Celebrate the season while staying true to the spirit of the holidays—the warmth of home, the love of nature, and the joy of sharing.
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, or maybe just some lovely garlands and wreaths. While there’s no shortage of glitzy, store-bought decorations, there’s something special about adding a touch of nature to your holiday decor. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere both inside and outside of your home using natural elements and decor you can find at our garden centers or make yourself.
Holiday Decor Guide for Inside the Home
Deck the Halls with Natural Garlands
Garlands are like the holiday season’s cozy hug for your home. The natural fragrance alone will transport you to a winter wonderland. Drape these beauties along your banisters, mantel, or even weave them into your chandelier. Add a few pinecones or holly branches for an extra touch of nature’s elegance.
While live greens last about two weeks indoors, artificial greenery endures for many seasons. For those who adore the fresh scent, you can also perfume your artificial boughs with specially made evergreen scents!
Wreaths With a Twist
Wreaths aren’t just for the front door—they can grace your walls, mirrors, and windows indoors too. A handcrafted wreath using grapevine or wire as a base is a wonderful starting point. Get creative with it by adding berries, evergreen boughs, dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and maybe even a cute little bow. It’s an easy, earthy touch that elevates your decor game.
Door Swag Magic
Sure, a wreath on your front door is lovely, but what about your interior doors? Door swags are a delightful way to bring the holiday spirit inside. You can make these using pine branches, eucalyptus, and a bit of wire. Add some colorful ribbon for a festive flair, and you’ve got a charming, homemade adornment for your doors.
Holiday Table Settings
Your holiday table isn’t complete without some natural charm. Start with a simple table runner of fresh cedar branches or eucalyptus leaves. Scatter pinecones and acorns, or place a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme at each setting. It’s a delightful touch that not only looks beautiful, but also brings a lovely fragrance to your dining experience!
Pro tip: Dip the ends of freshly cut greens in warm wax to prevent messy sap mishaps on your tablecloth.
Centerpieces That Shine
Centerpieces don’t need to be extravagant to be stunning. A glass bowl filled with colorful ornaments, pinecones, and a few LED candles can create a magical focal point. Or, you can get a bit more hands-on by arranging a collection of glass vases or mason jars with winter berries, holly, and evergreen branches. Don’t forget to add some fairy lights for that extra sparkle.
The Magic of Holiday Plants
No need to limit your green thumb to the garden when you can bring some nature indoors. Poinsettias are the classic choice, but don’t forget about the vibrant blooms of the amaryllis or the Christmas cactus. Paperwhite bulbs can also be forced indoors with a wonderful scent. Place them in decorative pots, and they’ll not only add a touch of natural beauty, but also stay with you long after the holiday season.
Outdoor Holiday Decor Guide for Illinois
Wreaths for All Occasions
Front doors deserve a warm welcome, and a wreath is the perfect way to do it. Hang a holiday wreath on your door, crafted from fresh evergreen branches or a grapevine, adorned with pinecones, berries, battery operated string lights and a rustic burlap bow. But don’t stop there—adorn your garden gate or mailbox with smaller, matching wreaths to extend the festive welcome.
Garlands to Greet You
Deck your porch, railings, or windows with fresh evergreen garlands. These green beauties give your home a classic, timeless look and provide a delightful fragrance that welcomes you and your guests each time. Drape them with fairy lights for a touch of magic that twinkles through the night.
Winter Planters That Pop
Fill your planters with more than just snow—add some life with winter-hardy displays. Create a winter masterpiece with juniper, pine, fir, spruce, and cedar boughs. Mix them with dried flowers, dogwood twigs, dried willow stems, birch branches, ribbons, and bells. These displays are not only beautiful, but are low-maintenance and stay fresh in the cold temperatures outdoors in winter.
Front Porch Displays
Your front porch is your home’s first impression, so make it a good one! A few natural elements can go a long way. Start with an evergreen wreath on the door, then add some classic lanterns with LED candles for a warm and welcoming glow. Top it off with a rustic wooden sled or a vintage wagon filled with logs and pinecones for that extra dose of charm.
The beauty of using natural elements for your holiday decorations is that they’re not only visually appealing but also environmentally-friendly. It’s a way to celebrate the season while staying true to the spirit of the holidays—the warmth of home, the love of nature, and the joy of sharing.
Whether you find your inspiration at our local garden center or in your own backyard, there’s no shortage of ideas for guiding your holiday decor, both inside and outside of the home. So, go ahead, get creative, and let nature be your guide!
Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago’s premier garden center and nursery.
