Here at River Cottage we take a rustic and natural approach to Christmas decorations, with foliage, foraged finds and food being the stars of the show.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Most people would consider their Christmas tree the centrepiece of their decorations. Nowadays, there are varying opinions on what is the most sustainable option. In Christmas at River Cottage , author Lucy Brazier highlights the pros and cons of the different options. Some say that an artificial one that can be reused year after year is a better choice than a cut tree. A potted one with roots that can be brought in and out of the garden every December is undoubtedly the most sustainable choice but it is not without its challenges and practical limitations. Lucy suggests a decorated branch, or a driftwood tree as an alternative to the traditional pine.
Whatever you choose to decorate, if you wish to follow the River Cottage example, for environmental reasons tinsel and glitter-covered baubles are eschewed in favour of natural and vintage decorations.
Dried oranges and apple slices are a perennial favourites, not only do they look delightful but the citrus aroma is a pleasing addition to the seasonal smells. Just follow the simple steps below to create your own.
DRIED ORANGES
- Cut oranges in to slices roughly 1cm thick
- Pat with a cloth or paper to remove excess moisture
- Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper
- Bake in the oven at a low temperature (about 120 degrees/ Fan 100 degrees / Gas 1/2) for around 3 hours and turn every half an hour or so to prevent curling
- Once cooled thread with twine ready to hang
DRIED APPLES
- Core your apples and slice into 5mm thick slices
- Submerge in a bowl of cold water mixed with the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp salt to stop them turning brown
- After 10 - 15 mins drain and pat dry and place on a rack in the oven
- Bake in the oven at a low temperature (about 120 degrees/ Fan 100 degrees / Gas 1/2) for around 3 hours and turn every half an hour or so to prevent curling
- Once cooled thread with twine ready to hang
If you need a sweet treat on your tree, and who doesn’t, take a look at Pam Corbin’s Christmas biscuit recipe. This is an absolute favourite of ours and fills the kitchen with the warm, spicy scent of the festive season.
GARLANDS
We may forgo tinsel and sparkly garlands at River Cottage but we do love swathes of something. As well as fairy lights, we thread cranberries or rosehips onto string to create garlands that can then go out to the birds in the new year. If we've been blessed with dry weather and the leaves are not sodden a pile of burnished autumn leaves can be collected and tied each onto a length of cotton for a winter bunting look.
Displays and arrangements
An arrangement of evergreens, mixed herbs or dried architectural shaped foliage can look striking as a table centrepiece in old jugs or re-purposed jam jars placed down the table. To ensure your foliage doesn't wilt though, make sure you create your decorations only a week or two before Christmas, or if you can't wait, you can of course refresh them mid-month.
Top Festive Foiliage
Holly
Mistletoe
Ivy
Evergreen herbs - rosemary, bay and sage
Willow
Evergreen tree branches - fir, spruce or pine
Eucalyptus
Shrubby dogwoods
Moss
For more inspiration check out Christmas at River Cottage for ideas and indispensable recipes for all festive occasions . Christmas tree photo credit Charlotte Bland.
Share this with your friends and family.
