We all like to decorate for Christmas.\u00a0 It puts the entire family in the festive mood of the season.\u00a0 Each year, many families purchase new decorations to change the look of our Christmas tree.\u00a0 This year, why not choose to use some natural decorations for your home?<\/p>\n
Natural doesn\u2019t mean decorations that look like nuts and berries.\u00a0 It refers to using actual nuts and berries as decorations.\u00a0 Using nature to spruce up the place is safe for the environment.\u00a0 After the holiday is over, it is easy to dispose of these decorations.\u00a0 There is no need to pack up anything except for the tree, if it is artificial.<\/p>\n
Start with the garland.\u00a0 We like to decorate banisters, mantles, and archways.\u00a0 Nurseries have natural garlands for sale and so do farmer\u2019s markets.\u00a0 Do you have holly bushes or evergreen bushes in the yard?\u00a0 Use the remnants to create strings of garland to lay about the house.\u00a0 The little pieces can decorate candle displays and be used to create wreaths.<\/p>\n
Berries from the yard add color to the Christmas tree.\u00a0 Using a needle and thread, string a few berries intermittently with some popcorn kernels.\u00a0 The kids can help you do this.\u00a0 To make the decorations last longer and keep the bugs away, add a little shellac to the string with a small brush to seal in the smells.<\/p>\n
In art class years ago, they taught kids to make ornaments using dough and salt.\u00a0 This was the one time salt was preferred over sugar in a recipe.\u00a0 Regular cookie cutters made various Christmas shapes in the dough before they were baked.\u00a0 The ornaments would get rock hard and then they could be decorated with non-toxic paint.\u00a0 A hole was punched in the cookie ornament dough before baking so a ribbon could be passed through later.<\/p>\n
Pine cones are another decorating favorite.\u00a0 A dollop of glue applied to the bottom of the pinecone made a place for the string to be attached for tree hanging.\u00a0 For eco friendly decorating, use strips of organic cotton fabric in holiday colors to hang the ornaments on the Christmas tree.<\/p>\n
Decorating is not limited to the Christmas tree and the banisters.\u00a0 Many people keep their Christmas cards from years past and hang them on the walls.\u00a0 This is a great way to recycle old Christmas cards.<\/p>\n
Those same cards can be used to make placemats for the holiday table.\u00a0 Affix the colored covers of the cards to a piece of cardboard and laminate the entire thing.\u00a0 Old paper towel rolls can be turned into napkin rings for the table.<\/p>\n
What are some of your ideas for the holidays?\u00a0 Wherever possible, substitute manufactured decorating materials with natural decorations.\u00a0 You will save money and the environment.<\/p>\n