5 Easy Natural Christmas Decor Ideas

At this time of year time seems to shrink as our ‘to do’ lists grow. Completing our Christmas décor can be an overwhelming and daunting task, especially when we see the beautiful rooms displayed across social media, our fav décor websites and the magazines teasing us at every check out. My team of elves have moved out and started their own traditions and while my everlovin’ tells everyone that he is a consultant with Simply Swank Deccor, he isn’t the festive decorating type ;) So ….

...if you are short on time or inspiration, one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring a festive touch to your home is with the use of natural elements. These are plentiful, easily accessible, and a simple but charming way to add festive touches throughout your home. Natural elements do not require a lot of time and creativity to make a delightful display for those of us not inclined to compete with the Griswold’s and are not expensive, in fact most of them are free. Read on for some of my fav ways to decorate for Christmas using nature’s gifts!

Pinecones

Pinecones are plentiful in the fall, are readily available and perfect for Christmas decorating. I love a bowl or small wooden tray of pinecones mixed with some small grapevine stars, cinnamon sticks and even a few stones. Hurricane vases of varying sizes filled with pinecones, nuts and cinnamon sticks also make a beautiful display and can be used as a centerpiece, mantel display or on a coffee or side table. A small bowl of mini pinecones combined with nuts and a few cinnamon sticks also makes a lovely addition in your bathroom or guest room. Nestling a jar candle or glass votive among the pinecones adds additional light, depth and texture and the candlelight provides a warm, soft glow.

Stones

Stones work any time and in any décor – no vacation is complete without me finding some interesting stones or rocks that just have to come home! Stones bring an earthy, informal vibe to our rooms and I love displaying them in a dish, shallow wooden bowl or tray or a hurricane vase surrounding a candle and mixed with pinecones, nuts dried cranberries and cinnamon sticks. A few coloured glass pebbles adds sparkle among the stones and brings beautiful texture to the mix. A small wooden tray or shallow wooden bowl also makes an interesting and simple container for displaying these items and is suitable as a centerpiece on the dining table or coffee table.

Grapevine

Today grapevine is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Not only does it come in the form of wreaths of all sizes but also in the shape of deer, stars, etc. Grapevine stars look festive hung from the light over a dining table or from cabinet and drawer knobs. They also add a cheery note when set on the top of a basket of napkins or simply set along a window ledge.

Fruit

In our home, one of the first signs of Christmas is a beautiful yet simple red glass bowl with gold leaf embellishments that I fill with clementines - it provides an eye-catching splash of colour. When our girls were growing up, the appearance of this bowl with the clementines signaled the start of the Christmas season and a time of excitement! Pottery bowls or wooden trays are equally striking when filled with clementines, oranges, apples and/or nuts and can be placed on a dining table, kitchen counter or coffee or side table.

Greenery

Fresh greenery, in particular pine boughs and dried dogwood branches, are very popular at Christmas and can be used both indoors and out. Fresh boughs are readily available at any Christmas tree lot and there are some excellent imitation pine boughs available today that are less messy and do not require care to make them last through the holidays. Dried dogwood branches can be found at farmers markets, craft stores and even some of the larger grocery stores.

The greenery and dogwood can be equally elegant in a tall glass vase with some sprigs of red berries with mini pinecones or stones in the bottom to anchor them. Also consider laying the greenery on a dining, side or coffee table interspersed with sprigs of red berries and/or the dried dogwood and pinecones and nuts or fruits tucked among the boughs. Ribbon wound through the branches adds depth and colour and adds an element of softness to the look.

As you start to decorate for Christmas I hope these ideas prove helpful and provide the inspiration to make some beautiful but simple and easy additions to your home for the holidays. Share your pics – I love to see how you’ve decorated. Cheers!

For additional ideas and inspiration, connect with Simply Swank Decor at :

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https://www.pinterest.ca/simplyswankdeco/

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