Using natural Christmas decor is a great way to still have beautiful things to adorn your home, while on a budget.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t frugal. I worked my way through college, and managed to graduate without debt. As a result, the money saving tricks I learned back then seem to be ingrained in me today. When Brent and I were married, we received Christmas decor as wedding gifts. I still have a lot of this decor, but to say it’s past its prime is an understatement.
Trendy Cheap Decor
The decor industry contributes to so much waste. Most home decor items are imported, and made with things that don’t break down in landfills. Americans are always eager to buy the latest trend, and then discard it very quickly.
As I’ve become more aware of my own consumerism and waste, fast decor was a big problem for me. Since then, I’ve really made an effort to decrease the amount of decor I buy. Instead I try to buy second hand, timeless things for our home. I also try to revamp the things I already have.
Christmas decor seems to be ever changing. Many people take on a new “theme” every year. While it’s very beautiful to decorate your home using a specific color scheme around the holidays, it seems wasteful to have so much decor that is only used once.
I’m not immune to wanting a beautiful home, but my frugal roots just won’t let me buy new decor every season.
Why You’ll Love Natural Christmas Decor
- It’s beautiful! The natural textures and colors of actual living things can’t be replicated.
- It’s very inexpensive. With the exception of floral wire, ribbon, and twine the decor is free.
- It doesn’t need to be stored. Throw it in the compost pile after you are finished for the season.
Mantel Garland
Staircase Garland Before
Staircase Garland After
FFA Inspiration for Natural Christmas Decor
One of the great things about being a career tech teacher is the amount of talent at your disposal. There are professionals from so many different trades all working together in one place. My AG neighbor is a wealth of information and inspiration. While being readily available to answer any of my garden questions, she has also taught me to use my yard to decorate for a holiday. Using natural and FREE things I already have at home really is my love language.
Sprucing Up Your Tired Christmas Decor Naturally
As I’ve said before, my Christmas decor is really old. I has definitely seen better days. However each year I’m able to bring it back to life using natural things found around my yard. The great thing about using organic items is not only is it beautiful, it will feed my compost pile long after the holidays are over.
Simply harvest branches and leaves from the outdoors. Choose things that have different textures and colors you like. You can use theses things to fill in tired garland making it thick and beautiful. With a bit of floral wire and jute cord, you can also create beautiful swag garland for your staircase and doorways.
I also love battery operated twinkle lights. They add sparkle anywhere you want. I’ve listed a few things below that are great to use as decor, but really the possibilities are endless.
- Long leaf pine
- Cedar trees
- Boxwood
- Weeping Yaupon (also has red berries this time of year)
- Magnolia
- Pittosporum
- Ligustrum
- Holly
- Bare branches
Fruits, Berries, and Nuts in Natural Christmas Decor
Using fruits, berries, and nuts are also beautiful in your natural decor. I love to dry orange slices for an added pop of color. Not to mention, they smell so good. Oranges don’t last long around our house so I display them as decor, then replace them as they are eaten. I also love to layer dried oranges in my foliage. I feel like it’s so simple and pretty. Some ideas for natural fruits, berries and nuts are:
- Pine cones
- Cranberries
- Oranges
- Apples
- Walnuts
- Acorns
- Pecans
- Popcorn
Mantel Garland Before
Mantel Garland After
Orange Slices Before
Dried Orange Slice Garland After
Don’t forget to make your home smell like Christmas with a simmering pot of potpourri! My favorite things to simmer on the stove top are: Orange slices, whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Helpful Tips for Decorating Naturally
Use Fresh Greens: Fresh pine, cedar, or eucalyptus branches look beautiful and smell amazing. Just make sure to mist them with water now and then to keep them from drying out.
Mix Textures: Combine different textures like pinecones, berries, wood, and greenery for a more interesting look. It makes the decorations feel cozy and natural.
Keep It Simple: Natural decor is pretty on its own, so you don’t need to overdo it. A few sprigs of greenery and some pinecones can go a long way!
Choose Reusable Natural Items: Pinecones, wood slices, and dried orange slices can last a long time, so you can save them and use them again next year.
Add a Pop of Color: Add some red berries, ribbon, or even dried citrus for a little extra color. It brightens up the natural greens and makes everything feel more festive.
Be Mindful of Pets: Some natural items, like certain types of berries or mistletoe, can be toxic to pets. If you have animals, stick to pet-safe decor or keep it out of reach.
Go for Scents: Use cinnamon sticks, cloves, or dried citrus to add a cozy holiday smell to your decor. They look great and make the whole room smell like Christmas!
Combine with Lights: Add string lights to your greenery for a warm glow. The soft lights look beautiful against natural decor, especially in the evening.
DIY Ornaments: Make ornaments out of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or mini pinecones. They’re easy, fun, and add to the natural vibe of your tree.
Compost After the Holidays: When you’re ready to take down your decor, you can compost the natural materials instead of throwing them away. It’s a great way to give back to the earth.
Final Thoughts
I love keeping things simple since this time of year can seem so overwhelming. However you choose to decorate, I hope all of you find your cozy during the holidays.
Other Natural Favorites
For other tips on living a more natural life, check out this post.
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