Festive Wreaths with Flare
A beautiful wreath is a staple of holiday décor, and you can easily create one that captures the essence of our local beauty. Incorporate natural materials and vibrant colours into your design to bring a unique look to your home.
How to Create:
- Start with a wreath form, which you can find at craft stores or make using wire.
- Gather materials like dried flowers and fruits, succulents, Proteas, Eucalyptus leaves. You can also use bright, patterned fabrics to add texture.
- Attach your decorations to the wreath with floral wire or hot glue.
- Add a festive ribbon in bold, joyful colours.
- Hang it on your door or display it as a centrepiece for a fresh and nature-inspired look.
Handmade Ornaments with a Personal Touch
Add a personal touch to your tree this year by creating your own handmade ornaments. This is a fun way for kids to get involved.
How to Create:
- Make your own salt dough ornaments by mixing 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters in the shape of animals like elephants, lions, or giraffes, or any other shapes you prefer.
- Once baked, paint the ornaments with vibrant colours or cover them in glitter.
- Add a loop of ribbon to the top for easy hanging on the tree, or attach a pin to make them into fun brooches for family members.
- Get the whole family involved and create a collection of ornaments that represent your family.
Snowy Lanterns: A Winter-Inspired Touch for Our Summer
Though it's summer during the holidays, snowy lanterns can still add a magical, festive atmosphere to your home, especially when paired with warm, balmy evenings.
How to Create:
- Use glass jars or lanterns you have lying around. Fill them with cotton wool or fake snow to give them a wintery look.
- Place an LED candle or fairy lights inside to create a soft glow.
- For a fun touch, wrap the jars with twine and attach small ornaments like mini wooden animals or small beaded pieces.
- These lanterns make a great centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table or as decorative accents around the house.
DIY Table Centrepiece
A centrepiece is a great way to bring festive cheer to your table. Why not make one that highlights the best of our local flavours?
How to Create:
- Start with a large, shallow bowl or vase and fill it with natural elements like pinecones, dried fruit, or even fresh Proteas or lilies.
- Add festive touches with sweets; koeksisters or shortbread around the base.
- If you’re hosting a holiday lunch, incorporate dried biltong, small snacks, or even colourful fruit like mangoes and papayas.
- Use candles to create a cosy and warm atmosphere, and perhaps add a few crackers to keep everyone entertained during the meal.
String Lights with a Festive Touch
String lights are always a holiday favourite, and adding a special twist can make them even more charming
How to Create:
- Use a string of battery-operated fairy lights and add small cut-outs of animals, flags, or mini hats and beads.
- Hang the lights around your tree, along the wall, or even on your veranda to create a magical holiday glow.
- If you’re looking for a fun family activity, let the kids create their own decorations by cutting out simple shapes and decorating them with markers, glitter, and stickers before attaching them to the lights.
DIY Holiday Stockings with a Family Touch
Create personalized holiday stockings for the whole family. Not only is it a fun craft project, but it’s also a great way to get everyone in the festive spirit.
How to Create:
- Use felt or cotton fabric in bright, holiday colours like red, green, and gold. If you have leftover material from other projects, now’s the time to put it to good use!
- Trace out a simple stocking shape on your fabric and cut out two pieces for each stocking.
- Get the kids involved by letting them decorate their stockings with beads, buttons, or fabric paint to add names, glitter, or fun designs.
- Once decorated, sew or glue the edges together, leaving the top open for hanging.
- Add a ribbon or a piece of twine to the top so you can hang them up.
These DIY holiday decorations not only reflect the beauty nature but also provide a great way to bond as a family. Whether you’re crafting wreaths from l plants, making ornaments shaped like animals, or creating fun snowy lanterns, these projects are sure to bring joy to everyone in your household. The best part? You can keep your little ones entertained and involved in the holiday spirit, creating memories that will last long after the season ends. Enjoy the process and have fun with these creative decorations!
