10 Natural Ways to Decorate for Christmas

By Sherrie Le Masurier

Decorating with natural elements is not only a beautiful and fragrant way to usher in the holidays but it’s also a good way to be kind to the environment. Instead of cutting down good trees and branches, look at the Christmas season as an opportunity to be creative with fallen branches and pinecones or do local evergreens a favour by trimming them so they will remain healthy, strong and beautiful for years to come.

Here are some of my favourite ideas for using nature as part of your Christmas decor.

Orange Pomanders

Oranges, pinecones and berries on a bed of fresh evergreens make an ideal centerpiece. Carve interesting designs in the peel of the oranges and add cloves to decorate.

Photo credit: Country Living

Mason Jar Candles

Mason jars are a great base for a variety of seasonal candle projects. In this example, simply layer the bottom of the jar with the greenery of your choice and then add a handful or two of cranberries. Once you pour water into the jar, the cranberries to float to the top. Place a floating candle or tea light on top.

Photo credit: bhg.com

Alternatively, swap out the water and berries and add some rice or sugar to the bottom of the jar, top with some greenery and then add a tea light. Decorate the top of the jar with more greenery, jute, ribbon and pinecones. (To ward against fire, make sure the greenery is sufficiently kept away from the flame of the candle.)

Photo credit: nellyvintagehome.blogspot.ca

Birch Snowman

Here’s a simple way to create a seasonal decoration while making the most of a large fallen birch branch or one that had to be cut down anyway. Cut appropriate sized pieces and stack. Drill holes in the side and insert twigs for arms.

Photo credit: indeeddecor.com

Citrus Garland

Evergreens and citrus are a great combo for seasonal decorating both indoors and out. The key is to dry your orange slices out first before stringing them with your greenery.

Click here for a recipe on how best to dry oranges.

Photo credit: bucketsofburlap.blogspot.ca

Berries and Bottles

What could be simpler than a few recycled bottles and fresh branches of berries for decorating a mantle or table? Hanging tags with words like ‘Love’, ‘Peace’ and ‘Joy’ completes the look. Or, what about adding the names of family members? It would be a good way to personalize this look.

Photo credit: frenchlarkspur.blogspot.ca

Glass Tree Ornaments

Fresh greens placed inside clear glass tree ornaments are a good way to add a natural but elegant look to your Christmas tree. This type of glass ornaments is available at craft stores like Michaels. It’s a great way to use up any evergreen scraps you may have from other seasonal decor projects.

Photo credit: style-files.com

Rosemary Wreath Place Cards

In this idea, sprigs of rosemary are turned into miniature wreaths and used to decorate the holiday table.

Click here for a how-to tutorial

Photo credit: spoonforkbacon.com

Potted Saplings

Potting a few saplings in a variety of containers is a great way to bring a little greenery indoors instead of cutting it. Just don’t forget to replant them in the spring.

Photo credit: lizmarieblog.com

Branches, Pinecones and Candles

What could be simpler than a collection of birch logs, birch poles and pinecones alongside boughs of greenery and a few mason jar candles? Keeping your seasonal décor simple is often the best way to go.

Photo credit: designdininganddiapers.com