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 knew exactly the festive motif I had in mind for the centre of the napkin, do you have this delightfully inspiring book written by my dear friend Chris @thecozyclubx? I promise you it will become a happy addition to your home library should you invest. Hidden inside amongst oh so many gorgeous crafts is a simple yet beautiful wreath and I based my own design loosely on this.

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. I can manage both these and if I can, you can. I feel sure I cannot have invented the third stitch I used for the holly leaves – could it be the one @suzihearts taught me here, or in fact one @ostrichandsilkworm showed me here – either way, it is a stitch which works well for holly leaves. Begin by passing the needle and thread from the back of the material though to the front fully. Then using the first photo as your guide, pass the needle through the top of the fabric and up again through the back – determining the length of your stitch – and pull the needle and thread through the fabric, creating a loop – second photo – feed the needle and thread through the loop and keep pulling to create a stitch – the third photo. Finally secure the stitch with a little tack as shown. Is this a real stitch I wonder? Crafty stitchers amongst you, do let me know.

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 fabric napkins; the paper variety will also be on hand.

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