Looking for a cozy way to spruce up your home this winter? Consider incorporating some of nature's own decorations - cuttings from trees and shrubs! By utilizing these natural elements in your home décor, you can create a unique atmosphere that will last throughout the winter season. From pine boughs to holly bushes, there are plenty of options when it comes to bringing in some natural beauty. Let's take a look at some popular choices for adding trees and shrubs to your winter decor!
Spruce up a simple store bought wreath with pine cones or cuttings from cedars or cypress trees.
Using Cones and Acorns
Pine cones and acorns can be collected all year and stored for use almost indefinitely. They are a great decorating staple that add color and texture as well as being extremely versatile - use them with your evergreen cuttings for a garland or display on their own in tall glass vases or hurricane lanterns.
Using Berries
Berries are a great way to add some festive cheer indoors during the winter season. From the traditional holly berries (Ilex vomitoria) to those of various evergreen shrubs, there are many types of berry-bearing plants to choose from. Dogwoods, oaks, viburnums and junipers are all trees and shrubs that produce attractive fruits in the winter months. The colors range from bright reds and pinks to more subtle blues and purples and can make an eye-catching addition to any holiday display. While some of these fruits may not be edible, they’ll still look beautiful when sprinkled around your home during the season. For a truly unique touch, consider using waxberries or snowberries which have a white, waxy coating that sparkles in the light. Not only will they look stunning on mantels or side tables but can also be used for making wreaths or garlands for hanging on your walls or doors. With some imagination and creativity, you’ll find that berries can be incorporated into almost any type of indoor holiday decoration!
Pomegranate Fruit
Common shrubs with berries:
Yaupon Holly
Possumhaw Holly
Dwarf Burford Holly
Indian Hawthron
Holly berries go hand in hand with the holiday season but there are other trees and shrubs with fruit this time of year.
Pomegranate
Pear
Apple
Oranges
Using Evergreen Cuttings
You don’t have to live in a pine forest to bring in winter cuttings for your decorations. There are many trees and shrubs that will work even in the far south. Using evergreen cuttings for indoor decorations is a great way to add a unique touch of holiday cheer to your home. From cedar, cypress and juniper, to holly and boxwood, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Not only do these evergreens look beautiful when incorporated into festive centerpieces or wreaths, but the aroma they bring can truly make your home feel like a winter wonderland.
When collecting cuttings from outside, make sure you bring them in before the temperatures drop too low. Exposure to frost can cause them to lose their needles and become dry and brittle. If you’re worried about bringing in any pests along with your greenery, simply spray it down with a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol or soap and water before bringing it indoors. Once inside, keep the cuttings in cool temperatures away from direct sunlight; this will help to preserve their freshness.
You don't have to limit yourself just to traditional evergreens either! Try adding magnolia leaves or branches of eucalyptus for an unexpected twist.
Evergreen Cuttings for Unique Gift Wrapping
Plants that Work Well for Cutting
Rosemary
Yaupon Holly
Cherry Laurel
Japanese Yew
Magnolia
Boxwood
Juniper
Using Tree Branches
Tree branches are also great elements that you can incorporate into your indoor decorations this winter season. Paint them white or silver and hang them on walls or use them as centerpieces on dining tables – they look especially beautiful when lit up with festive lights! Alternatively, you could even spray paint tree branches gold or silver for a more glamorous look.
Winter is an excellent time of year to get creative with your home décor by incorporating some of nature’s own decorations from your own trees and shrubs! By taking advantage of the natural beauty these plants have to offer, you can create a unique atmosphere that will last throughout the coldest months of the year. Whether it’s through bring in winter cuttings of evergreens, using pine cones around the house, or making use of tree branches in your table display– there are plenty of ways that you can make use of nature’s own decorations in order to spruce up your home this holiday season!