When old is new again: Holiday Decor

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2019 (2146 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This holiday season why not consider decorating differently? Sure, the old plastic tree trimmings, glass bulbs and glittery wrapping paper invoke a certain sense of nostalgia, but why not change things up?

Simplicity is stylish this year with attention to natural influences for all things holiday.

From gift wrapping to table decor, there is so much you can do with natural decorations beyond just picking a fresh evergreen from thetree lot! Decorate with pinecones set on twine, fabric ribbon and candy canes for a repurposed, yet perfectly festive feel.

Get the kids to roll the pinecones in peanut butter, oats and birdseed and hang outside to enjoy birdwatching well into January. You can also crush-up leftover candy canes to mix into baking or sprinkle on-top of hot chocolate for spiked coffees on those cozy winter weekends.

For adorning your lovingly selected gifts, cedar and fir clippings make great additions to basic brown paper wrapping. Go country chic with butcher’s paper, kitchen twine and a green clipping or two for a gift wrapped to impress (and smell great!).

If you want to reduce your waste and be more environmentally friendly, smaller gifts can be wrapped in inside-out paper shopping bags. Or, turn the wrapping into part of the gift! I like to buy basic white tea towels for the food lovers in my life. I simply wrap their gifts, using a generous amount of twine in the linen! Cheesecloth works very well too. These gifts can then be embellished uniqley with clippings, dried flowers, sweets and ribbon to make them uniquely stunning.

A gorgeous table setting is key for any holiday meal and can be done economically. I recently picked-up a small roll of burlap from the dollar store to use as a table runner. Every-day plates can be dressed-up with a basic white cloth napkin folded neatly on-top and then crowned with a festive chocolate, clementine orange or cinnamon stick. A handwritten gift tag tied with ribbon can be used as a place card.

Round-out the table with more evergreen clippings, basic pillar candles and loose cranberries nestled inbetween. This aesthetic will set a festive and stylish holiday backdrop for a meal to remember.

However you choose to decorate this holiday season, just remember not to stress or overthink! Decorating should be just as fun as gift giving and meal sharing. Focus on using what existing materials you already have and invest in classic pieces that can be used year-round.

Enjoy all the beauty of the season!

Amanda Bibeau is a Winnipeg-based food blogger who is passionate about affordable food for all and ‘food without judgment.’ Amanda enjoys hiking, exploring Winnipeg’s craft beer scene and working her 9 to 5 as a sr. recruiter with RBC.