Decorating for the holidays can be an expensive endeavor, especially when you want to impress visiting guests and family. However, there are ways to decorate without overspending. One of the best ways to do so is to cleverly create your own unique holiday decor using elements found in nature.
From traditional fruit garlands and pomander balls to rustically modern pinecone and fresh holiday wreaths all tied up in bows, here are 10 natural holiday decor ideas to transform your home this joyous season.
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1. Evergreen Centerpieces and Garlands
Evergreens are synonymous with the winter season. After all, one of the classic Christmas traditions is to bring one into our very homes. But full-grown trees aside, you can add evergreen centerpieces of cedar, pine and firs to create a charming tablescape. You can also take cut sprigs and make draping garlands and a filler for a planter, fireplace mantels and other areas that need some festive charm. Not to mention, they put out a lovely scent. Like pinecones, evergreens are a versatile natural decor element and make lovely, classic wreaths, embellished in your choice of ribbon, berry sprigs or even jingle bells.
2. Logs and Wood Bundles
One of the easiest ways to decorate with natural elements is to use logs and bundles of wood. For homes with working fireplaces, stack wood in a metal container or woven basket wrapped with a bow. Even if you lack a fireplace, you can wrap birch logs in a leather wood carrier to give the same wintry effect.
Add to your log collection or wood bundle some filler evergreen sprigs, pinecones and string lights to give it an extra festive look. While this natural utilitarian object seems simple enough, there are countless ways to transform it into holiday decor.
3. Birch Tea Light Holders
Cut a birch branch into little discs and drill a round inset to place a tealight candle. This simple holiday project is exceptionally easy to create and offers a rustic charm to any fireplace mantel, dining table or a kitchen windowsill. They also make wonderful gifts!
4. Orange and Clove Pomander Balls
Pomander balls are a timeless holiday tradition and are fun and easy to make. For some clever tricks and ideas, use the Farmer’s Almanac’s pomander ball instructions. These clove-studded oranges will make a home smell amazing and emit a spicy, citrusy scent. Simply add a bowl of pomanders to a kitchen table or entryway for a wonderful aroma and striking display, along with ribbons, ornaments, pinecones and other natural elements or greenery.
5. Holiday Terrarium
Create a holiday terrarium of sorts with a Mason jar or glass cloche, filling it with greenery, pinecones, magnolia leaves, dried reindeer moss and other natural elements. Accentuate the green terrarium with brighter reds or wintry blues, showcasing your most cherished ornaments and Christmas tchotchkes. Add some mini LED fairy lights for a truly magical effect.
6. Pinecone Wreath
Like the evergreens they fall from, pinecones make for fantastic holiday decor. Plus, they are super easy to source, often right in your own backyard or local park. And you can create so many things with them! Wrap the pinecones together around a styrofoam ring to make a pinecone wreath, adding a festive snowy white ribbon for an elegant look or a red and green plaid for a more country vibe. While wreaths are traditionally hung on the front door to greet guests, they also work as a table centerpiece with a hurricane lantern and candle.
7. White Birch Bark-Wrapped Anything
White birch has a unique, flexible bark that can be used to wrap just about anything. Transform an everyday candle into holiday decor covering the glass container in birch bark. Create a minimal wreath dressed in strips of white birch and twinkling lights. You can purchase genuine white birch from fallen branches or faux white birch scrapbook paper. However, never remove this gorgeous bark directly from the tree or you could harm it.
8. Dried Fruit Garlands
Another natural holiday decor idea that makes a super-easy DIY project is dried fruit garlands. Dry slices of oranges, grapefruits, apples and pears, along with whole cranberries, to create a sweet and citrusy-smelling garland to wrap around trees or drape across mantels and stairwell banisters. You can even add cinnamon sticks or popcorn to the garland, too!
9. Cinnamon Sticks
Speaking of lovely scents, cinnamon sticks are another natural holiday decor idea that can be placed just about anywhere. Tie them with string to make a garland to wrap around a tree or simply add them to some cider or other hot beverages for a toasty pick-me-up. Glue them to the outside of a candle and the warmth will spread the spiced cinnamon smell throughout the room. Or effortlessly toss them into an arrangement of evergreens and ornaments.
10. Cranberry Vase
Cranberries can do more than create a garland. Plus, their red hues can add a striking contrast to the greenery. Place a handful or two of cranberries in a clear glass vase, adding a pillar candle or merely an arrangement of green spruce or evergreen sprigs. Add several of these cranberry decor vases to a dining table as a centerpiece or even along the fireplace mantel.
Get Creative with Other Natural Elements
Hopefully, this gives you a few ideas to get started on DIY holiday projects to impress those guests. However, feel free to incorporate your own favorite natural elements, too. Take a walk in the park or even in your own backyard to find inspiration in nature, gathering objects like acorns and twigs along the way.
