The holiday season is made up of family traditions. From decorating the house to feasting with loved ones, there’s not a moment that goes by that’s not focused on making memories.
If you’re feeling nostalgic, try adding some festive, old-fashioned charm to your home. A cranberry-popcorn garland is easy to make and looks oh-so charming draped around a fir or hung above a windowsill. The best part is that it’s the perfect activity for friends and family of all ages to participate in. Pass around a couple bowls of popped popcorn and fresh cranberries, turn on your favorite winter jingles or holiday movie and enjoy reminiscing while sharing cherished wintertime memories.
Fun fact: Crafting cranberry-popcorn garlands is a tradition that can be traced back to the early 19th century, when Americans started decorating Christmas trees—a German tradition. Since ornaments weren’t readily available, people turned to natural materials and food items to adorn their trees. Popcorn, a popular and easily accessible snack at the time, became a prime choice for creating garlands. So nifty, right!?
To add color, cranberries were incorporated into the popcorn garlands. The bright red berries complemented the white popcorn, creating a visually appealing and festive decoration. The tradition continued into the 20th century, especially during the Great Depression, when resources were scarce and people sought affordable and creative ways to decorate their homes for the holidays.
Add a touch of rustic holiday charm to your home with this simple do-it-yourself décor.
DIY Cranberry-Popcorn Holiday Garland
Ingredients
- 1 bag popcorn packaged or freshly popped
- 16- oz. bag fresh cranberries washed
- Kitchen twine
- 1 sewing needle*
Instructions
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Pour popcorn into bowl(s).
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Thread kitchen twine through needle. Alternate threading cranberries and popcorn to make garland long enough to wrap your tree, a pillar/post or hang above a windowsill.**
Recipe Notes
*Provide a sewing needle for each person participating.
**Each garland can be unique! Encourage participants to create different patterns if they desire.
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