The festive season is here again, which means it is also the time to start decorating our homes, offices, and even yards – if you haven’t already. While shops are filled with endless options for ready-made, commercial decorations, why not think outside the box this year and create your own, unique festive decorations. The best part is that you don’t have to do it all by yourself – nature has already created beautiful, unique natural elements that you can transform into your very own special decorations with very little effort.
Why should we use nature-inspired and natural items as festive decorations?
It is cheaper. Instead of spending thousands of rands on new decorations, lights, plastic tinsel and wreaths, you could make your own decorations for much cheaper. All you really need is a few tools that you already have around the house, and of course – some time.
It is good for the environment. Some scientists believe that the festive season is one of the biggest yearly environmental disasters in the world because we buy unnecessarily, use more electricity, create more trash after our gatherings, use more paper when wrapping gifts, and use much more plastic decorations that end up in the trash. By making small changes, we can all make a difference in reducing our environmental footprint.
It is a fun, family activity. Thinking creatively and looking for inspiration from nature together as a family is a way of spending some much-needed family time together. Challenge each other to think of unique decorations and see who can come up with the best ideas. Doing an activity like this together encourages connection with one another which is what the festive season is ultimately all about.
It is special and unique. Ordinary things like sticks, pine cones, dried fruit, and fresh greenery can all be transformed into beautiful nature-inspired decorations that embody all those classic, magical Christmas feelings.
Ideas for a nature-inspired festive season
The tree
Create a hanging Christmas tree from dried plants and branches and some twine. Decorate it with some dried orange slices, seeds, greenery and more. Or use dried branches or drift wood to create your very own standing Christmas tree.
Some ideas to try
- https://collectivegen.com/2018/12/diy-hanging-branch-christmas-tree/
Garlands
Make your own DIY natural festive garland by combining fresh greenery, dried fruit, and other natural materials like wooden beads. Or opt for an edible garland by baking some sugar cookies or creating stringed popcorn and hang them up around the house.
Some ideas to try
- https://mindfulofthehome.com/diy-natural-christmas-decorations/
- https://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-dried-citrus-garlands/
- https://www.savoryonline.com/recipes/99874/glazed-sugar-cookie-star-garland
Tree ornaments
Create your own unique Christmas tree ornaments by using and arranging foraged natural elements like straw, twigs, pine cones, seeds, and nuts. Tie them up with string to display in your tree.
Some ideas to try
- https://www.takethemoutside.com/natural-christmas-tree-decorations/
- https://mindfulofthehome.com/diy-natural-christmas-decorations/
- https://themummyfront.com/diy-christmas-decorations/
- https://www.compostandcava.com/home/natural-salt-ornaments
Gift wrapping
Plastic bows and shiny red ribbons might be tempting to use, but why not go for something more thoughtful and unique? Simple, plainly wrapped gifts in brown paper with natural festive touches including dried fruit, leaves and flowers can be so beautiful. You can even get your kids to help create gift-wrapping paper by using brown paper and potato stamps.
Some ideas to try
- https://www.lovilee.co.za/locally-foraged-wreath-diy/
- http://theglobalvilla.com/2018/12/25-natural-gift-wrapping-ideas.html
- https://www.cleaneatingwithkids.com/diy-christmas-gift-wrapping-ideas/
Wreaths
Make your own special wreath this festive season to add a beautiful focal point to your home. Arrange twigs, leaves, fruit, succulents and more to create different wreaths.
Some ideas to try
- https://mindfulofthehome.com/diy-natural-christmas-decorations/
- https://gardentherapy.ca/magnolia-wreath/
- https://www.gardenandhome.co.za/decor/diy/3-diy-festive-wreaths/
- https://www.lovilee.co.za/locally-foraged-wreath-diy/
