OK, so the Yanks have had their Thanksgiving fun. Now it’s
our turn. With Christmas on the doorstep, isn’t it time you started thinking
about (Norwegian) sprucing up your home? I've put together a few ideas to give
your neighbours a run for their money in the yuletide style stakes.
Step away from the keyboard and pull out a pen and one of
these bad boys this year. With just enough of a homemade feel to them, your
friends and family will really think you care (when actually you can be
spending your time on the really important stuff – catching up on MasterChef).
Crafty Christmas cards are just the ticket for your nearest and dearest – get yours
at etsy.com.
Cute little bags full of I don’t know what, but they
certainly look festively fetching. Grab a couple of bags and tie on some cinnamon
sticks and berries (and a wooden spoon if you’re feeling really generous) to
make any gift merry. Gorgeous.
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Not sure if this is actually Christmas, or just summer in
Alaska but I’m loving the reindeer cushions in this pale winter grey. Add to
the Inuit look with a couple of large fisherman lanterns and a throw. Log cabin
and snow optional.
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Sick of too much glitz and glitter at Christmas these days? Me
too. I’m all for a traditional look. These delightfully delicate origami stars
by Justine Hand are the perfect nod to just that, and they’re even made from
discarded vintage books. If that doesn’t make you feel romantic, I don’t know
what will. Plus they’re only $10 for three from here.
Got some new faces at the table this year? Then why not make
everyone a sweet little placeholder ‘card’? They’re really easy to make, all
you’ll need is a few pinecones, some tags and a can of spray glitter. Ok, I
know I said before that I like traditional… but this glitter is ok. Just keep
it tasteful people.
Really can’t be arsed to make them? You can get yours to order
here.
If you do end up making those bags and have a few cinnamon sticks
left over, why not use some tied with twine to jazz up your linen? If that’s too much
trouble, a sprig of rosemary also looks great plonked on a more rustic napkin
(unless you’re more of a kitchen roll person, in which case Sainsbury’s do a
rather fancy range).
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We all know you’ll be up ‘till midnight wrapping the damn
presents, and you may run out of ribbon. It happens, trust me. If it does, don’t worry, grab some parcel
string and brown paper and go for the recycled chic look instead. Newspaper
also looks surprisingly good too, so no need to run to 24 hour Tesco in your
slippers.
These folks have had a great idea if you’re broke (it also
looks pretty stunning too). Save a bundle on decorations and pop down to your
local fruit and veg shop instead. Pick up a grapefruit, some pears and a couple
of big oranges for a few quid, then slice them and slowly dry them out in a low
oven. Cover them in PVA glue, and let them dry until they’re shiny and stiff. Hang
them from the tree, the stairs, or even Grandma’s ears while she’s sleeping.
Wherever you put them, they’ll look fab.
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And finally, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without
shitloads of lights. Candles, tealights, fairylights, neon Santas (if you must)… whatever you
like, make sure there’s light.
You can pick up this pretty mesh table runner and candle set
here.
Happy sprucing!