As the season turns to winter, neighborhoods across Chicagoland start to change. Lawns rest, the sky begins to pale, and homes start their preparations for some of the most magical times of the year. Boxes of decorations appear, a favorite mug returns to the counter, and for plant lovers, the thought of bringing home something green starts to take hold. A tree, a wreath, or even a potted amaryllis waiting to bloom are all small gestures that signal warmth returning indoors.
Still, finding the right mix of living décor can feel daunting. Some trees fill the room with fragrance but drop needles too soon. A poinsettia thrives in one window and wilts in another. The beauty of the season depends as much on care and placement as on the plants themselves. That’s where expertise and thoughtful selection make all the difference, like knowing which varieties will hold their shape, how to keep greenery fresh, and which plants will continue to bring life long after the holidays fade.
At Platt Hill Nursery, we take pride in growing and selecting plants that feel right at home in our Midwest climate. During the holidays, that local know-how meets the magic of tradition, meaning that every Fraser fir, amaryllis bulb, and handcrafted garland carries a story of where it came from and will fill your home with warmth and joy. With decades of experience caring for plants through every Midwest season, our team loves helping neighbors find the perfect pieces to brighten their homes this holiday season.
The Heart of the Season: Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees
Few traditions mark the holidays quite like choosing a real Christmas tree. The scent, the texture, and the ritual of setting it up each year are part of what makes this season feel complete. At Platt Hill Nursery, our fresh-cut trees arrive from trusted regional growers who share our commitment to quality and sustainable harvesting. Each one is carefully shaped, well-hydrated, and ready to fill a home with its unmistakable fragrance.
Varieties Available: Fraser and Balsam
Each tree variety brings its own strengths and character.
Fraser Fir
Known for its strong branches and excellent needle retention, the Fraser is a customer favorite. Its silvery undersides and rich green color make ornaments pop, and it holds its fragrance beautifully through the season.
Balsam Fir
With this tree’s deep green needles and rich, familiar holiday scent, the Balsam create a full and traditional look. Its flexible branches suit lighter ornaments, and its consistent color brings a warm, classic presence to any room.
Each tree at Platt Hill Nursery is freshly cut and displayed with care, so customers can see its true shape and health before bringing it home.
How to Choose the Right Tree for Your Home
When choosing a Christmas tree, it’s important to consider not only the height or shape, but also how it fits your space, your family’s traditions, and the way you celebrate the season. The best tree feels like it belongs, both in scale and in spirit.
1. Start with the space
Measure the ceiling height before heading out, then subtract about a foot to allow for the tree stand and topper. In homes with lower ceilings or tighter corners, a Fraser fir often works beautifully since they have a sturdy, upright growth that keeps their shape without taking over the room. For vaulted spaces or open layouts, a full Balsam or White Pine provides that classic, generous silhouette.
2. Think about fragrance and texture
For many, scent is part of the tradition. Balsam and Fraser firs are the most aromatic, filling a room with that deep evergreen note that signals the holidays have truly begun. If you prefer something softer to the touch or less fragrant, the White pine offers a graceful alternative with long, flexible needles.
3. Match the tree to your decorating style
If you favor heavier ornaments or string lights, go with a tree known for strong branches like the Fraser. For a more natural or minimalist look, the White Pine’s feathery branches create a lighter, more organic shape.
4. Check freshness before you buy
A few gentle tugs on a branch can tell you a lot about a tree. Needles should stay firmly in place, and the base should feel slightly sticky with sap. A fresh cut at the trunk before placing it in water helps the tree drink more effectively and stay vibrant for weeks.
How to Keep Your Tree Fresh Longer
There’s a common misconception that a live Christmas tree won’t last for more than a few days to a couple of weeks. However, the truth is, a real Christmas tree can stay vibrant and fragrant well through the New Year with just a few simple care habits. Most of what keeps a tree looking its best comes down to water, placement, and attention to temperature.
1. Make a fresh cut before placing it in water
When a tree is cut, sap begins to seal the trunk, blocking water absorption. Trimming a half inch from the base just before setting it in the stand reopens those pores. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how well the tree stays hydrated.
2. Always keep the stand filled with water
A typical tree can take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours. Check the stand daily, especially in the first week, and never let the water line drop below the base of the trunk. There’s no need for sugar, aspirin, or homemade additives. Just plain tap water is enough.
3. Mind the placement
Trees last longer away from heat sources. Try to avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or air vents. Cooler spaces help retain needles and moisture, keeping the branches supple and green.
4. Use LED lights to reduce drying
LEDs stay cool and use less energy than traditional bulbs. They help prevent the tree from drying out and are safer for extended use.
5. Clean up fallen needles regularly
A quick sweep now and then helps air circulate around the base and keeps your space tidy, especially as the tree naturally releases a few needles over time.
With a little daily care, a fresh-cut tree can remain lush, fragrant, and beautiful for weeks. With plenty of time to enjoy every gathering and holiday tradition you have planned this season.
Holiday Greenery Ideas Beyond the Tree
Even after the tree is trimmed and glowing, most homes still have corners and entryways that call for a touch of green. The holidays have a way of expanding beyond the living room, like onto mantels, stairways, porches, and dining tables. That’s where other holiday plants step in. From traditional favorites like poinsettias and amaryllis to evergreen garlands, porch pots, and centerpieces, these living accents carry the season’s spirit into every part of the home.
Fresh Wreaths, Garlands, and Door Charms
There’s something about the scent of evergreens that makes a space feel instantly festive. Long before the tree goes up, a wreath on the door or a garland across the mantel can signal that the season has begun.
For entryways and doors, wreaths are a natural starting point. A simple evergreen circle brings warmth to a front porch, while adding berries, pinecones, or ribbons turns it into something more personal. Some prefer a classic symmetrical look; others go for a loose, woodland feel with varying textures.
Garlands extend the same sense of life and fragrance indoors. Draped over mantels, stair rails, or dining tables, they provide a living frame for candles, lights, or ornaments. A mix of evergreens and eucalyptus gives a fresh, layered look that holds its color beautifully through winter.
Door charms and swags, those smaller bundles of greens tied with ribbon or twine, offer a subtler way to decorate gates, mailbox posts, or apartment doors where a full wreath might not fit. They bring the same scent and freshness, just in a smaller form.
Fresh greenery brings a softness that manufactured décor can’t quite match, because it evolves as the season progresses. By drying slightly and deepening in tone, it reminds us that even in the stillness of winter, nature is still present.
Custom Porch Pots and Planters
Porch pots or planters have become a signature part of Midwest holiday decorating. They’re a way to keep entrances alive with color and texture even after the garden beds have gone dormant. Built from fresh-cut evergreens, branches, berries, and natural accents, they bring the same spirit as a tree or wreath but in a form that greets everyone who passes by.
At Platt Hill Nursery, each custom porch pot begins with sturdy winter greens chosen for their cold tolerance and lasting color. From there, decorative elements are layered in, like dogwood branches for structure, eucalyptus and evergreens for texture, or pinecones and birch accents for warmth.
Creating balance is key. A good porch pot feels natural but intentional. It should feel lush without overwhelming the space. Taller branches or twigs create vertical movement, while trailing cedar or pine soften the edges of the container. Pots placed in pairs can frame an entryway, while single planters work beautifully beside garage doors, garden gates, or on patios visible from the kitchen window.
Even after the porch pots are set and the wreaths are hung, the work of decorating isn’t finished. While outdoor greenery sets the stage for the season, it’s indoors where most of the celebrations unfold. Here, festive plants take over the role of decoration, adding color, fragrance, and life to the heart of the home.
More Festive Plants for Indoors
While the tree and other evergreens may anchor a room, smaller plants fill tables, shelves, and windowsills with color and life. Each brings its own rhythm and personality, thriving best when placed where light, temperature, and care match its needs.
Poinsettias: Care and Placement
Few plants are as tied to the holidays as the poinsettia. Their bold red, white, or pink bracts (often mistaken for petals) have come to symbolize the season itself. Yet these tropical plants have very specific preferences.
At Platt Hill Nursery, our homegrown poinsettias are nurtured right here in our greenhouses and are a long-standing favorite. Each plant is grown under careful temperature and light conditions to ensure full, vibrant bracts and deep green foliage.
Once at home, poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light and a consistent indoor temperature between 65–75°F. Cold drafts from doors or heat from radiators can cause leaves to drop early. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure the pot has drainage since standing water quickly leads to root rot.
For placement, think about where guests gather, like an entry table, kitchen counter, or beside the tree. As far as aesthetics go, red varieties add contrast against evergreens and metallic décor, while creamy whites and soft pinks pair beautifully with minimalist or neutral palettes.
Lastly, with proper care, poinsettias can last well into January, retaining both color and structure.
Holiday Cactus and Amaryllis
The holiday cactus is a unique living decoration that brings a burst of festive warmth to your home. Characterized by its glossy, segmented stems and pendulous growth habit, it makes a striking addition to tables, shelves, or hanging baskets. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates even moisture. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let it go completely dry. When cared for properly, it rewards patience with cascading blooms in shades of red, magenta, or coral just as the winter season peaks.
The amaryllis, on the other hand, is all drama and spectacle. Its tall stems and oversized blooms make it a centerpiece plant for mantels and dining tables. Plant bulbs in well-draining soil, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed, and water sparingly until new growth appears. A sunny window encourages strong stems and vivid color. As a bonus, bulbs can often be coaxed to bloom again the following year with a bit of rest and repotting after the holidays.
Evergreen Décor Tips for Every Home
Fresh evergreens have a way of grounding the holidays in something real. Their scent and texture connect us to the landscape outside, even when the world beyond the windows is frozen and still. With a few thoughtful touches, those greens can bring balance, fragrance, and natural beauty to every corner of the home.
Bringing the Scent of Fresh Greens Indoors
The fragrance of fir, pine, and cedar is one of the simplest ways to make a home feel festive. Even a small bundle of greens placed in a vase or woven into a centerpiece can fill a room with that unmistakable winter aroma.
Mixing varieties enhances both scent and longevity. Try utilizing a Fraser fir for strength, cedar for softness, and pine for movement. Replace small sprigs every couple of weeks to keep the fragrance vibrant. For homes with fireplaces or warm, dry air, lightly misting greens every few days helps preserve color and scent without leaving any residue on surfaces.
DIY with Boughs, Berries, and Bows
Working with natural materials doesn’t have to be complicated. A few cut boughs, some berries, and a bit of ribbon can create something striking and personal.
Try layering evergreens along a mantel or windowsill, mixing textures like spruce, juniper, and eucalyptus. Add clusters of winterberry or red dogwood for color, and finish with a simple velvet or burlap ribbon for warmth.
For centerpieces, start with a base of fresh greens and weave in accents from your garden, like dried hydrangea heads, pinecones, or even seed pods from summer perennials. These small, handmade touches bring a sense of authenticity that mass-produced décor can’t replicate.
If you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, stop by Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale or Carpentersville. Our team can help you choose the right greens and accents for your DIY projects or even bundle materials so you can create your own custom pieces at home.
Combining Fresh Plants with Artificial Décor for Balance
Not every element in holiday decorating needs to be living. Combining fresh greens with artificial pieces offers both longevity and ease. Artificial garlands or trees provide structure and stability, while natural greens add realism, scent, and movement.
This can be as simple as tucking small branches of real cedar or pine into artificial wreaths or centerpieces to bring them to life. This approach reduces waste, extends the décor’s lifespan, and keeps the home filled with that unmistakable natural fragrance without needing to replace large arrangements frequently.
Creative Ways to Decorate Houseplants for the Holidays
Even everyday houseplants can join the celebration. A Norfolk Island pine can stand in for a tabletop tree with a few lightweight ornaments or a string of fairy lights. Larger indoor plants, like ficus or dracaena, can be dressed with subtle touches like a few metallic ornaments hung from the branches, or decorative moss at the base to cover the soil.
For a softer look, weave battery-operated LED micro-lights through the leaves of trailing plants like pothos or ivy. The gentle glow highlights their form without harming the foliage. These small details bring the season’s spirit into everyday greenery, blurring the line between décor and living art.
Using Plants as Thoughtful Gifts
These same arrangements you use as decor to add texture and a sense of life to your home also make wonderful gifts. Unlike cut flowers, living plants grow and evolve, reminding the recipient of the giver long after the wrapping paper is gone. A simple poinsettia wrapped in natural burlap, or a white amaryllis bulb in a ceramic pot, carries an elegance that adds a personal touch.
The Best Holiday Plants to Give as Gifts
For gifts, durability and visual impact are ideal. Here are a few that never disappoint:
Poinsettias: A classic choice. These are timeless and available in a wide range of colors.
Amaryllis: Elegant and easy to ship or gift as a bulb. They add the perfect amount of elegance when in bloom.
Cyclamen: Compact, beautifully patterned leaves and long-lasting, vibrant flowers. Cyclamen thrive in cooler indoor temperatures.
Holiday Cactus: Low-maintenance and long-lasting, often passed down from one generation to the next.
In addition to individual plants, our designers craft breathtaking indoor plant combo baskets. These unique arrangements combine textures, colors, and fragrances into one living display. Each basket might include poinsettias, ferns, ivy, cyclamen, and seasonal accents like pinecones or ornaments. Designed to thrive indoors through the holidays, they make beautiful centerpieces and deeply personal gifts.
Our team creates hundreds of these Christmas Holiday Baskets each season, each one handcrafted with care in our greenhouses. For those seeking something special, we can customize a basket to suit your style, space, or gift-giving needs, bringing the warmth of fresh greenery into any home.
Sustainability and After-the-Holidays Care
Finally, the end of the holiday season doesn’t have to mean the end of your greenery’s purpose. With a few thoughtful choices, trees, boughs, and plants can continue giving back to your garden, to local ecosystems, and even to next year’s celebrations.
Recycling Your Christmas Tree Responsibly
Once the ornaments and lights are packed away, a real Christmas tree can still play a valuable role. Many Chicagoland communities offer curbside tree recycling or drop-off programs that turn trees into mulch for parks and trails. Before recycling, be sure to remove all decorations, tinsel, and stands since only clean, natural trees can be processed.
For those who prefer to repurpose at home, a tree can be placed outdoors to shelter birds and wildlife through the winter. Anchoring it near a feeder or garden bed creates a natural windbreak, and branches can later be trimmed down for mulch or compost once spring arrives.
If you have any questions, our team at Platt Hill Nursery can point you toward local tree recycling resources or help you find creative ways to reuse evergreens around your yard once the holidays wind down.
Repurposing Greenery in Compost or Mulch
Fresh garlands, wreaths, and porch pot greens can easily be repurposed after the season. Once they begin to dry, snip them into smaller sections and add them to your compost pile or garden mulch. The needles and branches break down slowly, improving soil texture and retaining moisture.
For a decorative transition, use trimmed greens to protect perennials or bulbs in garden beds during winter. Layered over the soil, they help insulate plants from temperature swings while gradually decomposing into organic matter.
If your greenery is flocked or painted, it’s best to dispose of it through normal waste channels rather than composting, as artificial coatings don’t break down naturally.
Choosing Long-Lasting Plants for Post-Holiday Enjoyment
Some holiday plants can easily transition into the new year. Norfolk Island pines, holiday cactus, and amaryllis bulbs all continue to thrive indoors with steady light and moderate watering. Poinsettias can even be kept and regrown for another holiday season with a bit of attention in spring and fall.
Combo planters and gift baskets can also be refreshed after the holidays. Simply remove any spent blooms or plants, replace ribbons or ornaments with neutral accents, and enjoy them as indoor greenery well into February and March.
Keeping plants healthy beyond the holidays not only reduces waste but extends the sense of life and color that makes winter feel less gray.
Where the Season Comes to Life
Every holiday home tells its own story. Some start with a single tree, others with a wreath, or a plant that blooms just in time for gathering. Together, they form a living backdrop to the moments that matter most with family, friends, and loved ones.
Real plants have a way of grounding all that celebration. The scent of fir on a cold morning, the first amaryllis bloom opening by the window, or the deep green of a poinsettia against candlelight.
At Platt Hill Nursery, we believe in keeping those traditions rooted in something real. Every tree, porch pot, and poinsettia is grown or chosen with care for the Midwest climate, and a visit to us is an opportunity to find inspiration, guidance, or simply a bit of calm amid the bustle of the holidays.
If it’s your first time bringing home a real tree or you’ve been coming to us for years, we’d love to help you make this season beautiful, natural, and entirely your own with confidence.
Visit us in Bloomingdale or Carpentersville to explore our full collection of fresh-cut Christmas trees, holiday plants, and seasonal greenery, or shop our Holiday Collection online for local pickup and delivery today.
