Paper and cardboard
Paper makes bunting, window snowflakes, folded stars and labels for boxes. It is light and easy to come by but catches fire easily, so keep it away from candles, hot bulbs and heaters.
Materials
Materials
A festive mood is built from simple things: a sheet of heavy paper, a length of fabric, branches from a walk, a handful of pine cones, slices of dried orange and a strand of lights. Each material has its own character: some last for years, some for a single season, and some call for care near heat and flame.
The warmest decorations are often made from what you already have at home or find underfoot in an autumn park.
How this section works: we describe materials in general terms, covering what they suit, how to work with them and how to store them, with no sizes, numerical specifications or manufacturer names. For string lights and electrical appliances, the manufacturer's instructions are the main reference.
What festive decor is made from
The basic materials that are easy to find and fun for the whole family to work with.
Fabric and ribbons
A tablecloth, napkins, pillow covers and bows change a room faster than anything else. Textiles last many seasons if you put them away clean and completely dry.
Branches, pine cones and dried flowers
Evergreen boughs, dry branches, pine cones and grasses add a natural scent and texture. Clean off any soil and let them dry before you start, and keep greenery away from heat.
Dried citrus
Orange or lemon slices dried until slightly translucent dress up garlands, wreaths and gift wrap. Well-dried slices keep for a long time; under-dried ones spoil quickly.
Glass and ceramics
Glass ornaments, candle holders and vases reflect light beautifully but break. In a home with toddlers and pets they belong up high, and in storage they need soft wrapping.
String lights and LED candles
Lights create a holiday feel with almost no effort. Choose products in good condition, keep an eye on the insulation and tell indoor lights from outdoor ones; the instructions say which is which.
Article catalogue for English-speaking readers
This is where standalone articles from our festive-home guide will appear for English-speaking readers: on seasonal decor, getting your home ready for guests and storing decorations with care. Each piece is written specifically for the English version and is not a translation.
- Marvel Rivals: Accounts — Systems Breakdown
Field notes on Marvel Rivals accounts: what a profile holds, why players want another one, what NetEase's rules say and the in-game alternatives worth trying.
- Aion 2 PvP: Mechanics, Preparation and Common Questions
How Aion 2 PvP works across arenas, realm battles and the Abyss, how to prepare without shortcuts, and where paid help ends and the game itself begins.
- What players should know about Path of Exile 2 boosting services and progression options: Digital Entertainment
A practical look at Path of Exile 2 boosting offers, the risks under GGG's terms, scenario-based alternatives and where to find reliable news and guides.
- World of Warcraft Endgame: Raids, Mythic+ and Player Progression — What Players Need to Know #1
An editorial analysis of how the weekly reset steers raiding and Mythic+ habits in WoW Midnight, and where the endgame asks too much of newcomers.
- GTA 6 Release Date Updates and Official Sources: Editorial Overview
How to check Grand Theft Auto VI release news against Rockstar and Take-Two statements, cite primary announcements and keep every update clearly dated.
What we are working on
- Decorating a front porch for the holidays without creating tripping hazards
- Holiday decor for renters: festive walls with no nails and no damage
- Styling a mantel safely: greenery and stockings at a distance from the fire
- Getting a guest room ready for overnight holiday visitors in one evening
- From fall to winter: reusing autumn decor through the whole holiday season
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not publish advertising for shops, agencies or studios, rankings, prices or reviews.
Materials and how to handle them
| Material | Where it works | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Paper and cardboard | Windows, walls, bunting, box labels | Keep away from candles and hot bulbs, protect from damp |
| Fabric | Table, pillows, bows, covers | Wash or clean before storing, put away dry |
| Branches and pine cones | Wreaths, vases, windowsill arrangements | Dry them out, keep away from radiators and open flame |
| Dried citrus | Garlands, wreaths, gift wrap | Dry all the way through, store in a dry box |
| Glass | Ornaments, candle holders, vases | Hang up high in homes with children and pets, wrap in something soft |
| String lights | Tree, window, shelves, balcony railing | Only in good condition and per the instructions; switch off when leaving and at night |
Read next
- Ideas
Holiday decor ideas by season and room: entryway, living room, table, window, kids' room, balcony and porch.
- How-to
How to hang string lights safely, set up a tree so it stays steady and make a decoration from dried oranges and branches.
- Care
After the holiday: coiling string lights, taking down the tree, clearing needles and wax and storing decor until next season.
What we rely on
- Instructions from manufacturers of string lights and electrical appliances
- Holiday fire-safety guidance from Russia's Emergencies Ministry (in general terms)
- Editorial materials of the Prazdnichnyymir guide
The advice here is general and based on the instructions of string light and appliance manufacturers and on widely accepted rules of fire safety at home. Always check the instructions for the specific item on how to plug in a particular string of lights, where a stand or candle can go and how to handle the product.