Christmas is about tradition, and a family tradition of making tree ornaments can create lasting memories for you and your family. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, and decorations made from natural ingredients add warmth, creativity, and a touch of whimsy to any tree! Not only is a natural approach to Christmas tree decor a popular choice, it’s also a great way to bring family and friends together by celebrating the beauty of nature.
Popular and Fun DIY Decorations to Try this Holiday Season
With so many ways to decorate your tree this year, coming up with something the whole family can agree on is a good place to start. Once you narrow down your favourite options, gather your supplies and have a Christmas tree decorating party. You’ll be surprised at just how much fun making ornaments can be! Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Garlands
A classic way to kick off the season, making garland for the Christmas tree is always a family favourite. Some of the best choices for garland accessories are popcorn, cranberries, wooden beads, pinecones, bells, and even acorns. You can thread your garland with string, dental floss, or twine, depending on the size of the accessories you use. Fresh berries and popcorn will only last for about three days, so if you want some longevity, spray them with an acrylic sealant to help your work last over the holiday season.
Orange Slices
A very old and well-loved homemade Christmas tree decoration, dried orange slices are a great way to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. Symbolic of gold, luxury, and the timeless comforts of the season, oranges add a vibrant burst of colour to any holiday decor. They also smell great, and will add a touch of organic beauty to your tree this year. Make sure to dry your orange slices properly in an oven, microwave, or food dehydrator before decorating, to help them last as long as possible. Dried oranges can last many years if done correctly, but tend to darken over time. Making fresh ornaments each year will give you the best colour and scent.
Hand-Painted Ornaments
Adding some personal touches to your holiday tree is a rewarding tradition to pass down. Whether you use wooden shapes, acorns, or traditional baubles, painting your own Christmas tree decorations is sure to set the festive mood. Try family names, inspirational words, favourite animals, elegant patterns, or even polka dots! The whole point of making your own tree decor is to have fun and make holiday ornaments that are a reflection of you.
Clay Ornaments
Yes, clay! Making clay ornaments is a family tradition for many and one of the best ways to cover your tree in festive homemade joy. Crafting clay ornaments is like making cookies, so look for some Christmas or winter-themed cookie cutters and make sure you have a rolling pin on hand. Try carving out the date of creation on the back while you’re at it to cherish and remember the cozy times you spent with loved ones. Once cut, you can bake or air-dry your ornaments to harden them before glazing or painting.
A natural, homemade decorating scheme is an economical choice that signals a return to simplicity while offering a creative way to bring your family together in holiday merriment. You can make new Christmas tree decorations every year, and even use them to mark special occasions like the birth of a child, a marriage, or the arrival of a new pet. There are no limits to creating your perfect natural holiday tree, so have fun with it!
Looking for more ways to create the perfect Christmas vibe with unique decorations in the Edmonton area? Stop by Salisbury Greenhouse in Sherwood Park and St. Albert for a great selection of winter decor options and ideas that are sure to impress your guests this holiday season.
