Sunday, December 12, 2010

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Ingrid Callot’s Eco-Chic Holiday Accents

Hello, my name is Ingrid Callot. It’s practically Christmas, and everyone is swamped with the holiday rush of dinner engagements with family and friends, menu preparations for guests and loved ones, company parties with colleagues and co-workers.


From etsy.com courtesy of Olive Brown


This year, however, the season’s demands are higher than ones past, as my husband, son, and I have all decided to minimize Christmas spending to less than half of last year’s expenses. An earnest desire to adopt a lifestyle of sustainable development cannot be stopped by even the most lavish occasions, and so we took it upon ourselves to stick to a solid, environmental approach towards the yuletide festivities.


From theinspiringbee.com


Now, “Ingrid Callot” is not a name easily equated with financial temperance, and my husband is very quick to back this statement up. Because of the state of the planet, however, I have come to believe that merry-making should be managed with consideration for Mother Earth and her many, many children.


From inthefunlane.com


To make a strong statement, eschew store-bought banners, posters, and decals. A great idea to spread some Christmas cheer is to spell out the season’s greetings in block letters. Use ceramic alphabet balls in different ways, or send Christmas wishes with Scrabble tiles.


From countryliving.com, courtesy of the Farm Chicks, Inc. by Sterling Publishing Co.


From theinspiringbee.com


Instead of abusing string lights and racking up a monstrous power bill, fashion elegant lanterns out of old tin cans using nails of different sizes to punch patterns in. Australian artist Tracey Johnson cut out stunning designs on old wine boxes to erect glowing totem poles. These lanterns don’t take much to light up any room, but please people just as much.


From designspongeonline.com


From dornob.com and traceyjohnson.com.au


Old sweaters make excellent party coasters, while old socks make a wonderful rosette wreath. These quirky affects have fun written all over them, providing you with mood-lifting, ice-breaking conversation pieces that help get your green Christmas party started.
From etsy.com courtesy of Olive Brown


From elizabethholcombe.typepad.com