by Jess Catherine, Purchasing Assistant
December can be an expensive time of year. If you are looking to incorporate some festive and natural decor into your home—with the environmenimind—consider compostable ornaments as we end one year and start anew.
Below are some of my favorite recipes for compostable ornaments that are easily made at home.
Dried Cranberry Garland
Fresh Cranberries
Kitchen twine
Large needle (easier for threading)
Beeswax
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Wood beads (optional)
Directions: Place the fresh berries into a bowl and cover with boiling water. Once they have popped, drain and dry. Place them in a single layer on some parchment paper on a baking sheet and leave in the freezer for a couple of hours; this helps with the drying process. Heat the oven to 350ºF for 10 minutes. Turn the oven off and place in the cranberries on a baking sheet, leave overnight until they are dry. Wax your twine by running each side over the beeswax several times until all sides are coated. Make a loop at one end waxed twine and thread cranberries onto it with a large needle and you have your garland. Store the dried fruit in an airtight container with a little rice to absorb any moisture and they should last you for several years. Some people like to spray them with a shellac for long term use, but this will not be safe for animals or your compost.
*For a fresh cranberry garland, omit the boiling and baking and just string them up! Should last about two weeks indoors.
Popcorn Garland
White or yellow popcorn kernels
Kitchen twine
Beeswax
Large needle
Directions: Pop the kernels—no need for butter or salt. Let sit out overnight to become stale. This will help keep popcorn from breaking- you’ll have to make a fresh batch to nibble on.
Tie a large loop at the end and wax your needle and twine, then pull your popcorn through and tie another loop. Done.
Citrus Ornaments
Dried citrus is a favorite of mine; besides its natural beauty it smells amazing! I’ve noticed the smaller the size, the better the fruits dry and keep their shape. Add pinecones, wood beads, dried chilli peppers, nuts and cinnamon sticks to the fruit for extra interest.
Lemons, limes, clementines, oranges, or grapefruit
Kitchen twine
Beeswax
Large needle
Optional (cranberries, cinnamon sticks)
Directions: Heat the oven to 200°F. Place some parchment paper on a baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the fruit crosswise into thin wheels about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Arrange the fruit in a single layer. Bake until dry to the touch—4 hours for the lemon and lime slices, and up to 7 hours for the oranges and grapefruit. Make sure to flip every slice to help dry evenly. The larger ones will take longer, so be patient. Wax your twine by running each side over the beeswax several times until all sides are coated. Threading can start once dry.
Rosemary Wreaths
Fresh rosemary bunches
Kitchen twine
Directions: Trim your rosemary and form into a wreath, tie where needed to create your desired size. Once you have secured your shape, tie a bow at the top with twine and hang or string for an aromatic garland.