7 Sustainable Holiday Decoration Ideas

Sustainable holiday decorations that still look chic.

As December looms closer, we’re all getting excited for the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re anything like me, you started thinking about how to transform your space into a festive wonderland the day after Halloween. However, the holidays are notorious for the amount of waste they inevitably produce. Between gift-giving, lavish feasts with loved ones, and plenty of single-use decorations, this season can be detrimental to the health and well-being of our planet.

The good news is there are plenty of eco-friendly, fun, and completely unique ways to decorate sustainably. Using materials you already have at home or can easily find in your backyard, you can create stunning holiday decorations that are good for the planet. Read on to discover some of our favourite ideas.

1. Natural Garland

Instead of littering your tree with plastic garlands or tinsel that you’ll throw away the day after New Year's, consider making a natural garland! Get creative with the non-perishable ingredients you have in your kitchen and string them together with a needle and thread. Popcorn, cranberries, dried fruit, and chestnuts are perfect for this.

2. Citrus Ornaments

You can make homemade ornaments using nearly anything you have in your house, but if you’d like to add a pop of colour to your tree, consider making dehydrated citrus ornaments. Simply slice any citrus fruit you have at home into thin, round slices and arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray. Set your oven on the lowest temperature setting it can go, and pop your fruit in. After a few hours, the moisture will evaporate and you’ll be left with gorgeous dried fruit slices to adorn your tree.

3. Twig Stars

You can also make festive tree ornaments out of twigs or wood chips from your backyard. Gather the thinnest and most flexible pieces you can find and tie them with thread or twine to create beautiful stars. Make a fun day of it by inviting your friends and family to forage and craft with you while enjoying your favourite warm drink.

4. Homemade Wreath

Similarly, you can make a homemade wreath out of greenery that would otherwise go to waste. Collect any branches or leaves that have fallen off the trees in your yard and fashion them into a ring with twine. You can even decorate your wreath with a few dried citrus slices, flowers, or berries for added colour.

5. Cotton Snow

If you have little ones who are dying to experience a white Christmas, you can make a winter wonderland out of materials you have laying around the house. Save any old stuffed animals or plush pillows with a cotton filling and arrange the fluff on your mantelpiece, shelves, or other flat surfaces to create a plush snowy effect.

6. Stovetop Holiday Potpourri

We all know that scents can truly set the mood. So, when hosting at yours, consider making a holiday-scented stovetop potpourri rather than lighting candles or buying expensive diffusers. A few hours before guests arrive, simply add water, citrus fruits, and any warm, wintery spices you have in your pantry to a large simmer pot. Great spice options include whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and nutmeg, to name a few. Keep your pot on low heat and add more water as needed. In no time your house will smell like your favourite Christmas candle!

7. Creative Centrepieces

And finally, make your own table centrepiece using natural materials and other household items, such as mason jars or vases. Add greenery, candles, fruits, and flowers to create a stunning centrepiece that will set the tone for a celebratory holiday meal. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating a festive and memorable centrepiece!

Sustainable holiday decorations that still look chic.

7 Sustainable Holiday Decoration Ideas

Sustainable holiday decorations that still look chic.

1. Natural Garland

2. Citrus Ornaments

3. Twig Stars

4. Homemade Wreath

5. Cotton Snow

6. Stovetop Holiday Potpourri

7. Creative Centrepieces

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