When you're not quite ready to deck the halls, but you want to add just a touch of festive cheer, how do you ease into the holiday season? I love to use fresh greenery. For less than $10 you can buy a bundle of fresh boxwood or boughs of pine, cedar or evergreen and sprinkle it throughout your house. The scent is divine and the colour adds just enough fa la la to ease you into all things Christmas. Here are four easy ideas to help ease you into the spirit of decorating for the holidays.
Group jars or vases filled with fresh greenery together on a mantle or shelf.
Gather
some vases and fill with fresh greenery for an eye-catching display. I
like to use a single palette of vessels but vary the size and style,
such as a collection of white milk glass. You can get a similar look
using clear vases that can be found at thrift stores or by upcycling jars and bottles. Display the vases or bottles on a mantle, open shelving or as a centrepiece on a holiday table. Add in some pinecones dipped in white paint and a few ornaments to complete the look.
Add an understated holiday touch to a table.
Gather
a stack of vintage books in pretty shades of green, some candles and a
few other objects such as a snow globe and a bowl of pinecones on a tray. Finish it off with a
touch of fresh greenery. Vintage books can be found at thrift stores and
antique markets. Add pieces with varying heights and texture to keep it
visually interesting.
Hang fresh greenery in unexpected places.
Tie
some fresh greenery together with floral wire to create a mini bouquet.
Add velvet ribbon and tie it to a doorknob or the handle of a cabinet.
It's a small, perhaps unexpected holiday detail, that's simple and
understated.
Embellish simple candles.
Pick up a set of
plain white candles and embellish them with sprigs of holiday greenery
tied with string. I used a little glue to help the greenery stay in
place. Take a stroll through your backyard or a park to gather up the green bits needed to create this simple but festive candle display.
There are so many ways to incorporate fresh greenery into your everyday decor to create simple holiday moments throughout your home.
*These images originally appeared in a story I photographed and wrote for The Toronto Star.
No comments
Thanks so much for your comments!