As we approach the holiday season, let’s reimagine our festive spaces with a touch of eco-friendliness. Here’s an in-depth look at 10 stunning eco-chic hacks to elevate your holiday decor while being kind to our planet.
- Natural Wreath Magic Materials needed: Grapevine or wire wreath base, fallen branches, pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, twine Steps:
- Collect fallen branches and pinecones from your backyard or local park
- Dry orange slices in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours
- Arrange branches around the wreath base, securing with twine
- Attach pinecones, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks using hot glue or wire Pro tip: Spray your wreath with a mixture of water and essential oils for a lasting festive scent.
- Recycled Paper Snowflakes Materials needed: Old newspapers or magazines, scissors, string Steps:
- Cut paper into perfect squares
- Fold the square diagonally, then in half again
- Cut various shapes along the edges
- Unfold to reveal your unique snowflake
- Hang using thin string or fishing line Pro tip: Create a template for consistent sizes, or vary them for a more natural look.
- Sustainable Nature Garlands: Materials needed: Wooden beads, dried leaves, small pinecones, jute twine Steps:
- Collect fallen leaves and small pinecones
- Press and dry leaves between heavy books for a few days
- Thread jute twine through wooden beads, alternating with dried leaves and small pinecones
- Secure items with knots in the twine if needed
- Mason Jar Luminaries Materials needed: Clean glass jars, LED fairy lights, ribbon, pine sprigs Steps:
- Clean and dry jars thoroughly
- Place a string of battery-operated LED lights inside each jar
- Tie a ribbon around the jar’s neck
- Tuck a small pine sprig under the ribbon Pro tip: Use jars of varying sizes for visual interest. Place on mirrored trays to amplify the light.
- Scented Seed Pod Fire Starters: Materials needed: Dried seed pods (like eucalyptus), soy wax, dried herbs, cotton string Steps:
- Tie cotton string around each seed pod
- Melt soy wax in a double boiler
- Dip seed pods in soy wax, then sprinkle with dried herbs
- Let dry on wax paper
- Upcycled Fabric Tree Ornaments Materials needed: Old sweaters or t-shirts, scissors, needle and thread, stuffing Steps:
- Cut holiday shapes (stars, trees, hearts) from fabric
- Sew two pieces together, leaving a small opening
- Stuff lightly and sew closed
- Add a loop of ribbon for hanging Pro tip: Use sweaters with interesting textures or patterns for added visual appeal.
- Birch Bark Candle Holders: Materials needed: Pillar candles, birch bark sheets, twine, scissors Steps:
- Cut birch bark to wrap around the candle
- Secure with twine, wrapping several times
- Tie off twine and trim excess
- Living Table Centerpiece Materials needed: Small potted plants or herbs, decorative pots, pebbles, moss Steps:
- Choose plants that thrive indoors like succulents, rosemary, or mini evergreens
- Transfer to decorative pots if desired
- Arrange pots on a tray, filling spaces with pebbles and moss
- Add pinecones or ornaments for holiday flair Pro tip: Use plants with different heights and textures for visual interest.
- Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Station Materials needed: Brown kraft paper, twine, scissors, natural elements (pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, dried flowers) Steps:
- Set up a table with rolls of kraft paper and twine
- Provide scissors and tape
- Offer a variety of natural elements for decoration
- Encourage creative wrapping using these materials Pro tip: Have stamps and eco-friendly inks available for personalized touches.
- Clay Ornaments: Materials needed: Air-dry clay, cookie cutters, string, natural paint (like beetroot juice for red, spirulina powder for green) Steps:
- Roll out air-dry clay and cut into shapes
- Make a hole for hanging
- Let dry according to package instructions
- Once dry, paint with natural pigments mixed with a bit of water
Remember, the key to eco-friendly decorating is mindfulness and creativity. These hacks not only reduce waste but also add a personal, handcrafted touch to your holiday decor. Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful, sustainable decorations with friends and family – it’s a wonderful way to build holiday memories while being kind to our planet.
