Decorating With Flair

Fact

The holidays just aren’t complete without some fresh pine garland or the heirloom decorations that adorn your shelves or mantle during the cold winter months. This year, try adding an eco-friendly twist to your decor. If shopping for new tree trimmings or tablecloths, keep in mind the overall life cycles of the items you buy, from their packaging to their ultimate disposal.

Get Started

• Add a little extra elegance to your table with homemade decorations. Most materials can be found in your craft cupboard or backyard. Quick ideas to get your creative juices flowing: acorn napkin ties, pine cone turkeys, painted gourds or pine needles and red berries for a winter touch.
• Save energy and limit light displays to no more than six evening hours each day. Leaving lights on 24 hours-a-day will quadruple your energy costs. For maximum holiday savings, make the switch to LED holiday lights. They use 10 times less energy than incandescent mini-lights, 100 times less energy than standard bulbs and last more than 50,000 hours!
• Remember that your decorative garland, wreaths and tree can be composted once the holidays are over. Most communities have treecycling programs, and some curbside programs even accept Christmas trees for composting. These trees contain valuable nutrients that can be used in other capacities, such as compost or mulch.

Become a Pro

• There are many options when it comes to table settings for the big holiday dinner. Get a final head-count on the number of guests that will be present at your celebration. If it is going to be a small gathering, get out your nice china for the occasion. Cloth napkins are also a plus.
• Revamp your decor this year and outfit your home with homemade goods. Get the kids involved and have a craft party. Use sustainable materials for your baubles, such as VOC-free paints, recycled paper or forgotten household items that would have otherwise been trashed. For a jump start on an easy ornament, download and cut out Earth911′s treecycling ornament.
• Save all you can after the holidays, eliminating the need for new decorations next year. If you’re itching for a fresh holiday look, have a decoration swap party with friends and neighbors.