A Considered Christmas with Ian Mankin

All wrapped up

Gift wrapping paper is one of the most wasteful products at Christmas. Hours spent beautifully wrapping presents are gone in seconds as the paper is torn off and discarded. According to Mind the Wrap, Brits bin around 100 million rolls of wrapping paper each year. Now we’ve got your attention, what is stopping you from abandoning paper altogether and prettying up your presents with eco-friendly gift-wrapping this Christmas? All you need to do is dig out any fabric offcuts you have lying around the house to create the most beautifully wrapped presents. What’s even better is that these fabrics can be reused time and time again, saving you money while helping to reduce waste and lead the way for a more sustainable future.

What a cracker!

Christmas crackers are the final flourish on the table, and there is no better way to add a personal touch to your table setting than making your own. We have yet another sustainable and eco-friendly way for you to reuse any fabrics you have lying around the home and make your crackers one to remember this festive season. Fabric crackers can also be filled with a bespoke offering to suit your guests, so there is no need for plastic toys that are almost instantly thrown away and have the bonus of being reused every year. Take inspiration from House Beautiful, who have created the most impressive Christmas crackers using our Hopsack Stripe Peony fabric.

Dress the table

Table linens do not need to be just for Christmas! Consider a plain linen or cotton tablecloth that can be used all year round rather than one reserved for use once a year. This can be made to look festive with decorative accessories, as well as table runners, placemats and napkins – again using cotton and linen fabrics that are washable and can be used again and again.

Handmade decorations filled with festive charm

Decorations are often treasured for years and passed down through generations, so this is even more of a reason to hand-make a unique item for your home. Thinking some of last year’s decorations are looking a little tired. Here are some ideas on making the most beautiful eco-friendly ornaments using fabric offcuts without spending a fortune.

Keeping track of time

If you love getting creative with fabrics, then a reusable, handmade Advent calendar is a must! It saves you a fortune on overpriced, disposable advent calendars and can act as a statement Christmas decoration in your house. Take inspiration from Livingetc’s recent article showcasing how it is possible to create reusable advent calendars using leftover fabrics. You can then fill it with thoughtful homemade treats that you love.

Christmas Tree Baubles

Looking to cut back on plastic and create your own unique fabric baubles to decorate your tree this Christmas? These DIY Christmas tree decorations will surely bring a personal touch and festive feeling to your celebrations. If you haven’t got a Christmas tree this year, fear not; they can also be used as table and mantelpiece decorations that you and your family can treasure for years. They’re not just beautiful – they’re also incredibly meaningful keepsakes. To discover how to make these fabric ornaments, explore our step-by-step guide.

Decorative Present Bags

A handmade present bag can be used in place of traditional stockings and are perfect for adding a thoughtful touch to your present pile. They can be used year after year to make your presents look extra-special underneath the tree, at the end of the bed or even to transport gifts to loved ones. To find out how it is possible to create these handmade Santa sacks featuring woven fabrics from our Perth Collection, visit Prima’s recent how-to guide.