Nature-inspired Christmas decorations to make at home

There’s nothing quite like a creative Christmas craft session to get you into the festive spirit. So have a go at making these quick and easy decorations inspired by nature – bring the outside in and let your inner creativity out!

Dried orange garland

Remember the joy you felt when you found an orange in your stocking on Christmas morning? Relive those fond memories with this simple-to-make dried orange garland. Adorn your mantlepiece with a string of festively fruity slices to give your home a pop of colour and a fresh citrusy scent.

Method

1. Pre-heat your oven to 140°C / Gas Mark 1.
2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
3. Slice your oranges thinly and arrange the slices on the tray.
4. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning halfway through, until completely dried out.
5. Leave to cool.
6. Once cool, thread a length of ribbon through the centre of an orange slice and tie a knot to secure it in place.
7. Repeat with another orange slice and keep repeating until you have used up all your slices.

Cinnamon stick star decoration

This super quick Christmas craft requires nothing more than a few sticks of cinnamon, some glue and some string, making it the ideal activity to keep the grandchildren entertained.

Method

1. Arrange five sticks of cinnamon into a star shape
2. Add a dab of glue to hold in place.
3. Once dry, tie a little ribbon to the top and hang on your tree.

Foraged foliage wreath

Nothing says ‘Christmas has arrived’ quite like hanging a festive wreath on your front door. Fresh and artificial ones are readily available at florists and on the high street but there’s something special about foraging for foliage and creating one yourself. You can pick up a basic wire frame cheaply at most hobby and crafts shops, then it’s just a case of heading outdoors with a pair of secateurs and snipping off a few handfuls of fir, holly, ivy and whatever other greenery you can find.

Method

1. Start by threading the larger pieces of foliage through the wire frame. Aim for an evenly balanced look.
2. Next, fill any gaps and spaces with the smaller foliage (you may need to wrap some fine wire around the twigs and the frame to hold them in place).
3. Keep it simple by finishing with a ribbon tied in a bow, or add a few baubles from the tree to add a little extra colour.

Pinecone centrepiece

If ever you need a good excuse to head out on a brisk winter walk, here’s one. Embrace the great outdoors and gather as many pinecones of varying sizes as you can. The result is a centrepiece that’s guaranteed to add festive cheer to any dinner party.

Method

1. Spread out your pinecones on some old newspaper and leave to dry so they open fully.
2. Next, place a large candle in the centre of a tray or plate and arrange your pinecones around the candle.
3. If you’re feeling extra artistic, you could paint the pinecones in festive colours or sprinkle with a dusting of glitter to catch the candlelight and add a magical touch.

Clove pomander

The great thing about pomanders is that they retain their scent for so long. Hang on the tree or display around the home and enjoy a festively fragranced home year after year.

Method

1. Take a length of red ribbon and tie in a criss-cross around an orange.
2. Use a toothpick, pen or darning needle to pierce a hole through the skin of the orange, then push in a clove.
3. Repeat until the orange is completely studded with cloves.
4. Store your pomander somewhere warm and dry for a few weeks until the orange has dried out.