’Tis the season to make it merry! And with all the time we’re spending at home this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative with handcrafted holiday decor that’s uniquely our own, especially if it helps the planet, too.

Here are a few of our favourite holiday crafts ideas you can easily customize to suit your style with items around your home.

Nature-based crafts

Going green for the holidays is as easy as foraging right outside your door. Start by taking a walk around your neighbourhood or through your backyard to gather handfuls of pretty evergreen tree branches. While you’re out, look for any other natural materials you can work with, like holly berries or driftwood if you’re close to the beach. These are all great natural-based materials you can use in holiday decor or even decorative card displays.

Decorative card displays

Here are three beautiful and simple ways to use greenery to display holiday cards and make your home feel festive:

• With string or ribbon, tie your branches together until you have enough to hang loosely around a doorframe. Once it’s hung, you can pin your cards to it.
• Try re-creating this chic look by hanging simple wreaths with twine, then attaching cards using clothespins or paperclips for a beautiful wall display.
• Another great option is to tie boughs to a wooden clothes hanger and decorate with cards, holiday ornaments and tinsel.

Bonus idea: Dress up your driftwood with a pretty display of holiday cards.

Foodie decor

A little bit of elbow grease and a few pantry staples are all it takes to fashion your food into decor that smells and tastes as delicious as it looks.

Gingerbread house decorating

It’s a classic holiday activity that does triple duty: it’s crafty, decorative and tastes delicious! If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, you can bake your own assembly components with this template and recipe. Or, pick up a pre-made kit at your local grocery store and roll up your sleeves to assemble, ice and decorate. Bonus: you can sample the goods along the way, making the process that much sweeter for kids, big and small.

Scented ornaments

There’s nothing more comforting than a home that literally smells like the holidays. And here’s an easy way to add that scent to your space naturally. Take a few oranges and cut them into thin slices, then lay them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and add a few cloves into each piece. Bake at a low temperature (about 200 degrees F) for two hours until they’re dried out. Let cool, then display in a glass dish or string into a garland for the tree or a wall. Hint: they also make a beautiful natural substitute for bows on holiday packages.

Keep holiday safety in mind

Whether you’re lighting up the tree or burning candles for festive ambiance, it’s essential to keep safety top of mind. Here are some tips to safeguard your home from the most common holiday hazards:

Lights

• Holiday lights are great for seasonal sparkle, but while aesthetically appealing, they can also be quite dangerous. Our advice: make sure they’re not plugged into an overloaded outlet and use a surge protector to guard against the possibility of fire.
• If you’re putting up a real tree, keep it well watered and away from any heat sources. Brown needles mean it’s dried out and a potential fire hazard.
• Don’t leave any lights on when you’re not at home, ensure cords are entirely unplugged from the wall.

Heat

• Ensure your fireplace is clean and clear of debris before you light it. Remove hanging stockings or any decor items that may be hanging nearby.
• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Icy exteriors

• Clear outdoor walkways and doorways and apply salt if it’s icy to ensure safe entry and exit for all.

Be sure to safeguard your home and holiday mementos all year long with BCAA Home Insurance; Members can save up to 20%. And have a safe and happy holiday season!