Evergreen wreaths and garlands are timeless classics, but they aren’t the only way to bring a festive spirit indoors. A creative approach to holiday greenery can elevate your seasonal decor.
Plenty of natural materials can give a lively twist to your holiday decorations. We asked This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and landscape designer Jenn Nawada to share their favorite ideas for sourcing holiday decor from nature. Here are seven of their ideas for incorporating natural elements into your holiday decorations, plus expert tips for keeping your cuttings fresh and repurposing them afterward.
1. Festive Holly
Holly, with its vibrant red berries and glossy green leaves, is a holiday greenery staple. Cook suggests finding long branches that have lots of berries and will fit nicely in your display. Once you have your holly, here’s how to use it:
- Incorporate holly sprigs into existing wreaths to add a pop of color and texture.
- Arrange holly branches among hurricane glasses on a mantel for a festive display.
- Use holly to create a natural garland for staircases or doorways.
Holly also symbolizes protection and happiness in many cultures, making it an especially meaningful addition to your decor.
2. Hardy Succulents
Succulents offer a modern and low-maintenance approach to holiday greenery. Nawada likes creating succulent art with picture frames or interesting containers. Here are a few ideas:
- Create living wall hangings by arranging succulents in picture frames.
- Use interesting containers like birdcages or vintage teacups for unique tablescapes.
- Craft a succulent wreath for a long-lasting door decoration.
- Incorporate succulents into your holiday centerpieces for a contemporary twist.
Drought-tolerant succulents will stay green and vibrant throughout the season with minimal care, making them an excellent choice for busy households.
3. Bright Redtwig Dogwood
Redtwig dogwood branches—another of Cook’s seasonal favorites—add a striking vertical element to holiday arrangements.
These bright red stems provide a perfect contrast to traditional greener, as in the Topiarus design above. Here’s how to use them:
- Use redtwig dogwood in large outdoor containers for a dramatic entryway display.
- Incorporate branches into indoor vases or containers for a pop of color.
- Create a modern wreath using only redtwig dogwood branches.
- Mix redtwig dogwood with evergreens in garlands for added dimension.
The bold contrast of redtwig dogwood gives your decor a contemporary edge while maintaining a natural feel.
4. Crisp Magnolia Leaves
Magnolia leaves can be used fresh or dried, depending on the effect you want. The glossy green of fresh magnolia leaves can be stunning in a traditional display, while dried magnolia leaves have a golden-brown color that transitions beautifully from fall to winter. Here are some suggestions:
- Use fresh magnolia leaves for a traditional Southern-style look.
- Incorporate dried, golden-brown magnolia leaves to add warmth to your color palette.
- Create a stunning magnolia leaf garland for your mantel or staircase.
- Use individual magnolia leaves as place card holders for holiday dinners.
The large, waxy leaves of magnolia trees can provide a luxurious backdrop for other holiday accents—whether you opt for fresh leaves, dried leaves, or a mixture of both.
5. Minimalist Eucalyptus
With its matte leaves and subtle fragrance, eucalyptus fits perfectly into a pared-down holiday look. Here’s how to incorporate eucalyptus into farmhouse or minimalist holiday decor:
- Fill a basket with eucalyptus sprigs for a simple yet elegant display.
- Weave eucalyptus into fresh wreaths for added texture and aroma.
- Create a eucalyptus garland to drape over windows or doorways.
- Use eucalyptus as a natural table runner for holiday meals.
The soft, silvery-green hue of eucalyptus complements various color schemes while adding a touch of sophistication to your seasonal decor.
6. Romantic Mistletoe, Revamped
Mistletoe is a holiday classic often hung in doorways or aches as a festive decoration. Traditionally, couples caught standing beneath mistletoe during the holiday season are expected to share a kiss—hence its placement. However, mistletoe can be used in more creative ways:
- Create a mistletoe wreath for a unique twist on tradition.
- Use mistletoe to craft a festive party backdrop for photo opportunities.
- Incorporate small sprigs of mistletoe into table settings or napkin rings.
- Make a mistletoe kissing ball as a charming alternative to the typical hanging bunch.
By reimagining how you use mistletoe, you can maintain the romantic tradition while adding a contemporary flair to your decor.
7. If All Else Fails, Go Evergreen
Evergreen boughs remain a timeless and versatile option for holiday decorating. This lush go-to rarely disappoints, but we recommend thinking outside basic wreaths and garlands. Here are some ways to keep this classic fresh:
- Snip extra boughs from your Christmas tree to use in various decorations.
- Create mini wreaths to hang on the backs of dining chairs.
- Use evergreen sprigs to adorn gift packages for a natural touch.
- Craft an evergreen table runner with pinecones and candles for a rustic centerpiece.
Evergreens provide that quintessential holiday scent and can be easily incorporated into both traditional and modern decor.
Pro Tip: How To Keep Your Cuttings Fresh For Decoration
To ensure your holiday greenery lasts throughout the season, Cook recommends spraying it with an antidesiccant. This will keep it fresh without the need to place it in water. Keep arrangements away from heat sources to prevent them from drying out, and mist them regularly to maintain moisture.
As Cook points out, the cuttings used in a Thanksgiving feast centerpiece can easily pull double duty for a Christmas party table vignette. If you go this route, he recommends storing the cuttings outdoors between the two holidays to help them last longer.
Creative Ways to Reuse Holiday Greenery
After the holidays, don’t let your greenery go to waste. Here are some eco-friendly ideas for repurposing your decorations:
- Composting: Compost non-toxic greenery to enrich your garden soil.
- Crafting: Use dried leaves and branches in craft projects throughout the year.
- Mulching: Create natural mulch for your garden beds with chopped evergreen boughs.
- Pressing: Preserve particularly beautiful specimens by pressing them for future craft use.
Greenery offers endless possibilities for creating a festive atmosphere, and repurposing it after the holidays allows you to continue enjoying natural beauty year-round.
