DECK THE HALLS: Christmas hacks for your home

#1: MAKE YOUR OWN WRAPPING

Get creative with items around your home rather than buying over-priced wrapping paper that inevitably ends up in the rubbish bin. Add texture to your gift by wrapping it in fabric or use your children's artwork, it's guaranteed to make someone smile.

#2: TURN COOKIE CUTTERS INTO ORNAMENTS

​Choose your favourite Christmas coloured ribbon and wrap around each cookie cutter, loop some rustic twine around the top of each and just like that you have new tree decorations. Or spray paint white for a stylish look. You can also tie the cutters to a string of wooden beads to create a funky garland.

#3: PERSONALISE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS BY MAKING YOUR OWN

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the snap of a cracker. You can ensure yours look great on the table and the goodies inside are exactly what you want by making your own. Find a simple how-to here.

#4: CREATE A STATEMENT ENTRANCE WITH YOUR OWN WREATH

The possibilities are endless for a Christmas wreath, use traditional twigs, foliage, pinecones and red berries, or mix it up with fresh blooms. If you would like your wreath to withstand the test of time, then felt flowers are a stylish choice. You will need a florist hoop and wire to the tie your goodies on, the rest is up to you and your creativity.

#5: KEEP YOUR TREE LOOKING FRESH FOR THE 25TH

When you get your tree home be sure to cut the trunk on an angle, place it in a base that you can add water to (frequently!) and try position it out of direct sunlight and the aircon.

Better yet get yourself a baby tree that you can use year after year as it grows, species to try include:

• Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa)
• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menzieii)
• Norweigian spruce (Picea abies)
• California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
• Lawson's Cyprus (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)