painted, I was able to make the hole bigger by simply using a larger drill bit. I just kept sizing up until the candle fit perfectly!

Once the candle fits snugly, it will peek out both on top and underneath the hand.

Woman's hand pushing a thin taper candle into a hole in a nutcracker's hand.

Next, take a small green wreath and tie a pretty velvet bow to the top.

Or, let me share a great find…pre-tied velvet bows! They come with twist ties on the back to attaching them to anything is a breeze!

Slip the decorated wreath over the candle so it hangs from the nutcracker’s wrist.

Doesn’t he look handsome? Instant festive charm for your Christmas table or mantel!

Woman's hand attaching a green wreath with a red velvet bow to a nutcracker's hand for a decor idea.

On to our next Nutcracker friend!

I found the cutest little black lantern at the craft store. (Again, check your craft stores for these little treasures!)

It needed a little Christmas cheer, so I attached a little greenery and some red berries to the top of the lantern with a hot glue gun.

Using hot glue gun to attach a tiny lantern embellished with greenery and berries to the wooden nutcracker hand.

The lantern handle didn’t fit over the hand, but this was not a problem. A dab of hot glue on the wrist of the nutcracker was all that was needed to keep it in place.

And then a surprise…

I didn’t realize that the lantern light actually turns on! Bonus Christmas cheer!

A painted wood nutcracker holding a small lighted lantern decorated for Christmas.

Last but not least is our little drummer boy. Uh oh…his hands are occupied.

So instead of holding something like a candle or lantern, this nutcracker got the greenery/red berry treatment on his hat. Just a few sprigs of greenery and a little hot glue did the trick.

Now this nutcracker is sporting a jaunty Christmas hat!

Gluing red berries into the crown of a painted wood nutcracker for Christmas.

A nutcracker drummer with Christmas berries in the crown.

Christmas Nutcrackers on Display

Arrange your nutcrackers individually or, like me, style them as a charming display!

I associate nutcrackers with memories of my twin daughters. So, it seemed only right to display my new nutcrackers in front of a favorite portrait of the girls when they were little.

Three wood monochromatic nutcrackers with various decor ideas and embellishments.

These also make perfect gifts when you are invited to someone’s house for a holiday get-together. I know I would love to receive one of these if I were the host!

These monochromatic nutcrackers are versatile and stylish…perfect for your Christmas table, holiday mantel, or even by the Christmas tree.

A nutcracker with the decor idea of hanging a small wreath from it's hand.

I can’t think of a better way to update your holiday decor, add a touch of whimsy, and express your personal style this Christmas season!

Cheers!

A Little About Me

Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!

“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”

I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.

I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!