Planet-friendly tree ornaments

Salt dough ornaments

Salt dough is a great alternative to store bought clay, and the best bit is you’ll find all the ingredients you need in your kitchen cupboard. Hop over to @invitationtoimagine_ Instagram account to find a simple recipe for these gorgeous spicy salt dough tree ornaments. They’ve added cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns for a Christmassy smell, but really anything goes. Just make your dough, stamp out your shapes, add your decorations, make a hole with a straw (reusable of course) and add a ribbon.

Tiny hanging acorns

Use foraged acorn ‘hats’ to create these cute little acorns for your tree. You can use any scraps of material you already have a home – extra points for Christmassy colours, and string or cotton to create a loop. Follow along to the reel posted on the @woodlar Instagram account if you need more advice.

Vintage hearts

Use pages from a yellowing book to create strips of different lengths, then staple them together with a pretty Christmas-coloured ribbon. @ralucagabrielam has a reel to take you through it step by step. They’re super simple to make and we think these would be gorgeous hanging among a selection of eco-friendly ornaments on your Christmas tree. You could even make them as little gifts for family and friends, using pages from favourite classic books.

Table top trees

Rustic farmhouse Christmas trees

By using stiff card to make a cone and carefully covering it in natural coloured yarn or twine, you’ll be able to create these lovely trees to decorate your table. Add glitter, gemstones or anything else you like, and top with a wooden or foil star or ribbon. If you’re after a neutral colour theme for your Christmas decorations these are perfect.

Egg carton Christmas trees

These simple little trees could not be easier to make. Use the tall centre parts of the egg carton, tidy up the bottoms. punch several holes through with a bradawl or skewer. Then place the piece of carton over non-flaming candles. Add little stars to the top and create clusters – 3s or 5s will work well aesthetically. For extra sparkle you could use a little gold or silver spray paint, or add some white to give the illusion of snow.

Folded tree napkins

Choose cloth napkins over paper serviettes for a more sustainable table, but don’t resort to triangles neatly folded at the side of each plate. Instead add a festive touch with these cute folded trees. @chefgenevieve will show you how, simply head over to their Instagram account and watch the reel. And if you want to add place names, they’ll look gorgeous written in calligraphy and tucked into the folds of your little trees.

Super cute Santas

Painted leaves

Look at these cheerful Father Christmases with their rosy cheeks and fluffy white beards! Head outside to find a variety of leaves that have recently fallen, and put them somewhere warm to dry. Then get creative using these gorgeous examples form @m_and_m_bubble as your inspiration. You can place them around your home as scatter decorations, incorporate them in homemade card designs or fasten them to wrapped presents. Or what about making them into delicate tree ornaments?

Santa stones

Make these Christmas keepsakes to sit on the mantelpiece or gift as paperweights, and put them in the stockings of family and friends. These stones are totally unique and easy to make no matter how artistic you are (or aren’t!). Paint lines of different widths before finishing off with a cotton bud to make neat circles. That way you’ll be sure to get beautiful results every time. Top tip: make sure you prime your stones with a latex primer before painting. And then varnish once dry for a professional, long-lasting finish.