Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

How to make your own Christmas decorations

Achieving a beautifully decorated and enchanting home this Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to our seasonal guide on using foraged foliage to create your own fun and festive decorations that will look and feel much better than anything shop bought. All the supplies listed in the feature can be found at your local craft store, market or in a typical British hedgerow or possibly your own garden – another reason to get outside and enjoy your local green space!

Let your imagination run wild! Have a look in the garden or potting shed for old containers or glass jars that look fantastic when adorned with sprigs of natural foliage. Use rustic garden string or raffia paper to tie arrangements together. A small bunch of fresh herbs tied together as a table decoration creates a simple but effective display and smells gorgeous too!

TOP TIP: Don’t be afraid to reuse old Christmas decorations or grab a can of spray glitter to jazz up the foraged pinecones, especially if you are looking for more glitzy table decorations!

How to make your own Christmas decorations

You will need:
-foliage such as holly, fir, pine and mistletoe 
-garden herbs such as rosemary, thyme or similar
-pinecones
-garden string
-a glue gun
-candles
-spray glitter, if desired
-clear glass jars, candleholders or rustic tin containers

How to make your own Christmas decorations

Method:
Using foraged items such as pinecones and leaves or even decorations you already own, secure the decorations around your jars and candle holders using garden string or a glue gun. Make sure to leave the decorations to dry for a few hours if glue was used. Hand write personal festive messages and hang them from the foliage using garden string or add in tied sprigs of fresh herbs to add a fresh scent to your festive table.
 

See our step-by-step guide on how to create a homemade wreath here.

More from Features

  • Home Style: Seeing the Light

    George and Christopher Stephenson left the rat race of London for a life in the south-east countryside, transforming a dark and dated Grade-II listed farmhouse

  • Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

    St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved

  • If You Ask Me... This is Beyoncé Country

    This month, Flo Whitaker considers a recent showbiz altercation and asks, “If a black woman from Texas can’t make a country album - who can?”

  • Artelium Wine – Crafted in Sussex

    As the Sussex wine industry continues to expand and lead the way for the rest of the UK it is heartwarming to find a winery that’s producing award winning wines of outstanding quality, so we sent Robert Veitch to find out more

  • Homes Extra: Expanding Space

    If you need some extra space in your home but do not want to shoulder the burden and expense of moving, then look to a small extension or home improvement, says Sara Whatley

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Gardening & Connecting with Nature

    Spring is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy our natural world. Sara Whatley looks at connecting with nature for wellness and gardening for fitness

  • Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

    As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains

  • Charity: Age Concern Hassocks

    Fancy a new place for lunch, meeting new friends in a fun and welcoming atmosphere, or a spot of volunteering? Look no further than Age Concern Hassocks, says Sara Whatley

  • Another New Clinic For Sussex Audiology

    Sussex Audiology has added to its Haywards Heath offering with a brand new high-street clinic. Hanna Prince drops in to learn about the vital importance of healthy hearing

  • The Joy of the Repair Café

    Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution

  • Wills & Wakes

    Sara Whatley spoke to Melanie Hodson, Head of Information Support at Hospice UK about how to talk openly and honestly about death and dying

  • Lighten the Technology Overload

    In this fast-paced technological world it's easy to feel intimidated and over-whelmed. So we sent James Forryan to speak to Richard Long of Absolute Solutions about keeping up to date and protected in the cyber world

  • An Unlikely Retirement

    Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement

  • COMPETITION: Win A Two-Night Stay At The View Hotel With Afternoon Tea For Two

    Subscribe to Sussex Living's free digital edition and we'll enter you into our draw to win a beautiful two-night stay for two at The View Hotel on Eastbourne seafront, along with breakfast and a lovely afternoon tea...

  • What to Watch in April 2024

    Our monthly guide to all the best film and television coming your way in April...

  • Bucket List Travel Experiences

    Many of us dream of the opportunity to tick off travel experiences that are on our wish list, here Lisa de Silva explores ideas to help create and refine the perfect trip of a lifetime

  • Homes Extra: An Easter Home

    Be inspired this Easter and fill your home with bright and beautiful decorations, says Sara Whatley

  • NEW COMPETITION: Win A Luxury Hamper For National Pet Day

    To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!

  • Home Style: Time to Heal

    After losing her husband, Tracy Nors threw all her energies into renovating a period terrace in the pretty town of Rye

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Meditation and Movement

    Join Sara Whatley in stretching your mind and stretching your body as she looks at the practices of meditation, yoga and other similar movements