8 Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations

Nature provides us with so many decorations for the holiday season. That wreath on your door, the Christmas tree, colorful garlands, and decorative ornaments…although these classic holiday decorations are often plastic, they are modeled after their earthly counterparts. It just makes sense to do it the natural way instead. Not only will you help the environment and have less plastic in your home, but you’ll save money while you’re at it!

Here is a list I put together of my favorite natural decorations.

1. Dried Orange Garland

This is my favorite one on the list! It’s so simple and yet the thought never even crossed my mind. Click here to get step-by-step instructions from the Bldg 25 blog. I already have my orange slices dried and ready to string! And trust me, the citrusy smell that fills the air as the oranges dry is heavenly.

2. Cranberry Garland

This is another one of the serious contenders for the top of my list. I love the pop of color that the red cranberries lend to a green Christmas tree. Although you can dry the cranberries so that they last longer, I prefer stringing fresh cranberries closer to Christmas. The color is so vibrant this way! Check out A Storied Style blog for the tutorial.

3. Mini Christmas Trees

These simple yet elegant trees make perfect ornaments. They could also be stuck under the string on your wrapped present, or glued onto a wooden base for a stand-alone decoration. The possibilities are endless! House Beautiful has the instructions available on their site.

4. Pinecone Door Hanger

This is much easier than making a wreath and decorates your door just as well! Take a walk in a local park (or maybe your backyard) for some pinecones. Check out the simple tutorial from Brown Sugar Toast.

Photo via Brown Sugar Toast

5. Pomegranate Table Runner

An easy and festive addition to your holiday cheer is this simple table runner. Added bonus: you can eat it after you’re done using it! Find more about this decor from Julie Blanner.

6. Evergreen Porch Pots

Add a splash of greenery to your front porch with these winter porch pots. Although they look challenging to create, the tutorial that House of Hawthornes provides makes it easy.

7. Bleached Pinecone Ornaments

Bleaching pinecones gives them a lighter, more weathered look. To spice up your pinecone ornaments, Stone Gable has easy instructions to follow.

8. Cranberry and Pine Luminaries

These only take a few minutes to put together and add a stylish centerpiece for that Christmas dinner party you’re throwing. These little floating candles will radiate holiday cheer into your dining room. Here’s the tutorial from Today’s Creative Life. 

Bringing the outdoors inside will provide a natural, cozy feel to your Christmas decor. I can’t wait to hang my orange garland on our tree and use the basket of pinecones I gathered for ornaments.

Hopefully this list gives you some inspiration to help reduce your eco-footprint this holiday season! For more ways to reduce your waste, check out my 10 Tips for a Low Waste Christmas. What green decorations do you have in mind for this Christmas?