Stringing lights around your Christmas tree is no mean feat (especially if they need to be untied), but Kirstie Allsopp has revealed a game-changing tip for hanging them like a pro.
“Make sure the tree lights are turned on when you hang them so you know where to put them, says Kirstie Country Living from her home in London. “I always spiral them from the top. Do not forget it make sure your tree is far enough away from the wall that you can walk around the whole thing. Start at the top, then spiral the lights down, placing them as far in as you can.”
Once you’ve hung your lights, it’s time for decorations. We all have our favorite baubles and ornaments, but have you ever considered repurposing your old tinsel (or these plastic-free alternatives) to fluff up the branches? Remember to only use what you have and avoid buying anything new.
sakchai vongsasiripatGetty Images
Kirstie tells us: “Take your glitter and follow the same line of lights, making sure you hide the lights with glitter. The power of the lights is magnified by the glitter. You don’t need to see the glitter – bury it deep into your tree. Use it to dent the wood and give it more reflective power. I bury my glitter inside the wood so it gives volume and light.”
Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the joys of the holiday season, and many households are doing it earlier than ever. Before you start hanging baubles, Kirstie reminds us to think about tree placement so it doesn’t look empty.
Kirstie at home
Raise the roof productions
“When it comes to your decorations, remember there’s a back and a front to your tree,” the host tells us. “Think about where your tree is going to end up and in what position.
Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 2022 airs in December on Channel 4. To catch up on previous episodes visit channel4.com.
14 reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Knit your own personal advent calendar
Lauren Aston Designs notonthehighstreet.com
£67
This kit contains everything you need to knit your own beautiful advent calendar, so buy it early and allow enough time to make it. You can then fill your pockets with thoughtful daily treats and enjoy it every year.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Christmas fabric advent calendar
Christmas cathkidston.com
USD 58.00
Decorated with festive hand-painted images, this fabric calendar from Cath Kidston will brighten up any wall. It has 24 small pockets to fill and hangs on a string.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Onolla Beauty & Wellbeing advent calendar 2022
Onola £250
Looking for something a little different? Onolla’s January winter wellness gift is an advent calendar designed to help you kick-start 2023 with good intentions. It’s filled with beautiful products to enhance your well-being, including luxury products for winter bathing, nutrition and well-being. You will also find a number of tips on how to restore and rejuvenate during the month of January.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
The gingerbread house’s advent calendar
Looking for something unique this year? Well, look no further, as this gingerbread advent calendar house ticks all the right boxes. The countdown to the big event is marked with 24 small drawers, a place to hide a festive treat and a surprise every morning. Fill up with mini toys and edible treats.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Luxury personalized fabric advent calendar
notonthehighstreet.com
£120
This reusable fabric advent calendar will become a much-loved family heirloom. Each pocket comes with a matching drawstring bag to tuck in your daily treats.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Hudson wooden advent calendar in white
housebeautiful.co.uk
£36.00
We’re big fans of this beautiful wooden advent calendar from House Beautiful Marketplace. With 24 miniature drawers you can fill with your own goodies and surprises.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Fortnum’s fabric advent calendar
fortnumandmason.com
£199.00
£150.00 (25% off)
Don’t let the festivities begin without this beautiful fabric advent calendar from Fortnum & Mason. It is more expensive at just under £200, but can be kept in the family for many years to come.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Personal advent calendar light box in wood
notonthehighstreet.com
£52
This illuminated wooden advent calendar can be customized with a name of your choice. Fill each little drawer with a message. All you need are two AA batteries.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Hessian Stocking Fill your own advent calendar
Ginger Ray notonthehighstreet.com
£10.99
With 24 stockings and pegs, this fill-your-own stocking is the perfect DIY activity. It is easy to install and can be fixed across walls or the fireplace.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
This advent calendar in Skandi style will complement any interior scheme. It has five 5cm wooden drawers with replaceable gold numbers so you can count down to the 25th with a surprise every day. It’s sure to keep the festive excitement going.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Personalized children’s activity advent calendar
notonthehighstreet.com
£37
Instead of sweets or treats, this advent calendar has notes with fun activities on it.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Terraced house Advent calendar in wood
lights4fun.co.uk
£39.99
£19.99 (50% off)
For something a little different, get your hands on this wooden townhouse advent calendar. Perfect to fill with small treats and reuse every year.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Personalized Christmas advent calendar in wood
notonthehighstreet.com
£130
We love this personalized wooden advent calendar, which is sure to put everyone in a festive mood. It comes with a set of 24 Christmas advent calendar hessian sacks with a selection of metallic numbers in copper, gold, silver, pink, green and red.
The best reusable advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Personalized Advent calendar for Penguin Pals Stoff
notonthehighstreet.com
£19.95
Kids will love this fabric advent calendar! As well as being personalized, it has a cute snowy scene on the front and 24 deep pockets to fill with gifts.
