How to Make Salt Dough Decorations for Christmas
Salt dough decorations are making a festive comeback, and it’s easy to see why. This nostalgic craft, once a family favourite, has found a new life on social media. From personalised baubles to intricate hanging ornaments, salt dough decorations are an affordable, eco-friendly, and creative way to add a personal touch to the Christmas tree. Whether you’re Christmas crafting with the kids or having a crafting night with the girls, salt dough is the perfect way to create handmade Christmas ornaments this festive season. So, let’s dive into how you can make salt dough decorations with just a few ingredients you’ll likely have in the cupboard!
What is Salt Dough?
Salt dough is a simple modelling material made from cupboard ingredients like plain flour, salt and water. Its simplicity makes it an affordable activity for children to get creative with. It’s easy to mould, shape and bake, making it the perfect Christmas craft. Once it’s baked, you can paint and decorate your salt dough decorations in Christmas themes and colours, from traditional red and greens to warming gold or silver.
How to Make Salt Dough Decorations


Making salt dough is quick, easy, and loads of fun – you’ll have your creations ready to decorate in no time! All you need are 250g of plain flour, 125g of salt, and 125ml of water. The best part? These ingredients are likely already in your cupboard, making this an affordable and accessible activity – perfect for keeping little ones entertained during the school holidays. So, read on to discover how to create these affordable DIY ornaments this Christmas.
1. Create Your Salt Dough
In a large bowl, mix the measured plain flour and salt. Gradually add the water, stirring as you go, until the mixture begins to combine, and use your hands to knead it until it is into a ball. This hands-on step helps ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed, and the dough is ready for shaping! It’s also great for little ones to get involved with – combining creativity with playtime!
At this stage, we’d recommend preheating the oven to 50C or the lowest setting and lining your oven-proof dish with baking paper.
2. Roll and Cut Your Salt Dough into Shapes
Lightly flour your work surface, roll out the dough and begin shaping the dough into your desired Christmas decoration shape. We’d recommend using festive cookie cutters to make it easy for younger children. Whilst freehand designs will create something truly unique to cherish, simple designs often work best as the dough isn’t sturdy until it’s baked.
3. Bake the Dough


Once your creations are finalised, place your salt dough decorations on the lined baking sheet and bake for three hours or until solid. The low temperature prevents the decorations from puffing up or cracking.
4. Cool and Paint
Once baked and completely cooled, it’s time to get creative! We’d recommend using acrylic paints to decorate your Christmas ornaments. For a classic Christmas look, opt for reds, greens and whites, or allow your mini artists to choose their colours for their DIY creations.
How to Preserve Your Salt Dough Decorations
To preserve your salt dough decorations and enjoy them as unique Christmas keepsakes for years to come, proper storage is key, as they’re not edible! Place your finished creations in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of baking paper to protect them. Store the container in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to mould. By taking these simple steps, you’ll keep your salt dough Christmas decorations looking festive and fresh for many seasons!
Whether you’re making salt dough tree decorations or simply having a festive craft night, they’re fun, affordable and a creative activity for all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of imagination, you can make unique decorations to treasure for years to come. For more affordable Christmas decorations, tableware or gifting ideas, discover our Christmas range online and in-store.