Christmas Decorations That Actually Feel Good: A Guide to Decoration, Sustainable Christmas Decorations & a More Sustainable Christmas

Christmas in Australia brings out something special in us: an urge to swim at the beach, crank the Christmas lights, fire up the barbie… and yes, hunt down the Christmas decorations box that’s been lurking in the deepest, darkest corner of the garage all year.

But here’s the truth: Christmas doesn’t have to mean buying piles of things made of plastic or tossing out boxes of old decorations because they’re “not on trend anymore”. There’s a better way and it’s surprisingly fun, wonderfully simple, and brilliantly kind to the planet.

At Mulbury, we’re pretty chuffed to say we’ve been crafting sustainably long before it became cool. Our frames, crafted from reclaimed Australian hardwoods and other recycled materials, already help households reduce their environmental impact every day. This holiday period, we’re taking that philosophy into the world of eco-conscious decoration, too, all while keeping things beautifully Aussie, stylish, and practical.

Let’s unwrap some holiday inspiration, shall we?

Why Sustainable Christmas Decorations Matter (And Why They’re More Charming Anyway)

Every year, tonnes of waste end up in landfill thanks to broken baubles, piles of wrapping paper, short-lived ornament trends, and those strands of tinsel that mysteriously multiply like rabbits.

Choosing a more eco-friendly Christmas doesn’t mean giving up the sparkle. It just means swapping “buy more” with “buy better”, “reuse” creatively, and occasionally laughing at yourself while making bunting out of paper bags.

Plus, sustainable choices reduce your carbon footprint, minimise household waste, and make your home look uniquely charming because no one else has a wreath, garland, or gift topper quite like yours.

And honestly? That’s far more “Christmas magic” than anything wrapped in plastic.

Mulbury’s Role in a Green Christmas (AKA: We Know Our Timber)

Mulbury has always been about doing things the right way: recycling timber from local builders, deconstruction sites, and anyone who’s willing to let us rescue beautiful wood before it goes to landfill.

Our picture frames, shadow boxes, and display pieces make the perfect foundation for a more eco friendly Christmas because they’re long-lasting, beautifully crafted, and made with real heart. When you choose Mulbury, you’re choosing:

Locally made products
Recycled materials
A business powered by sustainable practices
Timber that already has a story (sometimes several)

This celebratory season, our collection of frames makes it wonderfully easy to decorate, reduce waste, and create personalised displays for your home. Think: warm tones, character-rich grain, and a “green Christmas” vibe without going full “I’ve moved to the forest.”

Let’s explore how to bring all this together.

How to Create a Sustainable Christmas Home (Without Losing Your Merry Flair)

1. The Christmas Tree: Rethink, Re-use, Refresh

The good old Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the house and your decisions here set the tone for your whole festive season.

Real or Re-used?

If you use a real tree, choose an Australian-grown one and compost it afterwards. If you already have a fake Christmas tree, don’t stress, keep using it! The most sustainable option is always what you already own.

Either way, styling your tree with handmade pieces, re-purposed goodies, and untreated elements gives it more warmth than anything found in a plastic-packaged aisle.

DIY Tree Decorations Using Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in. Using natural items is a gorgeous approach. Think gumnuts, pinecones, dried citrus, and pressed flowers. Combine these with Mulbury’s small frames to showcase mini artworks, kids’ drawings, vintage Christmas cards, or sweet little notes from friends and family.

That’s your cue to say “aww”.

2. Ornaments That Last Longer Than a Week of Leftover Ham

Ever noticed how baubles seem to break just by giving them a stern look? Instead of buying more fragile pieces, try options that feel more meaningful.

Upcycled Ornaments

Small framed prints
Tiny Mulbury offcuts made into tags
Hand-sewn fabric scraps
Cards turned into hanging keepsakes
Salt dough shapes (yes, as edible as your kids may claim they are, they’re decorations, not snacks)

You only need one ornament to start experimenting, and before long, you’ll have a handmade set that tells your story.

3. A Wooden Touch That Feels Warm & Aussie

Our favourite décor tip? Add one wooden element to every Christmas styling zone. Why? Warmth, charm, timelessness, and zero plastic guilt.

Mulbury’s reclaimed timber frames and blocks bring out the character in:

Mantle displays
Table centrepieces
Entry table vignettes
Mini wreath arrangements
Photo-themed holiday displays

And not that we’re biased… but they just look really, really good.

4. Recycle, Reuse, Re-imagine: The Holy Trinity of Sustainable Christmas

Recycle Old Decor

If you’ve got older decorations, give them new life:

Paint over chipped surfaces
Turn broken pieces into mosaics
Glue cracked baubles together in a cluster
Wrap leftover paper around old stars or figurines

Even that strange ceramic angel that’s missing a wing can become a quirky talking point.

Reuse Boxes & Packaging for DIY

Save gift boxes and turn them into hanging shapes.
Use leftover cardboard for garlands.
Old Christmas bags? Cut them into bunting! Looks incredible, costs nothing.

Nothing says "Sustainable Queen/King" like owning scissors and a hot glue gun.

5. Creative Table Styling (AKA: Impress Guests Without Trying Too Hard)

The Christmas table doesn’t need disposable everything. Mix textures, fabric napkins, natural greenery, and wooden frames with printed menus or cute handwritten notes.

A standout touch? Include a Mulbury frame with a festive light backdrop or a candle enclosed safely inside a shadow box to create subtle ambience.

And if you really want to level up… use led lights instead of the old incandescent ones. They’re safer, prettier, and far more energy efficient.

6. Make Your Christmas Personal (And Make Your Christmas Greener)

One of the best ways to make your Christmas more meaningful is to craft your own pieces. It’s a brilliant activity for kids, adults, and anyone who enjoys mild chaos sprinkled with glitter.

DIY idea starters:

Pressed flower baubles
Paper origami stars
Recyclable homemade crackers
Frame-based miniature displays
Reusable fabric gift wraps (Furoshiki-style!)

Not only do these reduce your environmentally concerning waste, they become traditions you actually want to continue.

7. Deck the Walls with Repurposed Frames (Mulbury Style!)

Our frames play nicely with the festive theme. Think:

A Repurposed Photo Wall

Use Mulbury frames to build a Christmas-themed display featuring:

Family photos
Kids’ crafts
Vintage ornament sketches
Handwritten notes
Dried flowers

A Seasonal Display Block

Our timber offcuts can be repurposed into stands that hold recipe cards, mini prints, or even your favourite patterned Christmas art.

8. The Great Debate: To Tinsel or Not to Tinsel

Look, we know some people can’t resist the shine of tinsel, but if you’re trying to build a more eco-conscious home, consider phasing it out slowly.

Alternatives include:

Twine garlands
Dried orange strands
Scrap paper chains
Upcycled fabric strips

Your future self and the planet will thank you.

9. Sustainable Wrapping & Gifting That Doesn’t End in a Bin Bag Avalanche

Stop the post-Christmas clean-up dread with:

Reusable cloth wraps
Newspaper bows
Natural twine
Homemade tags from offcuts
Mulbury mini frames as personalised gift toppers

It’s like giving two gifts in one and people love that.

10. A Friendly Christmas Decorations Checklist

Use this quick list to keep things on track:

Choose durable materials
Select natural textures
Use alternative options to plastics
Display recycled or repurposed pieces
Brighten with light but reduce energy
Swap single-use items for reusables
Support local makers
Add Mulbury timber for warmth

Perfect.

Final Thought: Make This the Year You Celebrate a Green Christmas

This year, embrace a friendly Christmas decorations approach that’s mindful, beautiful, and meaningful. With a few thoughtful swaps and a sprinkle of creativity, you can celebrate the season with style while doing right by the planet.

Mulbury is proud to play a small but meaningful part in reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and helping Australians build homes filled with natural beauty and thoughtful design. Our reclaimed timber, eco-conscious values, and craftsmanship are here to help you welcome a more sustainable Christmas one frame, one ornament, one joyful moment at a time.

Because honestly? A greener festive season just feels better.
And looks better too.

Get in touch - we'd love to help you!

To make an enquiry, please head to our Shadow Box Frame page, Custom Framing Page or Floating Frame Page and fill out the form or head straight to our standard size picture frames.

Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424

Email: hello@mulbury.com.au