And Decidedly Different Décor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and that means it’s about time to start hauling out the traditional tinsel and tree trimmings. And while I’m all about keeping up traditions – case in point, our 70’s light up Nativity scene that is both classic and kitschy in a wonderful way – I wouldn’t mind an update or two.
So in the spirit of holidays and creativity, I offer you some eclectic and innovative alternative decorating ideas, as well as a few fun crafts for you and the family to enjoy. Who knows? Perhaps one or two will take and turn into the start of a new set of seasonal traditions to treasure.
Mixed Media Mitten Tree
Got mismatched mittens? Mittens of similar shades can find new life as art this Christmas. Position mittens into a triangular tree- shape and secure them in place on a backdrop with hot glue. Top your tree with a large pom-pom from an old winter hat and add a tree trunk with the back-end of a brown mitten or glove. You can decorate your tree with a mix of smaller hat pom-poms or some from the craft store. The display works best with a solid color to form the tree. Whites shades, for example, form a snowy looking tree or various green hues for a traditional tree. Of course you can get as creative as you feel inspired to be. Hang your mitten art on an uninspired wall or as a door hanger if your entrance is protected from weather.
Suitcase Sculpture
A variety of sizes and shapes of suitcases, hat boxes or trunks in shades of green can be stacked into a tree-shaped floor display. Accent with a few smaller wrapped Christmas packages at its base.
Bookshelf Sculpture
Same idea as the suitcase, but using a variety of green hardcover books and a three-level bookcase or set of shelves. You will need to arrange books spaced out in descending numbers as you go up each level to form your tree shape. Place some actual greenery and pinecones around your book display and add a jingle bell or two to dress up the look.
Holiday Card Wall Art
Find an empty wall space to form your canvas and add some holiday cheer with the cards you receive this year. Arrange cards in rows or columns to make the shape of your favorite holiday symbol: star, candle, tree, etc.. You could also place a decorative ribbon or bow at the top of your stack of cards.
Creative Crafting
Ribbon Candy Ornaments: Weave a three-foot piece of ribbon (accordion folded) attached to a piece of thread through the center of the ribbon candy folds. Tie a loop at one end for hanging.
Homemade Button Garland: Find a variety of buttons and string them along for a crafty Christmas tree garland. Pair with ribbon candy ornaments and classic red bulbs for a simple homemade look.
Hang Up Your Skates: Not hitting the ice like you used to? No worries! You can repurpose old ice skates as an alternative to the traditional door wreath. Tie skates together and stuff with evergreens, add a few embellishments like miniature silver or gold ornament balls and jingle bells. Dress up your skate set even more by spray painting them a fresh minty green or a sparkly silver and top with a faux fur liner around the top edges with hot glue. Attach a large fluffy pom-pom snowball to the top of one skate for a beautiful new way to deck out your door.
Citrus Garland Or Ornaments: Preheat your oven to 250º then cut up oranges crosswise into ¼ inch slices (4 oranges = 6 foot of garland). Line a cookie sheet or two with parchment paper. Pat the oranges dry using paper towels and place on cookie sheets in a single layer. Bake oranges for approximately three hours or until dry. Turn oranges over at the halfway point. Use a skewer or a small nail and poke two holes into the top of each orange slice. Thread twine through each hole, evenly spacing the oranges on the garland. Tie off each end of the garland with a loop and hang with hooks. For ornaments, skip the long garland and thread a loop (one hole only) and hook through the top of each orange.
Wishing you and your family a crafty, creative and happy Holiday Season!