Sunday 11 November 2018

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.

Ideas for natural Christmas decorations


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:

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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:

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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:

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

Whilst Sarah from Kippers and Rhubarb likes dried orange slices:

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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:

Christmas decorations made from natural materials

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

Christmas decorations made from natural materials


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?

Ideas for natural Christmas decorations

18 comments :

  1. Some wonderful creations, love the way you have used all natural materials, very clever. 😊

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  2. Aww, I love all of these decorations! I may have to have a go at making the orange slice baubles myself :)

    Louise x

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  3. Great ideas! My girls and I are going to be making salt dough ornaments this year, among other things! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Hi Rosie,
    Love your ideas especially the Christmas wreath. That is really attractive. It always so special to make gifts for people and also to make your own decorations. Sharing!

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  5. Nice ideas! I have been thinking about how to use my dehydrated lemons on my tree, and now I know! We have 4 pine trees and lots and lots of pine cones as well. I used some of them in my fall decorating, and will continue to use them in my Christmas decor too! Thanks for the ideas!

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  6. I loved the little history lesson on what was traditional and how we got to the point we are in terms of the fancy lighted up house and tree. I really love the dried orange with the full star on it.. I have done dried lemon/orange slices but never though to dry spice right into it.. I must try that soon.

    I enjoy doing trimmings from the local woods to make colorful wild get togethers, I also like to make my own Christmas garland with cotton yarn and using my lucet to make a pretty chain.

    https://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/p1050211.jpg Here is a link directly to the picture of the garland. Its fast and easy to do and last for many years.


    Also on a side note for those that like live tree's if you do not use glitter or tinsel, locally and I expect most small farms will be very happy to take your Christmas tree for their goats or sheep to nibble off all those lovely green tips and recycle the wood itself into fire wood.



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  7. These are all really great ideas. You have inspired me to try making a nice smelling wreath.

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  8. In our household we enjoy turning back the clock and doing things as some say the old fashion way. Saves on money and makes our house more comfortable.

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  9. Hi Rosie,
    It is actually sad that we have become such a plastic originated society. I love your ideas and it so nice to have homemade decorations or make them for people for gifts. I like your wreath it is very unique and I love the orange ornament. Thanks for sharing your ideas and I will share on social media.

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  10. Thank you for the great ideas on natural decorations. I definitely need to try making my own wreath!

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  11. I love the short background in the beginning! I never knew that's where the decorated Christmas tree came from!

    I love you things and Christmas decorations are no different. My kids and I used tovstring old popcorn for our tree each year as well as hang handmade ornaments on the tree.

    Great post and so full of great ideas!

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  12. You've got some great ideas here Rosie, and thanks for including my driftwood tree too. Here's dreaming of a green Christmas this year! #GoingGreen

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  13. I love all these! We're doing more natural decorations this year, and I just prefer the look!

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  14. great collection of ideas, Rosie. Yes, we often seem to throw a lot of good habits out the window around Christmas...

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  15. What a lovely collection of festive decoration ideas! I also loved the history lesson at the start too. :)

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  16. We are just now decorating today! My older daughter and her husband are coming over. I love that bow! Thanks for the great list of ideas, they are all awesome!

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  17. Some lovely artistic pieces pictured here #GoingGreen

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