The temperature has suddenly dropped in the last few days, there’s definitely a chill in the air and it’s making me feel a little bit festive. I’m starting to think about getting the house ready for Christmas and thought I’d share some inspiration for alternative Christmas decoration. Although I’m a traditionalist when it comes to the routine of Christmas Day, I prefer a more subtle, modern approach when decorating the home. I hate clutter and colour (I’m the kind of person who turns colourful books round the wrong way on shelves…), and all things kitsch and fake (except for Christmas jumpers of course), so for Christmas I look to nature for inspiration – lots of greenery, natural materials and cosy textures.
Taking notes from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries, I’m thinking minimalist Christmas trees, monochrome wrapping and handmade paper folded decorations. But it doesn’t have to be cold or lacking in personality – I’m all for creating a festive atmosphere, with thoughtful handmade touches, a bit of creativity and a handful of Danish hygge. Instead of fairy lights, I’ll be filling old glass jars with tealights and letting them shimmer and sparkle. I might make a paper garland or hang some baubles from a cluster of branches perhaps.
Here I’ve gathered some inspiration and ideas, as well as some new festive additions – garlands and pom-poms, paper stars and bakers twine, golden stickers and letterpress tags – newly added to my shop to help you achieve the same look.
Sending out cards
Everyone loves getting Christmas cards and hanging them up on display. Attach them onto rustic twine with some greenery to create an alternative garland or if you’re a dab hand with calligraphy make your own set and tie onto presents. I love minimalist cards that aren’t overpowering or in your face, forget rudoplh and nativity scenes, how about a colourful marble effect or a few wise words?
Wrapping your presents
For me the best bit about Christmas is giving presents and seeing the looks on people’s faces when they open them, and (hopefully) finding something they love inside. This year I might try my hand at making my own wrapping paper – you could simply buy some plain brown paper and add geometric motifs, dots or stripes with washi tape. I also love the splattered paint effect in Ferm Living’s image below, super easy, if a little messy, but fun! The finishing touches are everything, perhaps a twig of greenery, piece of holly and some neon gift tags?
Decorating your home
Not everyone has the space for a 7ft christmas tree, and in the interests of being sustainable, how about a minimalist Scandi wooden tree that could be used again and again? I love how here, in the image below, the star isn’t even on the top of the tree – the perfect alternative Christmas decoration. Paper-folded decorations and jewel-like baubles then create the interest and add a bit of colour. I also love the idea of filling a glass vase with fir tree cut-offs and greenery for an eye-catching table display, or a mini-christmas tree in a beautiful pot that does all the talking.
You can find loads more alternative Christmas decoration ideas on my Pinterest board:
Follow Cate’s board ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS on Pinterest.
Have you thought about Christmas decorations yet?
