Zero Waste Christmas!!

This post may be a little late for you eager beavers out there, but here are some zero waste alternatives to consider this christmas! Please feel free to have a look on my Pinterest boards for more ideas, but be warned that not all of it is "zero waste":
Gift Wrap
Decor

Gift Wrapping:
Instead of using typical plastic coated wrapping paper in stores, consider using these:

• Plain brown wrapping paper, which comes in a roll. This is very classic and rustic, and can be dressed up with some burlap strip/ribbon and sprigs of holly/foliage. Below is some presents I wrapped a few years ago

• Use large scarves or fabric to wrap

• Use brown paper bags and decorate, such as below

• Plain tags can also be decorated with natural materials, such as below

Decorations:

Wreath - You could either buy a nice reusable one, or consider making your own! They are very simple to make, using Oasis (which you allow to soak in water slowly) and place foliage to cover, then pop in your main features, such as flowers or ornaments (on some wire). Below is one I made a few years ago

Tree - I haven't used tinsel in years! I much prefer using burlap ribbon and lots of different baubles and natural looking ornaments. Below is a picture from a few years ago

Mantle - A few years ago, when I had a beautiful little cottage, I bought myself a garland. I decorated this with dried fruit slices, berries and handmade bows. 

Tree Decorations - You can make your own decorations with things you may already have in the house! 

• Some buttons and ribbon to make a cute little wreath to hang on the tree

• Make some salt dough and use your pets paw to make a print and make a small hole at the top for string. You could then paint it if you wanted and use the ribbon of your choice

• Find some pine cones in your area or on a walk and thread some string/ribbon

• Use some old spools and paper strips to create a christmas wish list every year for your child

• If you're good at embroidery, you could create some decorated felt ornaments.. If not, have a go anyway, you never know until you try!

If there are any other things you wish to find an alternative for, or have any other ideas, then please leave a comment! Thank you!