Decorating sustainably means that you are doing your bit for the environment but it can also be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your children and loved ones.

Here are a few ideas to decorate your house a bit differently this Christmas

No.1)  Try some DIY decorations 

If you’d like to avoid using single-use plastics this Christmas we recommend making salt dough decorations. These decorations not only look beautiful, but making them is also a great way to spend time with family and customise your Christmas tree. Here is some inspiration:

https://www.instagram.com/p/_XgoNQyNWG/

 

 

No.2)  Sustainable Trees

If you are planning to buy a real Christmas tree this year, then look for a local Christmas tree farm that grows its trees sustainably. Real Christmas trees are grown like any other crop on a Christmas tree farm and are more sustainable than plastic trees. But, if you do buy a plastic Christmas tree then try to make sure it goes a long way. These can last for many Christmasses to come.

 

No. 3) Knit your own baubles

This is a great way to personalise your tree, develop your knitting skills and add some unique features to your home. And bear in mind it is said that knitting can improve children’s concentration and patience!

Look for ethically sourced wool. You can explore the options by searching online through the Ethical Yarn Directory. 

Here are some ideas for your DIY: from acorn and pear-shaped knitted baubles to mince pies, Christmas trees, snowmen, Santa Claus and beaded or shimmery designs. The choice is yours.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Otw00BRno/

No. 4) Ditch the tinsel 

There are other options, How about going for sustainable DIY mantel dressings and tree wraps instead of tinsel. If you are looking to reduce your use of single-use plastics this Christmas, re-create this beautiful beaded garland which is featured here on the Oleander and Palm blog

No. 5)  Think elegant durability  

Metal is a great material to use when decorating because it is often endlessly recyclable.

Here are some metal Christmas decorations we’ve found to inspire you:

Metal garland from Anthropologie:

Geometric brass baubles from Nkuku:

Star tree topper from nkuku:

And finally…It’s so much better decorating the house with a delicious cocktail in your hand. While you’re sprucing up each room why not pour yourself one of our festive cocktails, specially created by our brand ambassador and professional barman: Joseph Wood. 

We suggest re-creating our festive Winter William cocktail. It’s the perfect winter sharer. One ‘sage & apple’ Gin, Poire William, orange bitters, clementine tonic & soda served tall.

INGREDIENTS

35 ml One Apple Gin

50 ml clementine tonic

10 ml Poire William

50 ml soda

2 dashes Orange Bitters

50 ml clementine juice

Garnish with pear slices + clementine orange wheel

METHOD

Simply add all ingredients over ice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By Anjula Nathan