Did you know there are only about 6 weeks until Christmas?! This is a very daunting thought on top of the fact that time seems to shrink as our ‘to do’ lists grow. If you are short on time or inspiration or want a more casual, earthy vibe 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. The added benefit is that natural elements extend well into the new year as decor touches. Read on for some of my fave ways to decorate for the festive season (and winter) using nature’s gifts!
Pine Cones
Pine cones are plentiful in the fall, are readily available and perfect for Christmas decorating. I love a bowl, small wooden tray or hurricane vase of pine cones mixed with some small grapevine stars, cinnamon sticks and even a few stones or dried berries. These make beautiful displays and can be used as a centrepiece, mantel display or on a coffee or side table. A small bowl of this mix also makes a lovely addition in your bathroom or guest room. Nestling a jar candle or glass votive among the mixture adds depth and texture and the candlelight provides a warm, soft glow.
Stones
Stones work any time of the year, in any decor and add an earthy, informal vibe to your spaces. I love displaying them mixed with pine cones, nuts or grapevine shapes. A few coloured glass pebbles add sparkle and bring beautiful texture to the mix. A small wooden tray or shallow wooden bowl also makes an interesting and simple container for displaying these items.
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 signalled 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 are equally elegant in a tall glass vase with some sprigs of red berries anchored in clear glass pebbles, small stones or pine cones. Also consider laying the greenery on a dining, side or coffee table interspersed with sprigs of red berries and/or the dried dogwood and pine cones 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 we head into the festive season I hope these ideas 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 your home for the holidays.
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