A Stylish Sustainable Christmas
A Nancy Meyers kind of Christmas is the one we all dream about. The smell of pine and cinnamon in the air when you step indoors, enjoying mince pies and stollen, roaring fireplaces, charming country homes sprinkled in a light dusting of snow. Not only are the aesthetics something to dream about but the whole mood and joyful feeling they fill you with. Between the dinner parties and festivities it’s also a time of year to slow down and enjoy moments with loved ones. Creating an idyllic haven in your home is the aspiration for Christmas. Even though Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year it can also be the most wasteful time of the year. I think being more purposeful with consciously curated gifts and decorations really just makes Christmas so much more meaningful.
So here are some of our tips on taking a more considered approach to decorating the home or the dinner table, as well as some gift ideas to spark your imagination. Enjoy!
DECOR
Rent a Christmas Tree
The London Christmas Tree rental company have Norway Spruce trees from 3ft tall to 7ft tall that you can rent year after year. They can even mark the tree you had if you want exactly the same tree again the following year. Apparently 7 million Christmas trees go to landfill every year; the idea of our Christmas tree ending up in a pile of rubbish isn’t what we want.
Reusable Christmas Crackers
You fill them yourself and you get to use them again and again. We learnt that 40 million Christmas crackers are thrown away each year. These red striped ones from Happy Crackers are so fabulously festive!
Non-Plastic Christmas Baubles
Choose baubles that are made from ceramics or the classic glass ones (preferably not those that that were made in China). Recently we’ve seen Christmas trees just decorated with bows and this is a great option - it looks super elegant and festive. And if you have a lot of ribbons lying around the house then this is the perfect choice. Tie bows on the branches just as you would hang baubles. You can even make your own paper baubles, which can be a great activity to get you in the Christmas mood.
Christmas Wreath
Such a lovely staple for your front door. Even before stepping indoors you already feel a welcoming Christmas spirit. Buying a professionally made natural Christmas wreath can be expensive. Instead of opting for a plastic version why not try making your own with flowers and branches from your garden? We have a simple guide on how to make it here.
Buying locally
Buy from a local farm shop - not only will it be high quality produce but you’re supporting a local business. It helps you know exactly where your produce comes from and that it’s only items that are in season. If you don’t know of a local farm nearby, contact the Soil Association (UK based) - they will help you find a local organic box scheme that can be delivered straight to your door.
Table Decor
Try opting for natural things, such as branches or pine cones, or even dried orange slices. For a table runner choose one that’s made from natural fabric like linen, or maybe go for a vintage table runner. Use dried flowers or fresh greenery foraged from the garden to craft a stunning seasonal centrepiece. Use soy wax candles on the table (not only are they better for the environment but they also burn for longer).
Choose LED lighting
LED lights are energy efficient as they consume a lot less electricity, which means that not only do they have a lower environmental impact but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your next energy bill. They also last a lot longer.
GIFTS
Choose from a small business or go for vintage
Buying things from a local company really helps smaller businesses. It means a lower carbon footprint and helps the dream of someone whose passion is to create handmade artisan products. Many small businesses will have handmade items in their range - unique, better quality and better for the environment. Or consider buying a vintage item - they’re usually one of a kind and give a new life to something wonderful. (We obviously have to mention our own vintage and made-to-order ranges here!)
Donations
Christmas is definitely the time to give back and you can help with this by buying a donation on behalf of a friend or loved one - maybe gift them something that they’re passionate about, whilst also giving back to the environment. If you want to give a really thoughtful and personal present that’s not necessarily a physical gift then this is a great option. There so many charity organisations that you can help in this way, whether it’s planting trees, restoring rainforests, taking out membership of a not for profit art gallery or museum - there’s sure to be a gift for everyone’s interests and passions.
It’s also an especially lovely gift for children. They can adopt an animal - what child wouldn’t love to adopt their very own panda, polar bear or penguin? And it helps conserve and protect endangered wildlife. The WWF has a really great choice of animals you can adopt worldwide. The lucky recipient will get a soft toy version of their adopted animal and a certificate, together with all the information about the animal they are helping to look after.
Hampers
Hampers make buying presents very easy! There are so many different options. For foodies you could choose a hamper filled with a selection of cheeses and wines, or for someone with a sweet tooth it could be crammed with chocolates, sweets and tea. The Daylesford do wonderful hampers, this one is a favourite of ours. You could even create a hamper yourself for a keen gardener, a book lover or a teenager who enjoys experimenting with beauty products. The options are endless!
Gifting an experience
Getting someone an experience as a gift can be really thoughtful. It might be something that creates new memories or just something that’s a lovely activity; it might even be the start of an entirely new hobby! Or it could be something that you can both share together, like tickets to a concert, a sound healing class, a spa day or a cookery course.
Flower subscription
Flowers can brighten any home; they’re a gift that will always bring a lot of joy. You get a beautiful seasonal arrangement of flowers and greenery. (You can also make sure its a pet friendly selection). Arena Flowers offers 3, 6 or 12 month ethical subscriptions, which you can choose to have delivered every week, fortnightly or monthly.