Nature offers so many great ideas and things that can be used to decorate our homes for the holiday season, from fresh greenery to classic magnolia leaves and bright berries. Decorating your home stylishly for the holidays does not need to be expensive or time consuming.
Here are some natural decorating tips to inspire you:
1. Use edibles
Good old-fashioned classics like cranberry garlands and strings of popcorn (that might be a part of your childhood holiday memories) can be revisited. Cranberries often go on sale after Thanksgiving and are easy to puncture to create beautiful crimson garlands. Popcorn strings can be slightly more tedious, but look lovely draped on trees of any size. And depending how earthy you want to be or what vibe you’re going for, drying apple and orange slices and attaching thread to turn them into natural tree ornaments can be fun too!
2. Let branches work their magic
Depending where you live or what you have available on your own property, you might be able to find some stunning decorations right outside your window. It could be some traditional sprigs of holly or evergreen, but take a second look and see what else might work. Wintry branches in a vase lend warmth without feeling cluttered or overdone. Forage – or shop at local greenhouses – for things like red rosehips, bittersweet, boxwood, cedar, magnolia, and juniper.
One word of caution: if you have pets, avoid using live mistletoe or holly, which are both poisonous if ingested. Watch out for poinsettias too, which can cause an upset stomach if your pet eats them.
3. Drape fresh greenery from your chandelier, mantel, or staircase
Stop by your local greenhouse to find some fresh garlands or swags to use to adorn whatever fixtures in your home you’d like to add some holiday flair to. The look and smell of fresh greenery really can’t be beat!
4. Make cinnamon applesauce ornaments
You can find a simple recipe here to follow for making cinnamon applesauce ornaments to decorate with. This is a fun little project to do with your kids or grandkids, and the end product is much healthier than sugar cookies. The results look adorable hung on trees inside or outside. And another bonus: the smell that fills your house when they’re baking is incredible!
5. Create an eco-friendly tablescape
Going natural with your tablescape presents an endless scope of possibilities. Pinecones and sprigs of evergreen artfully arranged in the center of your table can create an elegant look.
Opting for natural items on your table that may not necessarily scream “holiday” can still have a magical effect. Small succulents in pretty containers add a pop of green and could be surrounded with a scattering of nuts to bring out a harvest feel.
6. Hang fresh wreaths
The front door wreath is usually not forgotten, but why not go all out this year and add wreaths to your windows, too? Displaying wreaths made from fresh greens will ensure your house looks and feels magical during the daytime – and not just at night when the strings of lights are on and candles are lit. Fresh wreaths are a way to go natural for a look as classic as can be. Bonus: since they’re fresh that means no storage space required for the rest of the year!
If you’re feeling crafty or looking for a fun activity to do with friends, sign up for a wreath making class. Many local florists and flower growers offer wreath making workshops for small groups this time of year, and you’ll get to take home a gorgeous wreath!
7. Put out pinecones
Pinecones are one classic decoration that can give any home a holiday touch. Place some pinecones in a bowl on a coffee table or as a dining table centerpiece, or work them into whatever garland display you settle on for the mantel. When serving holiday meals, a pinecone at each place setting can be a fun seasonal addition.
Remember not to overthink things as you decorate. If you like it, go for it! Ignore any pressure to make your house feel over-the-top if that isn’t your style.
I hope these ideas helped to inspire you to add some natural holiday décor to your home. Have a magical holiday season!