Design 101

Nature-Inspired Christmas Decor

September 27, 2024

Decor is on everyone's mind during the winter season. It's a time of celebration, and holiday decorations are traditionally colorful, intricate, and plentiful. There's nothing wrong with following the Christmas decor tradition if that's what brings you joy during the holidays. But if you want to get back to basics this year, you can look outside for inspiration and start decorating with nature for Christmas. Give some thought to the imagery, scents, and activities that put nature on display at this time of year.

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What Is Nature-Inspired Christmas Decor?

There are several trappings of the Christmas season. Some are closely connected to the iconography and children’s stories, like Santa Claus, reindeer, elves, and snowmen. But among these commercial characters, there’s the natural element of the  holidays.

For some of the world, Christmas occurs in winter and brings to mind dreamlike snowy scenes in evergreen forests. Nature-inspired Christmas decor focuses on these natural elements. They might not be the stuff of stories, but they are still connected to the holiday season.

When you're decorating for this joyous time of year, look in your backyard, or at those pictures of snowy evergreens, for inspiration.

How To Achieve a Nature-Inspired Christmas Decor Style

You can bring nature inside to accent the warm feeling you’ve already developed inside your home. It’s also a good idea to strip back the non-natural elements of your typical Christmas decor. Set aside the glam and sparkle for this year and get back to basics this holiday season.

1. Choose a fresh pine tree or a faux look-alike

Don’t worry. No one is suggesting you get rid of your  Christmas tree — for nature-inspired Christmas decor, the tree can be the centerpiece of your style. If you get a living tree, try for a fresh pine. If you’re not anywhere near a forest or tree lot, rest assured you can get faux trees of all sizes. 

2. Hang a fresh wreath

A traditional wreath is made up of intertwined tree branches tied together in a circle. Fresh greenery is one of the best ways to invoke nature in your decor. Consider adorning your wreath with very simple decorations, like a plaid bow, ribbon, or a few pinecones. Hanging one or two simple bells or some mistletoe can also recall the season while remaining true to the natural aesthetic.

3. Stick with a neutral color scheme

Many people do up their decor for Christmas with bold reds and forest greens and string multicolored lights along their balconies and roofs. But if you're looking for something more natural, tone down the colors to add to the nature-inspired aesthetic. Neutral colors include shades of light beige, natural wood tones, light greens, and off-whites. They make a statement without overwhelming the rest of your style elements.

4. Take a minimalist approach to ornaments 

Some Christmas decor isn't strictly from nature but can tip its hat to the natural world. Ornaments might be made from natural elements, like wood, or they can feature designs of the natural world. Trees, snowflakes, and even images of outdoor activities like sledding work perfectly. You can also accent these ornaments with minimalist ball ornaments, such as small white or silver globes.

5. Incorporate natural touches in place of glitzy figurines

Many homes have a stock of Christmas figurines ready to go for a traditional put-it-all-on-display strategy. But when you’re leaning toward a more natural, rustic Christmas look, these sparkling figurines might not fit. Consider instead simple wooden or ceramic decor pieces with solid muted colors. You can also use greenery, such as branches, to decorate mantles instead of traditional accents.

6. Select an organic tablescape

The table is the star when it comes time to gather for that holiday meal. You can bring your nature-inspired decor here with a few simple adornments. A table runner in a neutral tone, along with a centerpiece made of seasonal berries, fruits, and greenery, is a reminder of coming back to the earth. If you have a wooden table, consider leaving it exposed instead of under a tablecloth.

7. Spruce up your front porch with seasonal plants

Your entryway is the gateway to your home. Add a few plants that people associate with Christmas, like poinsettias. Smaller trees and bushes nicely complement a simple door wreath. If you have furniture on your porch, consider flanking it with Christmas cactus, holly, or other seasonal greens. 

8. Layer neutral textiles

The winter holidays are a time when the sun goes down early, and people retreat to the safety and comfort of indoors. Your textiles, whether on your living room furniture or bedding, should invoke this feeling of coziness. Layer blankets, throws, and quilts, and choose colors that are consistent with the overall neutral theme.

9. Create a warm ambiance with simple candles 

One of the best feelings in the wintertime is coming out of the cold into a cozy and inviting home. Create this feeling with warm, subdued lighting, and adorn your mantle with fat pillar candles in neutral colors. You can light them in the evening when it’s time to wind down and enjoy the labors of the season. 

10. DIY evergreen scents 

There’s no denying the power of scent to set a mood. Consider a potpourri of wintery natural scents, like cedar, evergreen, or other woodsy aromas. Choosing a chemical-free, DIY recipe with natural ingredients can help you get real, soothing scents moving throughout your home.

Bring the Serenity of Nature Inside this Christmas

The winter holidays are typically a time for celebration and feelings of joy. You can stay true to this tradition while bringing in the peace and tranquility of nature. Consider stripping back a few of the commercial elements and choosing the plants and scents from the outdoors. It might prove a new source of inspiration for years to come.

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