Handmade Christmas

Because we live in a very old house, it feels wrong to put up shiny plastic decorations. A medieval cottage feels like it needs warm, natural, slightly rubbish handmade bits of christmassy business. Plus, it makes you feel a bit more festive, which is essential as I am far from full with the spirit of the season.

Strings of popcorn are an American tradition that I haven't tried out before. The corn was popped and threaded, with a needle into long strings which hang from the tree in lieu of tinsel. Do not do as I did and sew them in the dark, or your thumbs will not thank you.

I made an orange pomander with cloves pushed into the skin last year, but this year thought that three tied together would look pretty. I used a ribbon from Refound Objects that comes spooled on a lovely metal bobbin.

And finally, I have a brilliant willow wreath that I bought about a decade ago, which has stood me in very good stead. A simple bunch of mistletoe tucked into the the branches looks nice and doesn't cost an arm and a leg like most wreaths.