We’re two weeks out from Christmas and the holiday spirit is in full swing here at Camille Styles. We’re prioritizing our holiday rituals, baking our hearts out (I’m talking allll the Christmas cookies), and we’ve marathoned just about every last Christmas movie. Of course, we’re also in full holiday decorating mode and couldn’t be happier about it. Our trees have been up since November 1, and we spend just about every waking minute basking in their glow. This year, we’re leaning into an earthy, organic vibe and looking to source as much Christmas decor from nature as possible. Are you feeling similarly inspired? Great—you’ve come to the right place.
Though we’ve been counting down until the big day for weeks now, it simultaneously feels like the season is slipping by. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to find yourself looking back on New Year’s day wondering where it all went. So, to make the most of this special time of year, we’ve decided to deck the halls all the more by bringing touches of nature indoors.
The Best Christmas Decor From Nature
The beauty of opting for natural touches of Christmas decor is that oftentimes, this approach tends to be more budget-friendly. During a season when the pressure to purchase is at an all-time high, the opportunity to do a little DIY can come as breath of fresh air. What’s more, getting crafty comes with the dual benefit of tapping into your creative side.
If you also want to infuse a soft and earthy approach to the season at home, get inspired with all the Christmas decor from nature ahead. From fresh-scented garlands to crisp, sculptural branches, these are the perfect ways to bring your home to life.
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Take a Natural Approach to Presents
I always find it funny how few people think of the presents under their tree as Christmas decor. And while the gifts you receive from others often come close to the big day itself, you can always fill in the empty space on your own. Simply select empty boxes and wrap them in natural-hued craft paper. From there, echo the elements with forest green and brown velvet ribbons. Then, tie on dried oranges to highlight the season’s best produce. The pops of color will be a welcome balm to the otherwise neutral selections.
Pretty It Up With Pine Cones
If there’s one decoration that gives your home that holiday touch in an instant, it’s pine cones. This stylish seasonal wonder is a classic must-have to transition your space into the festive spirit. Place them in a bowl on the table or position them in a garland on top of the mantel. Sprinkle smaller ones around the bottom of the tree or across your holiday table.
Opt for Faux Foliage
While we love the piney scents that come with real greenery, we know it’s not possible to source in all parts of the country. And though past options were once cringeworthy, faux foliage has come a long way. And you don’t have to spend a ton to get the quality your home deserves either. Retailers like Target, West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2, Crate & Barrel, and so many more have incredibly beautiful options. Select from faux arrangements, branches, garlands, clippings, and stems. No one will know they’re not real. We promise!
Go Beyond Green
When we think of nature-inspired décor, our minds instantly think green. But there are so many other incredible colors to incorporate into our homes this season—red, white, burgundy, or even pink can all be found in nature and still evoke the festive spirit. Mix it up with a red berry wreath and garland combo or throw some pink pepperberry into a simple vase on a side table. Experiment, play, and have fun with it.
Branch Out
There is nothing quite like a bold branch freshly cut and trimmed from outside to give your home a sculptural touch this season. Cut a few different branches and experiment with them in vintage vessels or a terracotta jug. If you’re not keen on cutting your own, then there are so many branches and preserved berry stems you can buy online now to achieve the same effect.
Use Fresh Clippings
You don’t have to spend money to bring nature in. In fact, you could keep things simple with just a few fresh clippings from your garden or head out for a walk and see what you can find along the way. And you don’t have to go big. Sometimes just a few leafy twigs or stems can bring the room to life without going full holiday. It’s a small moment that keeps things fresh and lightens the mood.
Think Outside of the Box
Of course, we will always love branches of cedar, holly, or ivy around the home this time of year but don’t be afraid of introducing some non-traditional stems, greenery, foliage, and branches into the mix, too. We love eucalyptus (the silver dollar variety is our favorite) and olive branches. Fuse different varietals into a garland for a modern approach to holiday décor. We also love wooden decorations for the mantel for natural texture.
And when it comes to thinking outside of the box for your natural Christmas decor, don’t be afraid to change it up in terms of scale, too. We love the idea of sprinkling Christmas trees of different sizes all throughout your home. This mini potted tree Camille keeps on her nightstand is so sweet.
This post was originally published on November 19, 2020, and has since been updated.