Sick of spending $8 on a CVS roll of wrapping paper? Or $80 decorating your mantel? If you’re crafty, you don’t need to. Here’s how to use nature’s God-given winter bounty to make your Christmas decor just as festive for a quarter of the price!
Natural gift wrap
This sweet parcel is literally begging to be opened. Wrap gifts with kraft paper (or even a paper bag from Trader Joe’s turned inside out) and then loosely envelope with twine. Finish with eucalyptus and a heartfelt sentiment.
A brown bag never looked so chic. Adorn a lunch sack with a thoughtful festive saying using rubber stamps (or hand letter in an inviting font with this guide). Use a hole punch and seal off center with any rough-hewn bits you have on hand and a bit of green or a sprig of berries for color.
Garlands
Majestic magnolia trees lend their bounty to this holiday table. Tie together fallen leaves and those straight from the tree for contrast to create this lush focal point that cascades towards the floor. Simple white pillar candles add the perfect finishing touch.
Dainty pinecones dance across thin wire for this winter look. Collect pinecones from your yard or park and coat (or even spray) with metallic silver paint. Floral wire suspends these beauties from a heavier piece of wire, lending a touch of winter whimsy to any drab white spot.
Place cards
The smallest personal touches can make the most lasting impressions. Welcome your guests to the holiday table with hand lettered place cards threaded with a single branch of fragrant rosemary.
Ornaments
Young and old can join together to fashion these traditional salt dough ornaments with a nod to mother nature. Gather evergreen leaves on a crisp morning walk and then work together in the kitchen to make the dough and press your pickings in as the final touch.
Ball ornaments from yesteryear morph into serene and calming beacons to stud your natural themed tree. Smartly encase orbs with narrow ribbons of tactile materials such as linen or burlap and top with a simple decorative pearl and twine for hanging.
Advent calendar
This bewitching advent calendar is as easy as pie to pull off. Fashion small parcels from brown paper bags and cap with a dainty bit of evergreen and a hang-tag stamped with corresponding numbers.
Wreath
The key to this rustic wreath is to keep it from looking too perfect. Gather twigs and bits of bramble to wrap into wreath form and trim with accents of unusual greenery or dried fruit. A jauntily hung spray of pinecones and acorns adds an unexpected touch.
Home accents
Bring the outdoors inside with this simple bit of decor. Pile up a bundle of wood that fits your chosen space and wrap with an oversize natural looking ribbon wrapped into a festive bow. Elevate the drama with a bough or two of greenery tucked to one side.
Even dining chairs deserve a little holiday magic. This look is chock full of a variety of winter greenery and pinecones hung in a swag and it all adds up to a stunning setting for memorable holiday meals.
These endearing reindeer will warm even the chilliest hearts and are a super simple winter craft. Seek out bits of twig and natural branches that “call out” as bodies and antlers and finish with restrained adornments for eyes and a nose.
Instantly warm any nook with leaf-wrapped pillar candles cinched with gauzy ribbon—an elegant statement without being too fussy.
Upcycled decor
A flea-market (or vintage) gem takes on new life in the powder room in this winter display. A sled is perfect for shelf space, but snow shoes or other winter tidbits can lend a similar vibe. Don’t overthink it. A “Charlie Brown” branch, some twine and a single ornament complete the look.
Set the stage for cozy gatherings with a found wooden box or tray overflowing with greenery, natural elements and candles. A bit of well-planned foraging and presto — your very own slice of winter wonderland.
And today we celebrate...