As we dive into the holiday season, a refreshing trend is taking center stage in homes across the world: natural elements in holiday décor. From evergreen branches to rustic pinecones and dried orange garlands, people are gravitating toward the beauty of nature to bring warmth and simplicity to their festive spaces. If you’re looking to update your holiday décor this year, here’s why embracing natural materials is the perfect way to blend timeless elegance with eco-conscious living.
A Return to Simplicity and Tradition
With the rise of minimalist living and a focus on mindfulness, more people are seeking to create calm, soothing spaces in their homes, even during the typically bustling holiday season. Using natural elements such as wood, greenery, and seasonal fruits in your décor channels the essence of simplicity. This return to nature brings a nostalgic, traditional feel reminiscent of old-world holidays where ornaments were handmade, and materials were sourced from nearby forests or gardens.
Wreaths made of foraged pine branches, garlands created from dried fruit slices, and table centerpieces featuring sprigs of rosemary and cinnamon sticks evoke a sense of comfort and timeless charm that glitzy, artificial decorations often lack.
Sustainability Meets Festivity
Sustainability is at the forefront of many people’s minds, and the trend of using natural décor aligns perfectly with the growing desire to reduce environmental impact. By opting for natural materials, you’re not only making a statement in style but also supporting eco-friendly practices.
Instead of plastic ornaments and tinsel, think handmade decorations using biodegradable or reusable elements:
- Pinecones: Gather them from your yard or a local park to use as ornaments, garland accents, or centerpieces.
- Dried citrus fruits: String dried orange slices for a fragrant and visually striking garland that can be composted after the season.
- Evergreens and eucalyptus: Incorporate these into wreaths or garlands for a fresh, fragrant aroma in your home without needing synthetic air fresheners.
By sourcing décor elements from nature and local garden centers, you reduce the reliance on plastic-based products and contribute to a more sustainable holiday season.
Natural Décor Brings a Cozy, Organic Aesthetic
One of the biggest appeals of natural décor is the sense of coziness it brings to a space. Incorporating elements like wood, dried flowers, and greenery creates a warm, organic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with various styles, from rustic farmhouse to modern minimalism.
Natural textures soften your home and provide visual interest without overwhelming your space. For example:
- Wooden ornaments or hand-carved wooden figures add rustic charm to Christmas trees or mantels.
- Sprigs of holly or mistletoe can be tucked into wreaths, place settings, or hung in doorways for a touch of classic holiday greenery.
- Burlap ribbons paired with jute or twine create understated elegance, especially when wrapped around gifts or used to tie together garlands.
This trend celebrates the beauty in imperfections: rough bark, asymmetrical shapes, and the varying hues of dried flowers all contribute to the cozy, lived-in look that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Bringing the Outdoors In
During the colder months, many of us spend more time indoors, so it’s no surprise that there’s a growing desire to bring the outdoors inside. Natural holiday décor allows you to experience the beauty of winter landscapes from the comfort of your living room.
Bringing in evergreen boughs, holly berries, and pine branches creates a direct connection to nature. These elements are not only visually stunning but can also provide natural fragrance, filling your home with the scents of the forest—an aromatic alternative to synthetic holiday candles.
Incorporating natural materials can be as simple as:
- Evergreen garlands draped over doorways or along banisters for a fresh look that also smells like a winter wonderland.
- Wooden logs and birch bark displayed near the fireplace or as table accents.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme added to your holiday table or used in DIY wreaths.
These touches bring life to indoor spaces during the darkest days of the year and invite the beauty of nature inside.
DIY Décor and Personalization
One of the most exciting aspects of using natural elements in holiday décor is the ability to get creative and make it your own. DIY projects using foraged or garden-grown materials allow you to personalize your decorations, making them truly unique.
Consider these easy DIY projects:
- Handmade wreaths: Use a wireframe and twine to create a wreath with foraged branches, berries, pinecones, or even dried flowers.
- Natural ornaments: Turn dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and even star-shaped anise into simple, fragrant ornaments for your tree.
- Nature-inspired place cards: Use small pinecones or sprigs of rosemary to create rustic place settings for your holiday table.
- Using recycled materials: Household items like paper products rolls, egg cartons and drink cartons make great elements for creating DIY crafts this holiday season.
These DIY projects not only result in beautiful décor but also make for meaningful family activities during the holiday season.
Timeless and Versatile Appeal
Natural décor never goes out of style, making it a worthwhile investment for future holiday seasons. While trends in holiday décor come and go, the appeal of evergreen branches, pinecones, and wooden accents endures year after year. Plus, these materials are highly versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with more contemporary or traditional pieces.
Pair your natural elements with a few metallic accents—like copper candleholders or gold-rimmed glassware—for an elegant twist. Or, incorporate more modern design features like geometric shapes to give your rustic materials a fresh, modern feel.
This holiday season, let nature be your guide. Embracing natural elements in your holiday décor is more than just a trend—it’s a return to simplicity, sustainability, and the enduring beauty of the world around us. Whether you’re creating a DIY pinecone garland, designing a wreath from foraged branches, or simply swapping out plastic ornaments for wooden alternatives, you’ll be crafting a festive space that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
Want some holiday DIY inspiration? Check out our Brand Ambassador, @Northwoodsfolk on Instagram.
Happy decorating and may your holiday season be as warm and inviting as the natural materials that fill your home!
