We are dragging a much too-large Christmas tree into the house, laughing along the way. Why do we always forget the tree barely fits through the door?

“I’ll clip a few branches off before we pull it inside” Jason and I set the tree down and he clips a few branches. Later that afternoon, I gather the branches up to toss, when the most obvious idea hits me - why don’t I just decorate with these?

Soon, I am like a squirrel storing up acorns for winter - only I’m storing acorns, birch branches, greenery, and dried grasses for Christmas decorations. You get a sprig of juniper on your gift! And you get pine cones in this pretty bowl on the coffee table! I cannot be stopped. All the dead things that linger after the frost are here to stay and somehow, there are dozens of beautiful things to store up inside if only I can see them.

Look around in, around, and outside your house for things you can forage and incorporate into your holiday decor. Keep it simple, or build on the ideas with your own! And as always, we would love to see what you create.

Dried oranges

String on twine to add to garland
Tie to gift tags or ornaments
Layer over existing garland - real or fake

Branches

Collect together in a vase; set it on your dining table, coffee table, or even in a basket or an empty pot by your front door
Use a large branch and twine to hang small pieces of greenery from at different heights. Use as a festive wall hanging
Arrange twigs or plants with berries in mason jars to add texture and color to your mantel or bookshelves

Extra greenery and dried grasses

Cut large branches and put them in a large vase for a dramatic centerpiece
Set greenery clippings near the mantel and shelves for a garland effect without having to hang large portions
Tuck dried flowers and grasses into your garland for a layered, textured look

TIPS:

1. Snag extra greenery when you get your Christmas tree. You can usually purchase extra greenery at low cost, or ask the tree farm if they are ok with you picking up pieces left behind.

2. Collect driftwoods or straight branches/sticks - you may find these around your house or on a nature walk.

3. Have any citrus fruits slowly drying in your produce drawer? Slice them up and dry them in the oven at a low and slow temperature.

4. Keep pruning shears in your car for when inspiration strikes - on a nature walk, at the park, or on the side of the road.

Including your kids in the creativity

Paint leaves
Send your kids outside with a basket to collect their favorite leaves. Put a plastic tablecloth down and give them metallic paints. Once the leaves are dried, add them to a big bowl or hang them from twine in front of a window or from a branch
String oranges onto twine
No needle required!
Arrange branches and sticks outside with greenery
They can use all their creativity and the mess can be wiped away with a quick leaf blower clean up ;)
Make pine cone potpourri
Collect pine cones, paint with mod podge glue, and sprinkle with lots of cinnamon