I am feeling festive so I thought this month’s blog could focus on decorative ideas for Christmas. None are massively expensive, all are pretty sustainable and all can give a beautiful, elegant finish. I’ve broken them down into easy, mid and hard crafting so there should be something for all abilities here!
Photo credit: DEN LIFE interiors
The use of decorations at Christmas span centuries with origins in both religious traditions and local customs. Germany started decorating their evergreen trees (symbolising hope and eternal life) back in the 16th century. They used edible treats like apples, nuts, and gingerbread to celebrate the winter harvest. Over time this evolved, and by the 17th century, Germans were adding candles to symbolise Christ and by 18th century glassblowers in the small German town of Lauscha began crafting delicate, hand-blown glass ornaments shaped like fruits, nuts, and hearts.
It was these intricate pieces that gained popularity across Europe, and demand spread internationally after Prince Albert introduced a decorated Christmas tree to Queen Victoria’s royal court. By the 20th century, mass production made ornaments more affordable and widely available. New materials, such as plastic and tinsel, allowed for a wider variety of shapes, colours, and sizes albeit not always more sustainable.
Photo credit: Etsy Lausha Ornaments
So here is some fun options to do yourself, as a family or even a group with some mulled wine on the side.
No Crafting Skills Required
Photo credit: Green Children, Cox & Cox, Willow Manor
Reusable Velvet Ribbon Wrapping
Simply swap out traditional foiled gift wrap for velvet ribbons in luxe colours. It’s a quick, elegant way to elevate gifts without crafting. Instead of expensive wrapping paper, use luxurious velvet ribbons in jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, or ruby) over plain craft paper, repurposed newspaper or fabric offcuts. These can be reused year after year, adding a sumptuous touch to gift-giving while reducing unrecyclable paper waste.
Photo credit: Pinterest Unknown, Home Talk, Design Improvise
Gilded Pinecones
Collect pinecones and spray-paint their tips with gold or silver (or any colour that your Christmas is themed on). No crafting skills needed – just a spray can and some pinecones. Use them as tree ornaments, or as part of your table centrepiece.
Photo Credits with thanks to: Bubbles and Lace, Daily Danny and Etsy UK
Sustainable Candleholders with a Twist
Repurpose wine bottles, vintage teacups, glass jars or any receptacle that’s glass or ceramic as candleholders. You can leave them as they are, wrap the base in twine or spray-paint them with matte finishes to add a luxurious touch. Make sure you use eco-friendly, soy-based candles for a sustainable glow. There’s loads of options out there and it’s a really fun activity.
Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy UK shops
Natural Foliage Wreath
Craft a wreath from locally foraged branches, pinecones, and holly. Use biodegradable twine and avoid plastic bases. For a luxury touch, weave in dried flowers like hydrangeas and finish with a silk ribbon. This one is a favourite of mine every year!
Some Crafting Skills Needed
Photo Credits with thanks to: Pinterest Unknown, Style Curator, Ballen Blogger
Dried Citrus Garlands
Drying citrus slices and stringing them together to make garlands is straightforward but requires some patience. Hang them on your tree or across a mantel. The warm colours and festive fragrance add elegance with zero waste. You can dry on a low heat in an oven for a couple of hours (I am sure there are plenty of AirFryer hacks out there too!) but if you prefer not to use an oven, you can lay the slices out on a cooling rack in a warm, dry area, turning them every few hours. This process takes longer (several days) but is more energy-efficient.
Photo Credits with thanks to: Family Holiday.net, Just that Perfect Piece, Pinterest Unknown
Handmade Salt Dough Ornaments
Create clay ornaments using salt dough. Personalise them with gold leaf accents or imprint botanical designs like pressed ferns for an elegant, organic feel. These can also make beautiful gift tags.
Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy UK, Etsy UK, Frontgate
Upcycled Glass Baubles
Collect old glass ornaments and give them a fresh look by spray-painting them in metallic finishes or adding natural elements like dried flowers and small twigs inside for a sophisticated, rustic look.
Advanced Crafting Skills
Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy UK
Handmade Beeswax Candles
Create your own beeswax candles, which are eco-friendly and naturally scented. You can mould them into elegant shapes, add scented extras or add gold leaf to the surface for a truly luxurious and handmade feel.
Photo Credits with thanks to: Country Living, Jane at Home, Sloely
Sustainably Sourced Linen Tablecloths & Napkins
Swap disposable napkins for reusable linen ones or sew/embroider your own. Choose rich, deep hues and adorn them with homemade napkin rings from foraged twigs and berries for a beautifully curated table setting. Or follow the infographic below to fold them into cute Christmas trees for your lunch table. For a little something extra, you could place a small decorative star or ornament at the top, or tuck in a sprig of holly for that complete festive touch!
Photo Credits with thanks to: DEN LIFE interiors
Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy, Not on the High Street, Happy Crackers
Sustainably Sourced Fabric Crackers
Swap disposable crackers for reusable fabric ones. Get equal rectangles of fabric and add trimmings to the short sides. You can use a toilet roll or cardboard to act as the internal casing. Stuff your crackers with your own quiz games, family jokes and sweet treats then roll up. Tie each end with a velvet ribbon and lay them out on the table.
Wishing you all a happy christmas or holiday season and see you in January with lots of fun interior tips and hints to get your home just how you want it.
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