When it comes to Christmas, are you a maximalist or a ‘less is more’ kind of person? It’s perfectly possible to spend more on decorations than any other element of Christmas, from handblown glass baubles to LED light displays. Bling, glitter and glamour all add a certain sparkle to the occasion, but simpler decorations are becoming more and more popular.
Large decorative cream hanging paper star ornament, £14, Rowen Homes. With its elegant folded design and gentle cream tone, this paper star makes a beautiful statement in any room.
Christmas candy mini honeycomb garland, £15, Meri Meri. Small but full of charm, this mini Christmas garland (above and main image) makes a big impact. Featuring 3D colourful paper sweets, paper candy canes and fan designs, it’s perfect to add a playful, nostalgic touch to your decorations.
We all remember paper decorations from our childhoods – wonky paper chains, cut-out snowflakes and crepe paper. Nostalgia is on trend at the moment, and while paper has always been simple and sustainable, but it can also be surprisingly elegant.
28cm LED paper Christmas tree, £11.99,Lights4Fun.co.uk. A total of 20 warm white LEDs nestle in the heart of this little folding paper tree, giving the decoration a golden glow from the inside out. Add this pretty piece to any neutral scheme, setting it on a windowsill or tabletop for a warming effect.
50s Christmas paper bunting, £4.95, Rex London. Get your home looking festive this season with this vintage 50s Christmas paper garland. Hang up this Christmas bunting in any room in the house. Available in a choice of wintery designs.
One of the biggest advantages of paper Christmas decorations is their low environmental impact. Unlike plastic ornaments, paper can be recycled, composted, or repurposed, reducing waste during one of the most consumer-heavy times of the year. Many people even use recycled or upcycled paper, such as old books, magazines, or craft scraps, to create their decorations. It’s a great opportunity to repurpose last year’s Christmas cards and wrapping paper, too. This not only minimises waste but also adds a personal touch to the festive décor.
Folklore paper stars, £15, Talking Tables. Add a little festive magic to your home with these star decorations. Crafted in India from paper, each pack includes three fold-out stars in a mix of sizes and two rich colours — deep green and traditional red.
Christmas is an expensive time of year, paper decorations are generally an affordable alternative, whether you make them yourself or buy them in. While nothing beats DIY for being pocket-friendly, store-bought paper decorations are usually cheaper than their glass or plastic alternatives and can be surprisingly durable.
Honeycomb paper baubles, £16.50, Cox & Cox. Delicately crafted from paper in a honeycomb style, this set of four baubles comes in four shapes that add texture and excitement to your scheme. Available in red or cream.
Unlike glass or metal ornaments, paper decorations are lightweight and easy to hang, They’re also simple to store — fold them flat or keep them in a small box for reuse next year. They also won’t pose the dangers to pets or small children that glass ornaments might.
Multi stripe paper chain pack, £10, The Stripes Company. Sophisticated enough for adults, but children will love making them to decorate their rooms. Each pack of striped paper chains goes a long way – contains 64 strips, 8 x 8 different stripes, ready to make into a 4m length of paper chain. You’ll also need glue or tape.
Three cheers for paper, then – the budget-friendly, sustainable, easy way to decorate your home this Christmas.
Main image shows the Christmas candy mini honeycomb garland from Meri Meri.
