8 Christmas decoration ideas using natural materials

The origin of decorating houses for Christmas actually goes back to Egyptian times and relates to a time when the  people brought branches from evergreen trees inside to celebrate the winter solstice on December 21st. This practice was also commonplace amongst the Druids, Romans and Vikings.  From the 16th century families began to add simple natural decorations such as candles and nuts but it was in the 1840's when a magazine showed an image of Queen Victoria and her family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree that the era of brightly decorated trees and houses was born.  Everyone wanted to do the same and manufacturers quickly realised there was money to be made from this new craze.

Today Christmas decorations continue to big money as families vie to have the best display.  Lendedu calculated that the average American will spend just over 12% of their Christmas outlay on decorations at a cost of almost 90$.  In Britain this is lower but Statista calculated that in 2017 it still averaged just over £30. 

Tree decorations were traditionally made from glass, wood, metal or ceramics but more and more are now made from plastic.  Tinsel and glitter are also made from plastic as are lights, wall hangings, table decorations etc.  And you can be sure that many will come in plastic packaging and almost none will be recyclable.

So how can you have a decorated house at Christmas without all the plastic and waste?  The simplest solution is to turn back the clock and have decorations made from natural materials which you will be able to gather and make yourself.  If you need some inspiration have a look at what these bloggers have made.

Christmas Decorations made from Natural Materials

Amy who blogs at The Good Life with Amy French makes adorable pine cone trees that her daughter loves also uses in her doll's house:

Lucy from Kids of the Wild has gone bigger with this driftwood tree:

When it comes to decorating trees why not go for something you can eat! Eva from Captain Bobcat shows you how to make Lebkuchen Christmas tree decorations:

If you are not keen on cooking what about these ther ideas for natural Christmas decorations:

Addie from Old World New shows you how to make a DIY burlap (hessian) bow:

Whilst Sarah from Kippers and Rhubarb likes dried orange slices:

 and Claire from Pillar Box Blue uses wooden slices to make adorable Christmas pudding ornaments:

Christmas wreaths are super easy to make and have the added advantage of smelling gorgeous. Why not have a go at this one from Sarah at Kippers and Curtains:

Finally, who fancies making these decorative pine cone tiles From Claire at Pillar Box Blue?

I hope you might have a go making one of these 8 ideas for natural Christmas decorations.  Searching online will give you even more natural decoration ideas.

5 bonus green decoration tips:

• Search out plastic free glitter or better still make your own from salt, sugar or sand.
• Use the decorations you already have or upcycle old ones into new.
• Fancy something new? Do a decoration swap with friends.
• Or make decorations from trash you have around the house/garden
• If you do buy new, search out small businesses who make plastic free decorations eg on Etsy

There is no need to be a Scrooge at Christmas but you don't need to go plastic mad either!  Have you any more ideas on how you can decorate your house with natural materials this Christmas?