Edible ornaments
Long before glass baubles, trees were hung with things you could eat — dried fruit, nuts wrapped in foil, small cookies threaded with ribbon. It's a tradition worth borrowing again, especially for a tree the kids help decorate.
Strung cranberries and popcorn, gingerbread shapes with a hole poked before baking, and iced sugar cookies all hang well and smell better than most craft-store options.
If squirrels and birds visit your yard, a popcorn-and-cranberry garland or a pinecone rolled in peanut butter and birdseed makes a lovely outdoor tree decoration that doubles as a treat for them, too.
