How to Keep Your Christmas Tree and Decorations Safe for Cats, Dogs and Pet Birds

The festive season is a time of twinkling lights, shiny baubles and all things merry, but if you share your home with curious cats, playful dogs or inquisitive birds, Christmas can also bring unexpected hazards. 

From toxic plants to tempting tinsel, it’s vital to make your Christmas décor as pet-safe as possible while still keeping your home beautifully festive.

Here’s how to create a magical, and safe, Christmas wonderland for everyone in your household, paws, claws and feathers included.

Choose a Pet-Safe Christmas Tree

Real Trees:

Pine and fir trees aren’t toxic to most pets, but the oils in their needles can cause mild irritation or tummy upsets if chewed. The sharp needles themselves can also puncture paws or throats. If you go for a real tree, vacuum regularly and cover the water reservoir at the base — the stagnant water can contain bacteria, fertiliser or tree sap that’s harmful if lapped up by your pets.

Artificial Trees:

Artificial trees can be safer overall, but still watch for chew-happy pets. Make sure the base is sturdy to prevent tipping, and secure the tree to the wall or ceiling if your cat is a climber.

Pet-Proof Your Decorations

Tinsel & Ribbons:

Shiny, string-like decorations are irresistible to cats and can be deadly if swallowed. Skip tinsel entirely, or use it high out of reach. Avoid string, ribbon or angel hair, and choose thicker garlands instead.

Baubles:

Glass baubles look lovely but can shatter into sharp shards. Opt for shatterproof or fabric ornaments instead. Hang delicate decorations high up and use wire or twist ties rather than string hooks to keep them secure.

Lights:

Dogs and cats love to chew cords. Use cable protectors or cover wires with split tubing, and always switch lights off when you’re not home. 

For birds, ensure fairy lights are well out of reach, parrots and parakeets are notorious for chewing cables!

Candles:

Never leave candles unattended, wagging tails and flapping wings can easily knock them over. Battery-operated LED candles create a safe, realistic glow. 

Beware of Toxic Plants

Many festive plants are toxic to pets — here’s a quick guide:

Poinsettia: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; can cause drooling, vomiting or irritation.

Holly & Ivy: Both are highly toxic and can cause serious illness.

Mistletoe: Very dangerous to dogs and cats; even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse.

Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats – even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

Christmas Trees (needles & water): As mentioned, mild irritation or digestive upset possible.

Tip: Choose silk or artificial versions of these plants to enjoy the look without the risk.

For a full list of common festive plants and their effects on pets, see the PDSA’s Poisons and Hazards for Pets guide

Special Tips for Bird Owners

Birds are especially sensitive to fumes and chemicals. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Avoid aerosol sprays, air fresheners and scented candles, especially those with essential oils — they can be deadly to pet birds.

Skip tinsel and glittery ornaments, as shiny materials can attract birds who might chew or ingest them.

Be careful with non-stick cookware when preparing Christmas dinner — Teflon fumes are fatal to birds.

The Blue Cross Pet Holiday Safety Guide

 includes additional advice for keeping your pets comfortable and secure during the festive season.

Don’t Forget Pet-Safe Treats

Christmas food is rich and delicious — but not always safe for pets.

Avoid sharing:

Chocolate (toxic to dogs, cats and birds)

Christmas pudding, mince pies or fruit cake (raisins, alcohol and spices are dangerous)

Onions, garlic and salty snacks

Instead, make (or buy) special pet-safe treats so your furry and feathered family members can celebrate too.

A Safe and Sparkling Christmas

With a few adjustments, your Christmas home can be both festive and safe. Secure your tree, avoid toxic plants, keep cords and fragile ornaments out of reach, and always supervise your pets around decorations.

Because the best part of Christmas isn’t the lights or the tinsel — it’s spending the season with those you love, both human and animal.

Further Reading:

PDSA: Poisons and Hazards for Pets https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisons-and-hazards-for-your-pets

Blue Cross: Pet Holiday Safety Tips https://www.bluecross.org.uk/petholiday

RSPCA: Christmas Pet Safety Advice https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/christmas

Fill-Your-Own Christmas Baubles: A Personalised Festive Touch

As Christmas becomes ever nearer, many of us find ourselves searching for unique and heartfelt ways to celebrate. 

One delightful trend that’s capturing the imagination of festive decorators everywhere is the “fill-your-own” Christmas bauble. 

These transparent, customisable ornaments add a personal touch to your tree and can be filled with a variety of treasures—from sweets and trinkets to luxurious surprises like jewellery. Here’s how to make the most of this charming idea.

What Are Fill-Your-Own Baubles?

Fill-your-own baubles are clear ornaments, often made of plastic or glass, that can be opened and filled with your choice of items. They typically come in two halves that snap together, making them easy to customise. Available in a range of sizes, these baubles can be tailored to suit any theme or style, making them perfect for adding a personal flair to your Christmas decorations.

Ideas for Filling Your Baubles

Sweet Treats: Fill the baubles with festive chocolates, candy canes, or colourful jelly beans. These are perfect for children and sweet-toothed guests, adding a playful touch to your tree.

Miniature Trinkets: Add tiny toys, figurines, or keepsakes for a nostalgic feel. Think of miniature snow globes, tiny bells, or even small puzzle pieces for a fun twist.

Luxury Surprises: For an extra-special touch, hide a piece of jewellery, a rolled-up gift voucher, or even a heartfelt handwritten note inside. These baubles can double as surprise gifts for loved ones.

Seasonal Decorations: Fill them with artificial snow, pinecones, or glitter for a winter wonderland effect. You can also use dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a rustic, fragrant option.

Personalised Mementos: Include photographs, small drawings, or tiny handwritten messages. These make for sentimental ornaments that can be cherished for years to come.

How to Assemble Your Baubles

Choose Your Baubles: Purchase clear baubles from craft shops, online retailers, or even your local supermarket. Ensure they’re the right size for your intended contents.

Prepare Your Fillings: Gather your chosen items and, if necessary, cut or fold them to fit inside the bauble.

Fill the Baubles: Carefully open the bauble and place your items inside. Use tweezers for delicate or fiddly items.

Secure and Decorate: Snap the bauble shut and tie a festive ribbon or string through the hanging loop. You can also add stickers, paint, or glitter to the outside for extra flair.

Creative Uses Beyond the Tree

Table Settings: Use filled baubles as name cards or favours at your Christmas dinner table.

Advent Calendars: Create a DIY advent calendar by hanging 24 filled baubles, each containing a small surprise.

Gift Toppers: Attach a filled bauble to a wrapped gift for an added touch of charm.

Why Choose Fill-Your-Own Baubles?

These baubles offer endless possibilities for creativity and personalisation. They’re a wonderful way to show thoughtfulness and can be tailored to suit any recipient, from young children to close friends and family. Plus, they’re a sustainable option if reused year after year.

Final Thoughts

Fill-your-own Christmas baubles are more than just decorations; they’re a way to create lasting memories and add a unique, personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Whether you fill them with sweets, trinkets, or luxurious surprises, these ornaments are sure to bring joy to your tree and your loved ones. So why not give it a try this Christmas and make your festive season truly special?

How to Create Your Own Unique Christmas Baubles and Decorations

The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and creativity. One of the best ways to add a personal touch to your Christmas decor is by crafting your own baubles and decorations. 

Not only does this allow you to infuse your home with personality and charm, but it’s also a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy.

 Here's how you can make your own unique Christmas baubles and decorations to give your tree a bespoke, heartfelt flair.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few basic materials. Depending on the type of baubles and decorations you want to create, here are some useful supplies:

Clear plastic or glass baubles (available at most craft shops)

Acrylic paint or spray paint

Glitter, sequins, or beads

Ribbons, twine, and fabric scraps

Craft glue, glue gun, or double-sided tape

Paper, felt, or fabric for cut-out designs

Small paintbrushes or sponges

A steady hand and a dash of creativity!

2. Hand-Painted Baubles

Hand-painting baubles is a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch. Start with plain baubles, either glass or plastic, in any size or colour. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Clean the surface of the bauble to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Step 2: Use acrylic paints to create your designs. You can paint snowflakes, stars, holly, or even initials or names. Metallic paints, such as gold and silver, can give your baubles a luxurious, festive feel.

Step 3: Allow your baubles to dry thoroughly. You can add a layer of glitter or a glossy sealant to give them extra shine.

Pro tip: If you're unsure about freehand painting, use stencils or masking tape to create crisp, professional-looking designs.

3. Fillable Baubles

For a fun and customisable option, try using clear baubles that can be filled with festive elements. This is an excellent project for kids and can be tailored to fit your holiday theme.

Step 1: Remove the top of the bauble and fill it with items of your choice. You can use fake snow, small pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices for a rustic look.

Step 2: For a glittery effect, mix glitter and small beads. For a more natural style, you can use twigs, berries, or even fabric scraps.

Step 3: Replace the top and finish the bauble with a festive ribbon tied in a bow.

These baubles make for charming keepsakes and can even be personalised with tiny notes or photos.

4. Fabric and Felt Decorations

Fabric and felt are fantastic for crafting soft, vintage-style ornaments. From simple stars to intricate embroidered snowflakes, the possibilities are endless.

Step 1: Cut out festive shapes from felt or fabric, such as stars, hearts, or Christmas trees.

Step 2: Sew two identical shapes together, leaving a small gap to stuff them with cotton or fabric scraps for a 3D effect.

Step 3: Decorate the shapes with embroidery, beads, sequins, or buttons to give them personality. Add a loop of ribbon or twine at the top so you can hang them from your tree.

These handmade decorations have a nostalgic, cosy feel and are perfect for a traditional Christmas theme.

5. Recycled Christmas Decorations

One of the most sustainable ways to decorate your tree is by upcycling materials you already have at home. Here's how you can create eco-friendly Christmas ornaments:

Step 1: Use old wrapping paper or magazines to create paper ornaments like stars, paper chains, or folded origami shapes.

Step 2: Repurpose items such as corks, bottle caps, or fabric scraps to craft quirky, unique decorations.

Step 3: Use old yarn or twine to wrap around Styrofoam balls or to create rustic stars and snowflakes.

Recycling materials for your decorations not only reduces waste but also adds a one-of-a-kind charm to your festive decor.

6. Personalised Photo Ornaments

Nothing brings a personal touch to your tree like photo ornaments. These are perfect as gifts or to commemorate special moments.

Step 1: Print small photos of family members, pets, or special holiday moments.

Step 2: Place the photos inside clear baubles, or attach them to wooden ornaments using glue or decoupage techniques.

Step 3: Embellish the ornaments with ribbon, glitter, or paint, and hang them from your tree for a personal touch.

7. Nature-Inspired Decorations

Incorporating natural elements into your Christmas decorations adds a rustic, organic vibe to your tree. These natural ornaments are easy to make and look beautiful in any setting.

Step 1: Gather pinecones, twigs, and dried leaves from outside. Pinecones can be spray-painted in gold or silver for a glamorous touch or left natural for a woodland theme.

Step 2: Attach small bells, berries, or miniature bows to the twigs or pinecones with glue. You can also use twine or raffia to hang them from your tree.

Step 3: Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise not only look beautiful but also give off a lovely Christmassy scent.

Final Thoughts

Crafting your own Christmas baubles and decorations is a brilliant way to make your holiday decor stand out. Whether you prefer rustic, traditional, or modern styles, there’s no limit to the creativity you can infuse into your ornaments. Plus, handmade decorations make wonderful gifts for friends and family. This Christmas, why not skip the shop-bought baubles and create something truly special?

Happy crafting, and have a Merry Christmas!