7 Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorations You Can Make at Home

The holidays are a magical time, but they can also generate a lot of waste from store-bought decorations that are often made of plastic and single‑use materials. Embracing eco‑friendly holiday decorations not only adds a personal touch to your seasonal decor but also helps reduce environmental impact by using natural, recycled, or reusable materials. Below are some creative and sustainable DIY holiday decorations you can make at home this season.

Top Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorations

1.) Natural Greenery Wreath

Materials: Evergreen clippings (pine, fir, cedar), twine or natural string, pinecones, dried citrus slices.
Instructions:

1. Form a circular base by bending a sturdy vine or wire into a ring.
2. Attach greenery sprigs around the base using twine, layering them to cover the frame completely.
3. Add pinecones and dried citrus slices for color and texture.
4. Hang your wreath on a door or wall to greet guests with a festive, earthy welcome.
   Eco Tip: Natural wreaths can be composted when the season ends.

2.) Pressed Flower Ornaments

Materials: Pressed flowers or leaves, clear ornament balls or cardstock, glue, and twine.
Instructions:

1. Press flowers or leaves between heavy books for several days until completely dry.
2. If using clear ornament balls, carefully insert the pressed flowers inside. If using cardstock, glue pressed florals to cut‑out shapes such as stars or hearts.
3. Thread a piece of twine through a hole at the top for hanging.
4. Hang them on your tree or in windows to catch the light and add organic beauty.
   For a more in-depth how-to, check out Craft Your Happy Place!
   Eco Tip: These holiday decorations are fully biodegradable when made without plastic.

3.) Burlap Ribbon Garland

Materials: Burlap ribbon, twine, scissors.
Instructions:

1. Cut lengths of burlap ribbon to your desired garland length.
2. Tie the burlap pieces onto a length of twine, spacing them evenly.
3. Drape the garland along a mantle, banister, or across doorways.
   Eco Tip: Burlap is a durable, reusable fabric that adds rustic charm and can be stored for future years’ use.

4.) Recycled Paper Snowflakes

Materials: Recycled paper (old sheet music, newspapers, or magazines), scissors, string.
Instructions:

1. Fold a square piece of recycled paper into a triangle several times.
2. Cut small shapes along the edges, then unfold to reveal a unique snowflake pattern.
3. Attach the string and hang it in windows or from ceilings for festive airborne decor.
   Eco Tip: Using recycled paper reduces waste and gives discarded materials new life.

5.) Citrus & Spice Garland

Materials: Thinly sliced oranges or lemons, cinnamon sticks, a needle, and thread or twine.
Instructions:

1. Dry citrus slices in a low oven or by air‑drying for several days.
2. Thread citrus slices and cinnamon sticks alternately onto twine to create a fragrant garland.
3. Hang above doorways or along furniture for a natural scent and festive look.
   Eco Tip: These materials are fully compostable at the end of the season.

6.) Upcycled Mason Jar Candle Holders

Materials: Mason jars, tealight candles, twine, pine sprigs, and other natural fillers.
Instructions:

1. Clean your mason jars thoroughly and dry.
2. Place a tealight candle inside each jar.
3. Surround the candle with pine sprigs, berries, or dried fruit inside the jar.
4. Wrap twine around the jar’s neck for decoration.
5. Light them safely on tables or mantles for a warm glow.
   For a more in-depth how-to, check out Living Simply Creative!
   Eco Tip: Mason jars are reusable year after year and add cozy ambiance to your holiday decorations without plastic waste.

7.) Recycled Fabric Ornaments and Decorations

Materials: Old sweaters, fabric scraps, thread or glue, stuffing (optional).
Instructions:

1. Cut fabric into holiday shapes—stars, trees, stockings, etc.
2. Sew or glue two pieces together, leaving a small opening to add stuffing if desired.
3. Close the opening and add a loop of string for hanging.
   For a more in-depth how-to, check out The Filtery!
   Eco Tip: Upcycling textile scraps reduces textile waste and adds warmth to your holiday decorations!

Final Thoughts

These DIY holiday decorations prove that meaningful, beautiful holiday decor doesn’t require plastic or consumption—just creativity and a bit of love. By choosing materials you already have, or that come from nature, you help create a festive season that’s gentle on the Earth and joyful for your home.