Pod coffee machines are beloved for the convenience they bring to kitchens but one complaint often levelled towards brands who produce them is that they leave behind waste product that isn’t easy to get rid of.

Coffee capsules are renowned for being difficult to dispose of at home and the best pod coffee machines in general can often be a bit of a headache when it comes to sustainability.

That’s where a new wave of coffee machines come in, including a new machine from the brand Coffee B, hot on the heels of the release of the Lavazza Tablí. Here’s how these two machines, both of which are podless as opposed to the traditional sense, are seeking to provide convenience in a different way.

Both of these machines have ditched plastic coatings and the traditional pod design. Rather than encasing their coffee, Lavazza has created pucks that slot straight into their pod machine while Coffee B has opted for balls.

While both are technically made from 100% coffee, Coffee B’s version has a thin, patented seaweed based layer covering their grounds which allows them to be stored for up to fourteen months when unopened. Lavazza’s last for 12 to 18 months in the same environment.

The great thing about both of these systems is that their waste products are both 100% compostable. Both sets can go straight into the food waste bin that sits on your worktop or into your garden compost, saving you any headaches about recycling drop offs.

The cost of the coffee per drink works out rougly the same too – Lavazza’s version comes out at about 49p per ‘capsule’ while the Coffee B system is around 48p.

There are, obviously, slight differences in the machines themselves. Lavazza’s Tablí features a clever lift-up compartment which reveals a space for the puck, while Coffee B uses a ball dispenser/chute (which is a fun visual addition) with the balls on display as part of its design.

Our expert product reviewer Helen McCue is currently putting the Lavazza Tablí through its paces to see how the puck system actually works in practice, but interest in these waste-free machines only seems to be growing.

Can you see the appeal of a pod machine that isn’t a headache to deal with when it comes to the capsules?

It’s time to unlock your inner child. Homemade paper chains are the breakout Christmas decorating trend of 2026, and it’s not just limited to paper either.

A lot of this year’s Christmas trends have been hooked on nostalgia. We want to transform our homes into magical, whimsical spaces that are reminiscent of childhood. When it comes to achieving this nostalgic look, it doesn’t get much easier than with a traditional paper chain.

Not only is this a brilliant budget Christmas decorating idea, but it’s easy to make, too. But it’s not just paper people are making chains from this year; I’ve seen these linked-up decorations in everything from velvet to lace. Here’s how you can get involved.

Why are paper chains trending?

After investing in one of the best artificial Christmas trees, lights and baubles, it’s always handy to have an affordable decorating idea in your back pocket. Not only is making paper chains an easy and fun family activity, but it will also contribute to making your Christmas decor look more stylish in 2026.

‘Paper decorations are having another moment, and honestly, I’m thrilled. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a handmade paper chain. With the right colour palette, they can look incredibly chic too! Choose shades that complement your scheme and drape them generously. You can also look for honeycomb paper garlands that concertina down beautifully for storage, so they’re the gift that keeps on giving,’ says Whinnie Williams, interior designer and trends forecaster for Balsam Hill.

‘The trend ties into the growing idea of ‘whimsymaxxing’, which is all about finding ways to bring more joy, colour and unexpected details into everyday life. Rather than playing it safe with a perfectly coordinated scheme, it’s about embracing the things that make you smile and allowing a little more personality into your interiors.’

And it’s not just paper either; we’re seeing similar chains styled from materials such as velvet, lace and wool all across social media right now.

‘We love getting creative. Using velvet, lace or even sheet music is a fun way to take that nostalgic idea and make it feel new. You get the same playful loops and the same handmade charm, but with texture and richness that suit a Victorian or traditional Christmas scheme. They can also be used year after year, so they’re becoming part of the family’s Christmas story rather than something thrown away in January,’ comments Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

How to get the look

‘This is the best part; paper chains are something the whole family can do together. Cut strips of paper, fabric or any other material about 2cm wide and 15–20cm long, looping each strip through the last and securing it with glue, a staple or double-sided tape,’ says Natalie.

‘Put on some Christmas music, make a hot chocolate and let everyone add their own links. The finished chain becomes a little piece of family memory hanging in your home.’

Then, Whinnie recommends creating a centrepiece for an impactful yet stylish look.

‘Paper chains aren’t just for the tree or mantelpiece. Take your garlands up to the ceiling and create a gorgeous starburst effect by hanging them from a central point and draping them out towards the walls. It gives you an instant retro glow-up without drilling holes or making any permanent changes,’ she says.

Shop the trend

I love this affordable decorating idea. All you need is a free afternoon, your favourite materials or colours and a little bit of sticky tape.