Red Hot & Green: A Guide to Eco Holiday Decor
Date: December 2, 2010 | Category: Guides
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, green decor means more than hanging a pine wreath outside. This season, be inspired by all of the eco-friendly options available (including the DIY route!) and commit to creating a healthy home for your family and the planet, without sacrificing style. From lights to ornaments, to modern menorahs and sustainable stockings - we've got you covered!
| To Tree or Not to Tree, the Evergreen Question: For the live route, check out GreenPromise.com or LocalHarvest.org for organic tree farm directories by zip code. A live tree that can be replanted in your backyard is the best choice, but if you choose a cut tree be sure to recycle it responsibly. For the ease and reusability of a fake tree, purchase a vintage or used one locally (eBay or eBay classifieds are great), and reuse year after year. Or check out the modern tannenboing tree ($395) made in the USA with recycled aluminum. | |
| Skirting the Issue: Keep bare tree ankles covered (and make the pine needle clean-up much easier) with a hemp and organic cotton tree skirt from amenity. For something a litte more bold, check out this fair trade red hot wool felt tree skirt, handmade by artisans in India. | |
| Go Ornamental: Adorn the tree with vintage mementos and baubles made from renewable resources or recycled materials like old milk containers. We love these adorable felted acorn tree decorations made from real acorn caps, these sweet candy stick ornaments made of 100% merino wool felt, and One World Projects' classic recycled glass balls. For a super classy and chic look, go with delicate recycled metal feathers and pinecones and recycled aluminum snowflakes from VivaTerra. | |
| Light it Up Efficiently: LED lights illuminate beautifully and mean you won't have to change any bulbs for a very long time. You can order them on holidayleds.com in a variety of bulb shapes and sizes. If you are of the mind that nothing sparks the spirit like a fire, try ecosmart's denatured alcohol indoor/outdoor flickering options (much healthier than wood for all). | |
| Fir Sure: Making a wreath from foliage is a fantastic family project! You can even set it out to dry and then save it for next year. If you want the easy way out, order an organic herb wreath from Eco Express. The beautiful arrangement of rosemary, thyme and bay leaves accented with red chili peppers can be saved and enjoyed all through the coming year. For a chic yet cuddly look, try this white wool number. |
| Modern Menorah: We love the eco-friendly modern menorah from Branch Home. Made of FSC-certified walnut, the candle blocks can be used year round throughout the house and then joined together at Hanukah! To top it off the candles are made of hand-poured soy. | |
| For Stockings that Truly Stack Up: Chances are you've been using the same stocking year after year. If this is the case, then give yourself a green pat on the back and just keep on keepin' on. If in the market for a new stocking, consider buying vintage or check out this modern take on the time old tradition. For something truly unique one made of vintage wool blankets or old men's suits, or get inspired to make your own! | |
| Winter Berry Bath: Carry the holiday theme all the way to the bathroom with these super plush organic cotton holiday towels from Pottery Barn. Red flowers, berries and pinecones set the mood. Complete the look with handmade candy cane soap (aka pinefully peppermint) from Soaptopia. | |
| Open Door Policy: Welcome guests with a holiday-themed door mat made of thickly woven, naturally durable, coir - a fiber that comes from the outer husk of coconut shells. A wide variety is available at Coco Mats 'n More and Pottery Barn. | |
| Table Top It Off: Your table top decor should be as sustainable as the food you serve on it. Decorate with vintage linen runners, felt floral placemats, serving pieces made from salvaged wood, organic cotton napkins, and FSC-certified walnut napkin rings. | |
| Deck the Halls: Whether you're placing holly, mistletoe, or other floral arrangements of choice throughout your winter wonderland, make sure you're choosing the organic variety and sourcing locally, where possible. Pairing any selection with these red hot and recycled Soho Vases from Bambeco will guarantee a smokin' holiday soiree no matter how cold it is outside. |
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