The holidays are here, and what best way to celebrate the season than some Kiwiana decorations? If you’re looking for tips and ideas for giving your house a Kiwi-style Christmas look, here are some nice touches you might consider adding.
Make a Pōhutukawa Christmas Wreath
The Pōhutukawa tree is as Kiwi as Marmite, jandals, and the kiwi itself.
If you don’t mind a bit of DIY, a simple but impactful Pōhutukawa wreath can be a great way to welcome guests into your home.
Check out NZ House & Garden’s handy guide: all you need is polymer to create the ceramic garland, wire, a few letter stamps, and of course, some thin Pōhutukawa branches.
Decorate your Kiwiana-inspired Christmas tree
New Zealand creator Astar’s Place has published a video tutorial on how to create (and then plant) a Kiwiana-inspired Christmas tree.
She explains: “Several weeks ago I heard mention that if we all planted a tree or gifted a tree this would in part help with climate change. With carbon emissions increasing, the experts think that globally this might be beneficial for us all… and how hard is it to plant a tree?”
Things to gather: a pine nut tree, a flax bag to cover the pot, plus artificial baby ferns, Pōhutukawa flower sprigs and paua shells for the final touch.
Light it up
When the sun goes down, Christmas lights will come out.
Your Christmas lights may not be as flamboyant as Nicholas Ngwun, who recently vowed to turn his Manurewa house into the most festive light show in New Zealand, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try.
A quick Google search will yield a lot of great photos to get some inspiration for your lighting design, or if you think it’s too late, you can check out what other Kiwis around you are doing. Next year, you’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood.
More Kiwiana Christmas ideas
Even small details can make a big impression.
If you haven’t already, visit Pinterest.nz to see how other creators got into the Kiwiana Christmas spirit…
Merry Kirihimete! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
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