NATURAL HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

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By Bonnie McNamee 

For most of us the Christmas holidays are a favorite time of the year.  We love to decorate the house inside and out, putting up the tree and trimming it just right. 
Instead of buying lots of new items from the big box stores this year, why not try making some natural decorations using materials that won’t have a huge environmental impact caused by the production of some of our favorite holiday items.

Instead of buying new garland why not try stringing popcorn and wrapping it around the tree.  It’s light and airy and looks very pretty.  Stringing dried cranberries and/or dried orange slices is another option as well.  Also very pretty are wired heart shaped cranberry wreaths to hang on the tree or in a window.

In making pinecone ornaments, you can hot glue greens and add a red ribbon bow or spritz with hairspray and sprinkle with glitter.  Other ways to use pinecones is to make a wreath, fill a wire or wicker basket adding a large red bow, or a garland using jute for around your front door. 

Use up those old Christmas cards by finding a pattern you like such as a reindeer, and then trace it onto several cards, cutting them out.  Punch a hole in the center top of the body, add a ribbon and hang on the tree.  Other ideas are mittens, angels, stars, etc.

For your table, using a clear hurricane vase or Mason jar, layer Epson salts about one third high, whole fresh cranberries also one third high, and freshly picked winter greens two thirds high.  The greens will be taller than the vase and makes a striking natural look. 

An additional centerpiece for the table is to arrange evergreens and pinecones in a favorite bowl with a candle in the center.

One more use for Mason jars are winter luminaries.  Add Epson salts in the bottom of a jar along with a small candle (the new faux candles are safer).  Put white lace around the top of the jar and add two pinecones with twine.  May be used indoors or out.

Collect or save several glass containers of your liking and fill with greens and branches and berries like holly, placing them on a mantel or sideboard.

By using more natural materials you are helping the environment by creating less waste.


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