Four Fantastic Weeks’ of Festive Fun – eco friendly Christmas crackers

“So, what does an empty toilet roll and a gin and tonic tin have in common?” asked Mr M as he walked into the kitchen looking at both recently. I resisted the temptation to say “I don’t know what does a…” instead replying “Christmas crackers of course! The empty loo roll will house sweets and chocolates for the little ones and those allowed, will have their own tipple all wrapped up in a Christmas napkin, what do you think?” I finished. “I think that sounds wonderful darling, although I’m not too fussed about gin and tonic in winter so what’s my tipple?” he asked fiddling annoyingly in the supermarket bag. Join me today for my not quite (yet nearly) zero waste, homemade eco-friendly-ish, Christmas crackers with a difference; the second part in our seasonal miniseries Four Fantastic Weeks’ of Festive Fun……

Like a great many of us I am always on the look out for ways to help reduce waste and I am determined this year, Christmas choices for the M’s will be more meaningful and conscious where they can be. Recently, my dear friend Jane told me of her inspiring solution to an environmentally friendly Christmas cracker for her table this year involving a napkin or two and this got the old grey matter whirring. To be honest, I have never really liked commercial crackers anyway, nor glitter if I am truthful – I can be good fun sometimes – and many Christmas’ have long since passed with me saying “I think we should do away with the crackers this year” hopelessly giving in at the last minute because, well is Christmas even Christmas without them? This year I have decided it is. Not for us pointless plastic tat, unfunny jokes and paper hats everyone grumbles about wearing… this year we are having an alternative. Homemade eco friendly Christmas crackers, a cracker cum linen napkin with a cheeky Christmas tipple to boot. 

I began by cutting a piece of my linen stash to 20cm x 33cm and then folding seams back by half a centimetre all the way around and pressing with an iron. Then I turned back exactly half a centimetre again since this lovely linen tends to fray and pressed again. I feel sure I should be doing something clever at this point like mitring corners. Moving on. This size fits perfectly around both the tin and the toilet roll inner, do check yours though since all will vary. Using my machine, I simply sewed all the way around the four edges.

I set about sewing a simple embroidery motif to resemble a festive wreath for my Christmas crackers although any small design would look good here. Perhaps a small tied parcel, a stocking or maybe a candy cane or two. Do you follow Jane at Summerhousesewing yet? Jane sells wonderful downloadable patterns via her Etsy store and has so many festive designs you could choose from which would serve this purpose well if you are struggling for an idea here.

For my Christmas wreath there are only three stitches you need familiarise yourself with. Back stitch for the twiggy wreath and french knots for the berries and although I feel sure I cannot have invented the third stitch I used for the holly leaves, yet perhaps I did. YouTube is an excellent place to locate many a quick video to help you with back stitch and french knots if you are feeling a little unsure.

Simple thin green ribbon secures the ends of each cracker with a loose knot which should be fairly effortless to undo before the meal. Each napkin is then held in place with a couple of tiny slip stitches designed to be easily pulled apart on the day revealing the gift and allowing the napkin to be used for its intended purpose.

Those who know me well, will surely titter at this idea. The very notion that I, the original control freak would allow anyone to a) work out how to remove the napkin for themselves and b) allow them to do so themselves is, quite laughable. Are you familiar with Monica from the funny sitcom Friends?” She and I share a few directive personality traits. I may also be propelled to stop children – or adults come to that – wiping dirty mouths on these linen fabric napkins; the paper variety will also be on hand for that purpose.

I then spent a happy moment, dressing a Christmas setting for one and deciding I rather liked the appeal of the homemade eco friendly Christmas cracker cum napkin complete with its thoughtful gift. And for the joke, quote, quiz idea? We shall have several of these dotted around the table. In the year which has passed since the last time these trivia boxes made an appearance, many of us have forgotten the answers anyway. Recycling at its best surely? Oh and do you remember these paper roses just visible in the photos below? They make a happy eco-friendly option to typical Christmas table confetti if you fancy the change. And do you have plate chargers at the ready for your Christmas table? If not you might enjoy this post although be warned, this variety did start life off as a plastic find.

I will certainly need to get a wiggle on if I am to satisfy the number I will have around our dining table on the day with unique Christmas crackers. Hence the reason this craft took slot number two in the four-part series Four Fantastic Weeks’ of Festive Fun. Should you decide to try a version of eco friendly Christmas Crackers yourself, you’d best get going now too. Next week I have three simple and rustic décor ideas for your home; no glitter, no plastic and yet plenty of sparkle. Until then…x

If you missed the first part of our mini series click here to catch up. And for Christmas decor inspiration click here and here