The holidays have always been a time of year for adorning our homes with nature. There is something so inviting and cozy about a room filled with the scent of pine, magnolia leaves dripping in wax, and greenery of all kinds tucked in every corner. Natural Christmas decorations breathe life into a home and ground us in the season. There is also something extra special about using your own two hands to create decorations made from fresh or foraged materials. These simple pleasures are a celebration of Christmas in its most traditional sense, and a sustainable way to decorate for the holidays.
Fresh greenery and woodland wonders have an undeniable allure that their artificial counterparts can never quite match. The different textures and colors of nature, from rough bark to glossy magnolia leaves to fragrant cedar and soft moss, add dimension and visual interest to a holiday display. They also create a multisensory experience that brings warmth and familiarity to a space. The unique scent of fresh pine, or the delicate feel of velvety magnolia leaves in your hands, can evoke nostalgia and fill a home with comfort. A magnolia wreath tied by hand, a bowl of pine cones, and a few sprigs of mistletoe tucked into a centerpiece or door frame are all simple ways to bring natural beauty into the Christmas décor.
Fresh Mistletoe: A Kiss of Holiday Tradition
Nothing sets the Christmas mood more than fresh mistletoe. Sprigs of mistletoe in doorways have been a part of Christmas décor for hundreds of years. Mistletoe itself is an evergreen plant with an ancient history of symbolism surrounding peace and goodwill, as well as love and fertility. For this reason, hanging a sprig of mistletoe over a doorway is a time-honored holiday tradition that reminds us to share love and kindness during the winter months.
Mistletoe makes an excellent addition to natural Christmas décor and is a fragrant, lasting, and beautiful decoration to use indoors and outdoors during the season. The key to decorating with mistletoe is freshness. Look for mistletoe with a deep green color, bright white berries, and a pleasant, earthy scent. To keep it fresh and beautiful all season, mist it lightly every few days. Keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces and vents. Some people choose to tie their mistletoe with a satin ribbon and drape it across doorways, while others weave small sprigs into wreaths or garlands for a more romantic and rustic look.
Mistletoe can also be added to natural centerpieces or displayed on its own in small glass vases with pinecones, cedar, or pine. The round leaves and delicate berries contrast with more textured greenery, such as moss or magnolia, for a beautiful look. Used sparingly or as a statement piece, mistletoe brings the magic of Christmas into the home in an understated yet symbolic way.
The Natural Beauty of Pine Cones
Pine cones are a winter staple for a reason—they say “holiday” like nothing else. Easy to find and full of decorating potential, pine cones are a natural wonder. The warm, earthy tones of pine cones, combined with their organic shapes and subtle pine scent, make them a perfect addition to any holiday décor.
A simple bowl of pine cones on the dining table or entryway console instantly warms up a room, while a cluster of them tied with twine or ribbon makes a charming ornament. They also make great accents in wreaths, garlands, and natural centerpieces. Use them alongside cedar, pine, or magnolia cuttings to create a timeless, natural arrangement. A light dusting of faux snow or a careful spray of gold or silver glitter paint will also make them sparkle just enough for a festive occasion without overwhelming their natural charm.
If you’re looking for a classic and festive Christmas touch, fill a bowl or tray with pine cones of different sizes and place them among candles on the mantel or along a staircase garland. The combination of textures creates a layered and eye-catching look that brings rustic elegance to your holiday décor. The best part? Pine cones will last for years if stored properly, making them an eco-friendly choice you can use again and again.
Handmade Wreaths from Magnolia and Cedar
Arguably, the most beautiful way to decorate your home for Christmas is with handmade wreaths from magnolia leaves and cedar cuttings. Handmade decorations are special because of the thought and care that goes into them. When you make your own magnolia wreaths, each one tells a story—a story of creativity, skill, and appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Magnolia leaves are a beautiful base for handmade Christmas wreaths because of their rich green tops and velvety copper undersides. They also hold up well over time and look stunning when hit with candlelight or Christmas lights. Their almost metallic shine and sturdy texture make them perfect for layering and shaping into a beautiful, natural wreath. Cedar adds a classic evergreen scent that we all know and love during the holidays. Together, they make a perfect combination of magnolia for structure and elegance and cedar for softness and fragrance.
Making your own wreaths is easier than you might think. You can find grapevine or wire wreath bases at any craft store. Layer magnolia leaves in a circular pattern, overlapping them to fill out the wreath. Fill in gaps with sprigs of cedar, pine, or other evergreens for texture. You can also add pine cones, dried berries, or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. Finish with a velvet or burlap ribbon for the perfect handmade Christmas wreath that you can proudly display on your front door, mantel, or as a centerpiece above the dining room table.
A wreath made from magnolia leaves and cedar cuttings brings a fresh burst of life into your home during the long winter months. Over time, the magnolia leaves may dry and curl slightly, adding a rustic and beautiful texture that can last well into the new year. For those of us who appreciate natural beauty and elegance, magnolia and cedar wreaths are a simple yet sophisticated way to capture the true spirit of Christmas—gorgeous, fragrant, and made with love.
Festive Atmosphere with Natural Touches
Decorating with stuff you find in the woods for Christmas is about more than just the way things look—it’s about creating a feeling. Fresh greenery and handmade decorations give us a reason to craft together, reminding us of why we celebrate the season.
To create a cohesive natural theme throughout your home, think beyond just the Christmas tree. Drape cedar garlands across your mantel or wrap them around door frames for a cozy touch. Lay magnolia leaves down the center of your dining table as a lush runner, interspersed with candles and pine cones. Add sprigs of mistletoe to your chandeliers or entryways for a playful and romantic touch. You can also fill clear vases with branches, berries, and winter greenery for a simple yet stunning centerpiece.
The beauty of decorating with nature is that it is imperfect. Every pine cone is different, and every magnolia leaf is slightly different in shade and shape. This natural variation adds character and authenticity to your holiday décor and reminds us of the beauty found in nature’s diversity.
Sustainability and Simplicity in Holiday Decorating
Decorating with natural materials is also a great way to bring simplicity back into the holidays. In a season that can sometimes feel over-the-top and overdone, using local greenery and found materials is a more sustainable and earth-conscious way to celebrate the season. It also allows us to connect more deeply with the environment and appreciate the bounty of nature around us.
In fact, the tradition of gathering your own natural materials to use for holiday decorations can become part of your family’s Christmas rituals. Going on a family walk to collect pine cones, cedar branches, and magnolia leaves can be just as special as decorating the tree. These simple, mindful activities allow us to be more creative and more present during the holiday season, making it feel more personal and heartfelt.
Decorating with natural materials also biodegrades more beautifully than artificial alternatives. When the holidays are over, you can compost your mistletoe, pine cones, wreaths, and other decorations, or simply return them to the garden, and let nature take care of the rest.
Bringing It All Together
This Christmas, let nature be your inspiration. Bundle up, head outside, and see what you can find in the woods and fields near you. Bring the outdoors in and fill your home with the scent of fresh greenery and the glow of candlelight shining on magnolia leaves. Your home will not only look festively beautiful but will also feel full of the magic of Christmas.
