THE DECORATIONS

I’ve hunted down some great decorations at bargain prices that look more Harrods than high street. Made of glass, paper and wood, they’re a greener option too

Danish company Flying Tiger has pretty stars and snowflakes made of sturdy card and equipped with magnet fasteners so they are easy to fold away for next year.

Red snowflake decoration, £2, flyingtiger.com

For a massive range of glass tree baubles at a bargain price, head to Flying Tiger again: at £3 they are unbeatable value and include everything from a bottle of gin to a gherkin to an astronaut. Gherkin bauble, £3, flyingtiger.com

Readers in the north of England or Northern Ireland can head to small Scandi chain Sostrene Grene. It’s a chic version of Flying Tiger with beautiful colours and covetable kit, such as this pretty wreath that would make a good table centerpiece too.

Berry wreath, £7.77, sostrenegrene.com

Wilko have some great buys, including mercury glass decorations that look far more expensive than they are, and this clever Bauhaus-esque bauble.

Joy red wooden pleated bauble, £1.50, Wilko stores

Use old maps and dilapidated books to make beautiful origami decorations. Find instructions for Christmas stars @my_plastic_free_home on Instagram

Twist ivy and holly around a ring for an easy wreath. Bend a wire coat hanger or buy a wreath ring from a craft shop. Wooden hoop, £3, hobbycraft.co.uk

Crackers are a complete rip-off. Make your own with a kit or (cheaper still) buy cracker snaps from a craft shop and construct the rest using old wrapping paper and cardboard tubes from kitchen roll.

Make your own Christmas Crackers set, £3, theworks.co.uk