Stringing popcorn and cranberries as Christmas garland

Stringing popcorn and cranberries is one of our very favorite Christmas activities, here at Grandma's place. It's old fashioned and simple, just like me. All you need is a bag of frozen cranberries, a kettle of plain popped popcorn and a needle and thread. Stringing popcorn and cranberries as Christmas garland is fun for kids and grownups too.

The look

Strings of popcorn and cranberries bring an old time, yet timeless look to the home. Our family traditions also include stringing this edible garland for wildlife. Just hang them outside. They make a wonderful Christmas treat for birds and squirrels.

A frozen tip

Cranberries used for stringing garland should be frozen. Using thawed cranberries for this task is messy, juicy and sticky. The frozen ones can be sticky too, but they're not quite as bad. The needle should be large but quite sharp. Supervise kids well, so they don't stick their fingers.

Thread type

Button thread works best for stringing edible garland. It holds up better and is stronger than regular thread. If you don't have button thread, don't worry. Regular sewing thread, doubled will work too.

Length of thread

When threading the needle for stringing popcorn and cranberries, leave the thread uncut. That is to say, the part of the thread that is not passed through the needle should remain attached to the spool. This is because you don't know how long the garland will be until all the popcorn and cranberries are on it.

Alternate berries and popcorn

To cut down on stickiness, alternate the cranberries and popcorn. The popcorn will absorb some of the cranberry juice. Try three popcorn kernels and then a cranberry. This is a perfect pattern for the whole garland. As you work, slide the cranberries and popcorn down the string toward the thread spool.

Tying off the strand

When you run out of popcorn and cranberries to string, it's time to tie off your garland. We like to make ours into circles by tying the ends of string together. Just snip the thread at the spool, leaving a few inches for tying. Double knot the thread and your Christmas garland is done.

Time consuming, but homey

Stringing popcorn and cranberries may take some time. I like to play holiday music while stringing the garland. Sing along or just enjoy family conversation. Those who don't enjoy this activity can do another Christmas craft if they wish.

Feed the birds other treats too

Edible garland isn't the only way to feed the birds this Christmas. Our family likes to fill pine cones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. We also hang orange slices in the trees for the birds.