Los Angeles’ coastal climate doesn’t exactly provide a picturesque blanket of holiday snow, so every year we always need to go all-out on decorating in order to make the season feel properly holly-jolly. This holiday season, let’s commit to decking halls with sustainable cheer. We’ve got four delightful crafts that not only add a festive touch to your home, but also minimize waste. We’ve got your green holiday décor covered! Plus, we’ll show you how to responsibly dispose of them after the festivities are over. From fragrant orange garlands to enchanting pinecone wreaths, we’re about to embark on a green holiday journey that will leave you and the environment aglow!

1. Fragrant Orange Garlands
Materials Needed:

  • Oranges (slightly dried)
  • Twine or natural jute (burlap) string
  • Optional: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, or dried flowers for extra fragrance and decoration

How to Make It:

  1. Slice oranges into thin rounds and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Thread the twine through the oranges, leaving some space in between each slice.
  3. Optionally, add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or dried flowers for an extra burst of holiday fragrance and decor.

Tip: After the holiday season, compost the orange slices and other organic material for a natural fertilizer boost in your garden.

2. Pinecone Wreaths

Materials Needed:

  • Large pinecones (gathered or purchased)
  • Wire wreath frame or a sturdy base
  • Craft wire or hot glue gun
  • Optional: Evergreen sprigs, berries, or ribbon for decoration

How to Make It:

  1. Attach the pinecones to the wreath frame using craft wire or hot glue, arranging them in a circular pattern.
  2. Optionally, add evergreen sprigs, berries, or ribbon for a festive touch.

Tip: After the holidays, dismantle the wreath and reuse the pinecones for other crafts – the berries and sprigs might whither, but the pinecones should be good for years to come.

3. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

Materials Needed:

  • Cinnamon sticks (used or new)
  • Natural twine or ribbon
  • Optional: Dried citrus slices, pinecones, or evergreen sprigs

How to Make It:

  1. Arrange cinnamon sticks into desired shapes (hearts, stars, or wreaths).
  2. Secure the sticks together using twine or ribbon.
  3. Add optional decorations like dried citrus slices, pinecones, or evergreen sprigs.

Tip: After the holidays, the ornaments can be broken down and added to your compost pile.

4. Mason Jar Centerpieces

Materials Needed:

  • Mason jars (any size)
  • Natural elements like pinecones, acorns, or evergreen sprigs
  • LED tea lights (for safety)

How to Make It:

  1. Fill the mason jars with natural elements of your choice.
  2. Optionally, add LED tea lights for a cozy glow without the fire hazard.

Tip: Post-holiday, dismantle the centerpieces. Reuse the natural elements in your garden or as home décor, and reuse or recycle the mason jars.

These green decorations are more than just crafts; they are gifts for this beautiful planet we call home. Each garland, wreath, and ornament carries with it a story of all the conscious choices made in the past year to help protect the beauty all around us – even the small things that nobody may have noticed or acknowledged. It is our sincerest hope that when these decorations – homemade with love – are adorning your mantels, trees, tables and more that you’ll feel proud of your personal efforts this past year and look forward to the next with shining eyes. Happy crafting, Los Angeles.


Got cool DIY ideas for holly-jolly, eco-friendly crafts? Cozy up around the hearth and tell them to us over a cup of cocoa by messaging them to us at lastormwater@lacity.org.