Natural Attraction
Go on a little scavenger hunt to round out your holiday decorating. Pinecones, branches and greenery are on the list!
When it comes to easy holiday decorations, look no further than Mother Nature. Pinecones, branches and a few snips from an evergreen tree all help set a festive tone. Lindsea Dragomir loves foraging on her 10-acre property. She also keeps an eye out for natural bounty, such as branches and tumbleweeds, on the side of the road—but know local laws before taking or cutting anything. Another option: Check with an area forest service about a foraging permit, Lindsea suggests.
Once you have your haul, keep it in a cool place (at least for greenery) until it's time to decorate. Here are ideas—from Lindsea and others—using natural elements.
BRANCHING OUT. A dried branch Lindsea and her husband found on a walk around their property serves as artwork. It holds some of Lindsea's favorite ornaments—spun cotton icicles, gold twisted-wire icicles, pinecones and mercury glass beaded garlands.
GREEN SCENE. A simple sprig in a white vase sets off a mellow vignette. Lindsea's tip: Keep extra greens on hand, stored in a cool place, so you can refresh displays or use them to adorn packages. She also mists droopy greens to perk them up.
WINGING IT. Stage an outdoor scene with paint-dipped pinecones and bird ornaments that seem to be nesting in drawers. Botanical wallpaper serves as a perfect backdrop.
GET CRAFTY. Make your own decorations from pinecones, shells and baubles.
INTO THE WOODS. A simple twig wreath is a refreshing change of pace. It's down to earth and not overdone. Embellish with greenery, but leave plenty of the twig base exposed. Lindsea tucked in olive branches for a little surprise.
COZY CORNER. Mistletoe and sleigh bells dangle from antlers above a well-worn leather chair. A sparse tree adds height and another focal point.
CIRCLE IT. Pinecones are a welcome addition to any holiday decor. Scatter a handful around a bowl to form a makeshift wreath, as Lindsea did—or just pile them in a bowl.
FROZEN ASSETS. If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, take your decorating outside. Make ice ornaments, embedding with leaves, berries and string before freezing. Hang from a tree branch, ideally near a window so you can enjoy the icy creations.
RESOURCES Follow Lindsea Dragomir on Instagram.
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