With the countdown to Christmas, here are my tips for decorating to celebrate and embrace the Christmas spirit, welcome guests to your home while at the same time considering the environment.

1. let’s start with the front door

Those of you who follow stylist Steve Cordony know that he does the best Christmas front door styling. But if you prefer something more subtle, a simple Xmas wreath with a bow is a good start. Last year I bought a real preserved Boxwood Xmas wreath from The Little Christmas Co which is a local Brisbane based business. The wreath lasts over 12 months so I intend to reuse it this year. They also sell the bows or you could make the bow yourself in your favourite colour.

2. a real xmas tree instead of the plastic variety

Each year I buy a real Christmas tree from The Little Christmas Co. They deliver in early December and pick up after Boxing Day. Buying real trees will help keep tree farms in business—and in turn keep their lands covered in the healthy forest habitat that wildlife depends on to survive. And once all the festivities are done, these trees can be recycled and given a second life.

3. Consider using decorations made of paper & fabric

Oversized paper stars create a whimsical room decoration at Xmas. Opt for sustainable paper decorations over plastic for a beautiful and eco-friendly choice. Experiment with fabric Christmas decorations by crafting them from leftover fabric or offcuts, and get creative with paper ornaments using surplus wrapping paper, newspaper, or brown paper.

5. set your xmas table with creative table settings that can be used throughout the year not just at Xmas.

Prepare for Christmas by planning your table setting in advance, considering themes and colors. Find inspiration on Instagram for table dressing, and explore versatile tableware options, such as those from In the Round House, suitable for both Christmas and everyday use. Get creative with what you have in your cupboard or explore vintage tableware at second-hand stores as an eco-friendly alternative.

6. wrap your presents in sustainable style

While Xmas wrapping paper is fun and pretty, its environmental impact is significant. Here are ideas to minimise waste while enjoying creative Christmas present wrapping.

• Use brown paper as it is recyclable and you can add pretty ribbons or fresh flowers

• Wrap presents using fabric, tea towels, or scarves, and consider including a new one as a thoughtful part of the gift. Explore the Japanese Furoshiki method for an eco-friendly and stylish wrapping alternative.

• Reuse Xmas paper bags. About 5 years ago I bought some simple Xmas paper bags and have reused them each year. You just need to make sure you rescue them after the presents have been unwrapped for the following year.

• Make your own Xmas tags or cards. Cut out cardboard shapes and punch holes with a string and either paint, draw or stick pretty pictures on them.

7. Light your home with candles free from paraffin wax

Candlelight not only creates a cosy mood in your home and at your Xmas table. but also symbolises hope, peace, joy, and love. Lighting these candles throughout the Advent season can be a meaningful tradition. When choosing candles for your home avoid paraffin wax to keep your candles eco-friendly. Choose candles labeled as 100% beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax with natural wicks to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Steer clear of candles made with petroleum-based paraffin wax, artificial fragrances containing chemicals, or cotton wicks treated with pesticides, as these can be harmful to the environment.

8. make your own xmas stockings

If you are handy with a sewing machine or knitting needles, Handmade Christmas stockings are fun and personal. My daughter and I made stockings for each member of our family years ago and we use them each year. If you are not into sewing or knitting, you can purchase homemade Xmas stockings on Etsy. Hang your stockings on the fireplace mantle or stairwell and complete the festive look by decorating with natural greenery sourced from your garden or a local nursery as a sustainable choice.

Thank you to everyone who subscribes to my journal. I hope you have enjoyed my design tips and inspiration this year and I look forward to bringing you more frequent journal posts in 2024 as I have so much I would like to share to help you enjoy your home.

Merry Christmas 2023

Gabrielle x

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ECO FRIENDLY XMAS IDEAS, SUPPLIERS, MAKERS

At Berkeley Interiors we can help you to style and decorate all the special rooms in your home and specialise in sourcing the furniture, lighting, rugs, making custom furnishings, selecting artwork, and styling your spaces including the final touches such as bedlinen and accessories.