I love this time of the year, and while some people cringe when the carols come on the department store radios, I relish it. I still get caught up in the magic of the season and I love nestling into the sofa watching favourites like the Grinch and Home Alone once December arrives.
Simple paper-cut ornaments
Christmas crafting
But my favourite part of all, is Christmas crafting. Every year I make handmade ornaments as gifts, and try to make as many of my family's gifts by hand, if possible. I make my own cards and gift tags too. Not because I have to, but because I love to.
Throwing a crafty party at Christmastime is a fabulous way to spend time with friends, make some personalised gifts or ornaments for your tree and catch up before the bustle of the holidays takes over. Want to throw your own crafty party this Christmas? Here are a few tips.
Gold-leafed baubles
Modern pom-pom stockings
Top tips for a successful crafty party:
- Choose an appropriate venue. If you don't want to clean up the mess at home, try using a pub instead! I've hosted lots of craft sessions at pubs, either in their private event rooms or just in the main room, at a reserved table. It's a good idea to give them a heads up that you'll be crafting (and promise to sweep up after), and they usually don't charge a fee if you order food and drinks.
- Make sure there's food and drinks. Mince pies, mulled wine... whatever festive treats you like best! Enjoy a little pub grub before you start your crafting too.
- Gather lots of supplies. Choose 2-3 projects to make that evening, and divide the materials list between everyone. Flying Tiger is my top shop for getting crafty supplies for relatively cheap in London. Hema is also good!
- Jump in! Learn a new craft technique, catch up with your friends, spend time together, get a little tipsy and go home with some unique and lovely handmade Christmas crafts.
Block-printed Christmas Cards
Scandi-Inspired ornaments
Swedish dala horse ornaments
What kind of crafts work best for parties?
Here are a few ideas to inspire in case you're stuck for ideas on what you could make at your crafty Christmas party:
- Paper-cut or collage Christmas cards
- Felt ornaments for the tree, perhaps with some embroidered details
- Decorated baubles (think gems, glitter pens, stickers...)
- Pom-pom tree garlands
- Crackers for Christmas dinner
- Advent calendars
- Gift tags
- Block-printed wrapping paper
- Origami ornaments / table decorations
If you don't want to organise it, but really want to do some Christmas crafting, get some friends together and get in touch. I'd love to come and coordinate your Christmas crafting event for you! I'll bring all the projects and materials, plus show you how to make them.