Simple Ideas for Natural Christmas Decorations

Looking for simple, natural Christmas decorations on a budget? This year, skip the shop-bought sparkle and embrace the festive spirit with eco-friendly decor made from foraged finds.

Instead of contributing to the wave of holiday consumerism, get into the mood by making low cost recyclable decorations that won’t end up in landfill.

Foraging and crafting your own decorations is a great way of creating lasting memories and traditions for the whole family. Get the kids involved in gathering materials like pinecones and fallen branches and before you know it, your home will be filled with rustic charm.

So pop on your wellies, grab your secateurs and head out into the garden, or take a walk in your nearest woods to see what interesting bits and bobs you can find.

Where and what to collect

The garden is a great place to start when foraging for festive finds. Evergreen foliage like holly, ivy and eucalyptus will add lush, texture, while winter berries offer bright pops of colour. If you grow herbs, take small clippings of fragrant rosemary and bay to weave into wreaths, garlands or place settings. Also look for fallen twigs, birch, bark strips  and moss under trees. If you’re heading out for a woodland walk keep an eye out for pine cones and curling bits of bark at the side the path. Just remember to forage responsibly – only take a little, ensure there is plenty left behind and make sure you ask for permission before snipping anything on private property.

Combine your discoveries with pantry staples like cloves, cinnamon, and fruit to make fragrant, eco-friendly decorations.

How to decorate for Christmas with Nature

Create a Hanging branch decoration as a stunning centrepiece

Create a stunning organic focal point by suspending a branch above your table and draping it with trailing ivy, eucalyptus or holly to create a natural green canopy. Secure it to the ceiling with floristry wire and a firmly attached hook.

Display evergreen branches in a glass vase

A simple display of evergreen branches is one of the easiest ways to bring seasonal style into your home. Gather a handful of cuttings and trim them to size before arranging them in a clear glass vase. The woody aroma and organic textures will make a simple yet stunning natural decoration.

Create inviting place settings with natural elements

Tie sprigs of rosemary, thyme and bay leaves into mini bundles and arrange them on top of folded napkins. Finish with a velvet ribbon to match your table setting. Your guests will delight in these thoughtful nature-inspired details.

Create a festive garland for the mantlepiece

Adorn your fireplace mantle with a festive garland. Use spruce and fragrant eucalyptus cuttings to craft a textured green focal point. Wire the fresh-cut foliage together, then drape it along the length of your mantle. Embellish with a few sprigs of holly for a pop of colour.

Use garden twine to create hanging decorations

Gather aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with pine cones, sliced oranges and windfall crabapples. Take a length of garden twine and simply tie on the foraged materials, spacing them along the string. Hang your nature-inspired creation along the mantel or above a doorway for an effortless handmade holiday decoration.

Decorate presents with leftover cuttings

Use up any leftover cuttings to add a pretty finishing touch to parcels.

This winter, let’s get back to basics with homemade natural decorations. A walk outside for greenery, a dash of creativity, and you’ve got a home full of charm and festive warmth.

Here’s to a Christmas that’s merry, bright, and wonderfully simple.