This year, skip the plastic and embrace a more sustainable approach to decorating your Christmas tree. Using natural materials for ornaments not only reduces waste but also brings a rustic, cozy charm to your holiday decor. These ornaments are easy to make, biodegradable, and can often be created with items you already have at home or can forage outdoors. A plastic-free holiday tree filled with natural ornaments is not only eco-friendly but also a timeless, elegant way to celebrate the season.
Here are 10 natural ornament ideas to inspire your plastic-free holiday tree.
1. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
Dried orange slices add a warm, golden glow to your tree and fill your home with a subtle citrus scent.
How to Make Them
- Slice oranges thinly (about ¼ inch thick).
- Pat slices dry with a paper towel.
- Bake in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Thread twine through a small hole at the top of each slice and tie it into a loop for hanging.
Pro Tip: Combine with cinnamon sticks or star anise for an extra festive touch.
2. Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are a versatile, easy-to-find decoration that works perfectly for a natural tree theme.
How to Make Them
- Collect pinecones from your yard or a local park.
- Clean them by baking at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes to remove bugs.
- Attach twine or jute string to the tops using hot glue or tie them directly to the scales.
- Leave them natural, or lightly paint the edges with white for a frosted effect.
Pro Tip: Add a dab of essential oils (like pine or cinnamon) to the pinecones for a scented ornament.
3. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon sticks are both decorative and aromatic, making them a perfect addition to your holiday tree.
How to Make Them
- Bundle two or three cinnamon sticks together with twine or jute.
- Tie a bow with burlap ribbon or cotton string for added flair.
- Hang them on your tree using a loop of string.
Pro Tip: Mix these ornaments with dried orange slices for a cohesive, fragrant look.
4. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
This classic, vintage garland adds a playful, colorful touch to your tree while staying completely natural.
How to Make It
- Pop plain popcorn (avoid butter or salt).
- Alternate threading popcorn and fresh cranberries onto a needle and string.
- Tie loops at the ends for easy hanging.
Pro Tip: After the holidays, hang the garland outside for birds to enjoy as a winter snack.
5. Twig Star Ornaments
Foraged twigs can be transformed into beautiful, rustic star ornaments.
How to Make Them
- Gather small, straight twigs.
- Cut twigs into equal lengths (5 pieces per star).
- Arrange them into a star shape and glue the intersections with eco-friendly glue or tie them together with twine.
- Add a loop of twine for hanging.
Pro Tip: Paint the twigs white or sprinkle with cinnamon for a snowy or earthy effect.
6. Dried Herb Bundles
Herb bundles not only look elegant but also release a calming fragrance, perfect for your tree.
How to Make Them
- Gather small bundles of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender.
- Wrap the stems tightly with twine to secure the bundle.
- Add a loop of string for hanging.
Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs for vibrant greenery or dried herbs for a longer-lasting ornament.
7. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are easy to make, fully biodegradable, and perfect for customizing with natural decorations.
How to Make Them
- Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Add a small hole at the top for hanging.
- Decorate by pressing in herbs, dried flowers, or seeds before baking at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours.
Pro Tip: Paint them with natural watercolors for a subtle, artistic touch.
8. Dried Flower Ornaments
Dried flowers add a delicate, romantic vibe to your tree while keeping it plastic-free.
How to Make Them
- Press and dry flowers like daisies, roses, or baby’s breath.
- Attach the flowers to kraft paper or cardboard cutouts with eco-friendly glue.
- Punch a hole at the top and thread a loop of twine for hanging.
Pro Tip: Use flowers in holiday colors, like red and white, for a festive look.
9. Walnut Shell Ornaments
Walnut shells are a natural, sturdy base for small ornaments that can be filled or painted.
How to Make Them
- Crack walnuts carefully so the shells remain in halves.
- Clean the insides and let them dry.
- Glue twine or string to the inside for hanging.
- Fill with tiny natural items, like moss, cloves, or a small pressed flower, or paint the shell’s exterior.
Pro Tip: Create tiny scenes inside, like miniature nativity figures or festive designs.
10. Wooden Slice Ornaments
Wooden slices make an excellent base for natural, rustic ornaments and are easy to customize.
How to Make Them
- Cut small slices from a fallen tree branch or purchase pre-cut wood slices.
- Drill a small hole near the top for threading twine.
- Decorate by painting, stamping, or drawing designs with a wood-burning tool.
- Tie a loop of twine or ribbon for hanging.
Pro Tip: Write holiday messages or names on the wood slices for personalized ornaments.
Styling Tips for a Plastic-Free Tree
- Stick to a Natural Color Palette: Use earthy tones like greens, browns, whites, and reds to create a cohesive look.
- Incorporate Natural Garland: Pair your ornaments with garlands made of greenery, berries, or eucalyptus for a lush effect.
- Add Texture: Mix materials like dried fruit, twigs, and herbs for a dynamic tree.
- Use LED Fairy Lights: Opt for warm white LED lights to complement your natural decorations while saving energy.
FAQs
1. Why should I use natural ornaments instead of store-bought ones?
Natural ornaments reduce plastic waste, are biodegradable, and give your tree a unique, eco-friendly look.
2. Are these ornaments reusable?
Many natural ornaments, like pinecones, twig stars, and wooden slices, can be stored and reused for multiple seasons. Others, like dried fruit and herbs, are compostable after use.
3. Can I combine natural and existing decorations?
Yes! Blend natural ornaments with your current collection for a balanced and personalized tree.
4. How do I preserve dried fruit ornaments?
Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent mold or pests.
5. Are these ornaments safe for kids to make?
Absolutely! Many, like popcorn garlands and salt dough ornaments, are kid-friendly crafts. Always supervise when using scissors or glue.
6. Where can I find materials for natural ornaments?
Forage for pinecones, twigs, and herbs outdoors. Visit local farmers’ markets or use scraps from your kitchen, like citrus fruits and walnuts.
7. How do I store natural ornaments after Christmas?
Store durable ornaments like pinecones and wooden slices in a dry container. Compost biodegradable items that may not last until next year.
8. Are natural ornaments more affordable?
Yes! Most materials can be found for free in nature or repurposed from household items.
9. Can I use natural ornaments on an outdoor tree?
Yes! Natural ornaments like popcorn garlands and dried fruit are perfect for decorating outdoor trees and can double as bird-friendly treats.
10. What’s the best way to dispose of natural ornaments after the holidays?
Compost them or return them to nature. Avoid throwing them in the trash to minimize waste.
By incorporating these 10 natural ornament ideas, you can create a stunning, eco-friendly holiday tree that reflects your love for nature and sustainability. This holiday season, let your decorations tell a story of care—for your home, your loved ones, and the planet. 🎄🌿✨