You’ve ordered your organic, sustainably grown tree; or, better still, you’ve been foraging in the nearest copse, looking for fallen branches and holly boughs to hang. You’ve told your family and friends that, as this is a credit-crunch Christmas, they shouldn’t expect too much this year. What presents you have bought have great eco-credentials - packaged in recycled brown paper and tied up with ribbon from last year’s gifts.

So far, so virtuous. But hold on: if you can’t indulge the odd weakness at Christmas, when can you? So why not have some fun when it comes to decorating?

In keeping with this year’s simpler, more craftsy aesthetic, ditch the tinsel, gaudy baubles and bling. Instead, go for a few fabulous handmade features, especially ones you can use again and again. Delicately painted wooden baubles, felt and button tree hangings, tiny fairy lights and embroidered ribbon add a cheery homespun touch to the tree; in the rest of the house, a forest of paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling creates a wonderland effect. Alternatively, cheat by ritzing up the outside of your house – a door wreath scented with eucalyptus, orange, cinnamon and limes should do the trick.

And don’t forget that many decorations - at The White Company and The Pier, for example – have already been reduced by up to 50%.

The fragrant Preserved Eucalyptus Wreath is a great way to welcome guests; or lay it down and surround it with candles. £31.30. The White Company; 0845 678 8150, www.thewhitecompany.com

Set doorframes and mantelpieces aglow with the Crystal Light Garland. £26. Cox & Cox; 0870 442 4787, www.coxandcox.co.uk

Not a fan of fairy lights? Then the Moo Wall Lamp, designed by Trond Svendgard and Ove Rogne, could be for you. Modelled on the majestic Norwegian moose, it can be used indoors or out, and measures 75cm x 75cm. £705. Funktionalley; 01924 466040, www.funktionalley.com

Each tree decoration in this brightly coloured 12 Days of Christmas Bauble Set has a design inspired by the famous song, making them great for a festive sing-along – especially if you’ve forgotten the words. As they come boxed, they’d also make a good pressie. £24. John Lewis; 0845 604 9049, www.johnlewis.com

Display your season’s greetings with these Card Holder Line Lights, a string of clear, replaceable micro-bulbs, with detachable card-holder clips, on a 3.4metre cable. Illuminating up to 20 cards, it will keep your surfaces clutter-free. £10. Next; 0844 844 8333, www.next.co.uk

This spruce wreath is finished with limes, oranges and cinnamon. £65. Robbie Honey; 020 7720 3777, www.robbiehoney.com

This embroidered three-metre scallop ribbon will give your gifts a homespun feel. £3.50. Creative Flourish; 01423 755069, www.creativeflourish.com

Hung from the ceiling, paper snowflakes make a dazzling display. These come in three sizes: 38cm, 56cm and 72cm. From £2.50. Re; 01434 634567, www.re-foundobjects.com

Gold and silver star, £7, www.globalandgorgeous.co.uk; Red Berry Hanging Heart, £5.75, www.creativeflourish.com ;red felt tree, part of a set of three, £6.40, www.thewhitecompany.com

The baubles, by Gorgeous, are handmade with vintage fabric, ribbon and paper flowers. £7.50. www.notonthehighstreet.com

The unusually wet summer has led to a bumper crop of mistletoe this Christmas, so get outside and grab a bunch to bring a touch of nature – and maybe even romance – into your home

Click here for all your Christmas Gift ideas

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