DIY Gingerbread Cup Arrangement – A Sweet Holiday Gift

The holidays are such a special time to sprinkle a little joy, and today I’m excited to share a fun and festive project with you!  We’re making a Gingerbread Cup Arrangement—a sweet little gift that’s just the right size for your favorite teacher, a thoughtful co-worker,  secret samta. or a dear friend. You can also make one to brighten up a cozy corner in your own home. 🎄✨

And here’s the extra fun part—it’s not just a pretty arrangement. Tucked inside is the cutest gingerbread ornament, so your gift is really two presents in one! 🎁

Supplies You’ll Need

• A holiday mug or cup (I found mine at At Home for around $5)
• Green styrofoam (floral foam)
• Greenery (I used some from Hobby Lobby, and also mixed in extras from past wreath projects)
• Moss (to cover the foam)
• U-pins
• Ribbon for a bow
• Scissors & a serrated knife
• Gingerbread tree ornament

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by tracing the opening of your cup onto the styrofoam. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the foam to fit snugly inside. Don’t worry if it’s not exact—you can trim and adjust until it fits just right.

Once your piece is ready, tuck any scraps into the bottom of the cup and layer your main foam piece on top.  Cover the top with moss, pin it in place a with a few U-pins. (no glue needed). 

Step 2: Add Greenery

Now it’s time to bring your arrangement to life! Begin adding greenery around the back and edges of your cup, making sure to cover the moss. Mix in different textures for depth—like frosted stems or snowy accents.

Tip: Use your scissors to poke holes in the foam before inserting stems. This makes it easier to place greenery exactly where you want it.

Step 3: Make Your Bow

A festive bow is the finishing touch! Pinch your ribbon together and make loops, keeping both tails in the same direction, and secure with a zip tie. Before tightening the zip tie fully, adjust your loops until you like the shape. Tighten zip tie and dove tail your ribbon ends. Bend a stem to make a hook and slide it though your zip tie, then poke the bow into the foam using the leftover piece for stability.

(If you’d like more help with bows, I have a full Bow Tutorial on my YouTube channel—be sure to check it out!)

Step 4: Add the Gingerbread Ornament

Nestle your ornament right into the greenery so it looks like it’s sitting cozily inside your arrangement. Don’t glue it down—the ornament is meant to be removable, making this a two-in-one gift: a festive mug arrangement AND a keepsake ornament.

Loved this step-by-step guide? Take your creativity even further by watching the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel!

👉Hit subscribe while you’re there so you’ll never miss a new wreath-making or holiday arrangement tutorial. ✨🎄

The Perfect Holiday Gift

This Gingerbread Cup Arrangement makes a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift for:

• Teachers 🍎
• Secret Santa exchanges 🎁
• Sunday school classes ⛪
• Co-workers 💼
• Friends and neighbors 🏡

It’s small enough to sit on a desk or countertop, yet full of holiday charm.

Wrapping It Up

Full Tutorial on my YouTube Channel

I hope this project inspires you to create something sweet and meaningful this season. Handmade gifts carry so much love in the little details, and this one is sure to bring a smile.

If you enjoyed this DIY, be sure to subscribe for more wreath-making and decorating ideas—I love sharing tips, tutorials, and inspiration with you. And if crafting isn’t your thing, you can always visit my shop for handmade wreaths and arrangements made with love.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, creativity, and joy. 🎄❤️