The holiday season is a time of joy, but it often comes with waste—from glittery, plastic-based decorations to single-use items that can’t be recycled. This year, why not try something different and craft your own compostable holiday decorations? These eco-friendly creations are made from natural, biodegradable materials, making them perfect for reducing waste while still celebrating the season in style.
In this guide, we’ll share DIY compostable holiday decoration ideas that are festive, easy to make, and good for the planet. Once the holidays are over, these decorations can go straight into your compost bin to enrich your garden.
1. Dried Citrus Garland
Why It’s Compostable:
Dried citrus slices are completely natural, and the twine used to string them together can also be composted.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Oranges, lemons, or limes
- Twine or jute string
- Needle
- Steps:
- Slice the Citrus: Cut the fruits into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick.
- Dry the Slices: Lay them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F (90°C) for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until fully dehydrated.
- String the Slices: Use a needle to thread twine through the top of each slice, spacing them evenly.
- Hang It Up: Drape the garland on your tree, across your mantel, or along a banister.
Pro Tip:
Add cinnamon sticks or bay leaves to the garland for extra fragrance and texture.
2. Pinecone and Evergreen Wreath
Why It’s Compostable:
Made from natural materials like pinecones, evergreen branches, and twigs, this wreath will break down easily in a compost pile.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Evergreen clippings (pine, fir, cedar, etc.)
- Pinecones
- A wire frame (or make one from vines or twigs)
- Twine or floral wire
- Steps:
- Prepare the Frame: If using twigs or vines, twist and secure them into a circular shape with twine.
- Attach the Greens: Layer evergreen branches around the frame, securing them with twine or floral wire.
- Add Pinecones: Tie or wire pinecones to the wreath for added texture.
- Hang the Wreath: Use a loop of twine to hang it on your door or wall.
Pro Tip:
Use dried flowers or berries for a pop of color, but make sure they’re natural and not synthetic.
3. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Why It’s Compostable:
Cinnamon sticks are natural and biodegradable, making them a fragrant and eco-friendly choice for holiday decor.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Twine or jute string
- Small sprigs of rosemary or dried herbs
- Steps:
- Bundle the Sticks: Group 3–5 cinnamon sticks together and tie them securely with twine.
- Decorate: Tuck a sprig of rosemary or dried herbs into the twine for a festive touch.
- Add a Hanging Loop: Create a loop with twine to hang the ornaments on your tree.
Pro Tip:
Tie small bells or dried cranberries to the bundle for extra charm.
4. Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
Why It’s Compostable:
This classic holiday decoration is made entirely from food items, which can go straight into your compost bin after use.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Plain, air-popped popcorn
- Fresh cranberries
- Needle and twine
- Steps:
- Thread the Twine: Use a needle to string popcorn and cranberries alternately.
- Customize: Create patterns with different amounts of popcorn and cranberries, or add dried citrus slices for variety.
- Hang It: Use the garland on your tree, windows, or mantel.
Pro Tip:
After the holidays, hang the garland outdoors for birds to enjoy before composting it.
5. Salt Dough Ornaments
Why It’s Compostable:
Salt dough is made from simple, natural ingredients and will break down in compost when exposed to moisture.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Steps:
- Mix the Dough: Combine the flour, salt, and water to form a pliable dough.
- Shape the Ornaments: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Poke a small hole at the top of each shape for hanging.
- Bake: Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2–3 hours, or until hardened.
- Decorate: Paint or decorate with natural pigments, then thread twine through the holes for hanging.
Pro Tip:
Use food-based dyes, like beet juice or turmeric, to color your salt dough naturally.
6. Twig Star Ornaments
Why It’s Compostable:
Twigs are fully biodegradable and make a rustic, nature-inspired decoration.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Small twigs
- Twine
- Scissors
- Steps:
- Shape the Twigs: Break or cut the twigs into equal lengths (around 4–5 inches).
- Form a Star: Arrange the twigs into a star shape and tie the ends together with twine.
- Hang It: Add a loop of twine for hanging on your tree.
Pro Tip:
Sprinkle cinnamon or spray with essential oils for a subtle holiday scent.
7. Paper Snowflakes
Why It’s Compostable:
Paper snowflakes made from recycled or kraft paper can be composted or recycled after the holidays.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Recycled paper
- Scissors
- Steps:
- Fold the Paper: Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle, then fold again into smaller triangles.
- Cut the Design: Use scissors to cut shapes along the edges, then unfold to reveal your snowflake.
- Display: Tape the snowflakes to windows or string them together to create a garland.
Pro Tip:
Use old newspapers or brown kraft paper for a rustic, sustainable look.
8. Burlap Tree Skirt
Why It’s Compostable:
Burlap is a natural, biodegradable fabric that makes an excellent eco-friendly tree skirt.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Burlap fabric
- Twine
- Scissors
- Steps:
- Cut the Burlap: Cut the burlap into a large circle, with a slit from the edge to the center.
- Decorate: Tie twine bows or sew on natural accents like pinecones or dried leaves.
- Wrap Around the Tree: Place the skirt around the base of your tree to catch falling needles.
Pro Tip:
Use leftover burlap scraps for other decorations like ribbons or bows.
9. Edible Gingerbread Decorations
Why It’s Compostable:
Gingerbread decorations are made from edible ingredients and can be composted after the holidays.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Gingerbread dough
- Cookie cutters
- Twine for hanging
- Steps:
- Bake the Shapes: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes.
- Add Hanging Holes: Poke a small hole near the top of each cookie before baking.
- Decorate: Add icing or natural embellishments like nuts or seeds.
- Hang or Display: Thread twine through the holes and hang the cookies on your tree.
Pro Tip:
Let the cookies harden before hanging to ensure they last longer.
10. Acorn and Nut Garland
Why It’s Compostable:
Acorns, walnuts, and other natural nuts are fully biodegradable and make for rustic, earthy decorations.
How to Make It:
- Materials Needed:
- Acorns or walnuts
- Twine
- Needle
- Steps:
- Drill Holes: Carefully drill small holes through the center of the nuts or acorns.
- Thread the Twine: Use a needle to string them together into a garland.
- Display: Hang the garland on your tree, mantel, or doorway.
Pro Tip:
Combine nuts with dried citrus slices or cinnamon sticks for added visual interest.
FAQs: DIY Compostable Holiday Decorations
1. Are these decorations durable enough for future holidays?
Some, like the pinecone wreath or burlap tree skirt, can be reused if stored carefully. Others, like popcorn garlands or gingerbread, are meant to be composted after the season.
2. Can I use synthetic string for these projects?
It’s best to use natural fibers like jute, cotton, or twine for true compostability.
3. Are these decorations safe for pets?
Yes, but keep edible decorations like popcorn garlands out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
4. How long do dried citrus decorations last?
Dried citrus can last several weeks if kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid areas to prevent mold.
5. Can I paint compostable decorations?
Use natural or water-based, non-toxic paints if you plan to compost the items later.
6. What’s the best way to dispose of compostable decorations?
Simply toss them into your compost bin, or bury them in your garden soil to decompose naturally.
7. Are salt dough ornaments safe for composting?
Yes, but they take longer to break down and are best composted in moist conditions.
8. Can I use these decorations for outdoor holiday displays?
Yes! Decorations like popcorn garlands and nut garlands can also feed birds and wildlife.
9. Where can I source natural materials for these projects?
Look for materials in your backyard, local parks, or farmer’s markets. Just be sure to gather responsibly.
10. Are these projects suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Many of these ideas, like making popcorn garlands or gingerbread ornaments, are fun family-friendly activities.
With these DIY compostable holiday decoration ideas, you can celebrate the season sustainably while adding charm and creativity to your home. After the holidays, you’ll feel good knowing your decorations are enriching the earth instead of contributing to landfill waste. Happy crafting and happy holidays!