The holidays are the perfect time to make your home feel extra cozy, warm, and festive. But when it comes to decorating, I’ve found that using natural elements not only brings beauty to our space but also keeps things simple, sustainable, and full of character. There’s something magical about incorporating nature into your decorations—whether it’s the scent of fresh pine, the vibrant colors of dried fruit, or the rustic charm of cinnamon sticks.
For me, this year’s holiday décor revolves around the idea of bringing the outdoors inside. I’ve been drying orange and lemon slices to hang in the windows, using them as part of a garland for the tree, and even pairing them with sprigs of pine tied with cinnamon sticks. It’s easy to do, it’s inexpensive, and it adds such a lovely, earthy touch to our home. Here’s how I’m decorating the homestead naturally this year, and I’d love to inspire you to do the same!
Dried Citrus Slices: A Sweet and Tangy Touch
One of my favorite ways to add a pop of color and scent to our home is with dried citrus slices. I’m drying both orange and lemon slices to hang in the windows and to use in garlands for the tree. The bright, cheery colors are a wonderful contrast to the winter months, and the citrus fragrance adds a refreshing scent to the air.
How to Dry Citrus Slices:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 200°F (93°C).
2. Slice the Fruit: Cut the oranges and lemons into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake Slowly: Bake in the oven for 3-4 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—this process may take a little longer depending on the size of the slices.
5. Cool and Store: Once the slices are completely dried, let them cool. You can string them up for hanging or use them as part of a garland or wreath.
Tip: These citrus slices also look beautiful in clear glass jars or vases around the house for a simple, natural centerpiece.
Pine Sprigs and Cinnamon Sticks: The Cozy Aroma of the Season
Pine and cinnamon are two scents that instantly make me think of winter and the holidays. I’ve been gathering sprigs of pine from around the yard and tying them with cinnamon sticks to create little bundles to hang on the tree, around the house, or even in the windows. These fragrant little bundles bring a touch of nature indoors and make the whole house smell like the holidays.
How to Create Pine and Cinnamon Bundles:
1. Collect Pine Sprigs: Go outside and snip off a few small sprigs of pine (or use any evergreen branches you have access to).
2. Bundle and Tie: Gather a few sprigs together and tie them with a piece of twine or string. Then, tie a cinnamon stick onto the bundle.
3. Hang or Display: You can hang these bundles from the tree, place them in a bowl as part of a centerpiece, or even hang them from the door handles for a welcoming touch.
The beauty of this décor is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can add it to wreaths, place it around candles, or create a garland by stringing the bundles together. It adds both a rustic and festive feel to the homestead.
Natural Garland: Simple, Elegant, and Full of Charm
Garlands are another great way to bring natural beauty to your home. This year, I’m combining my dried citrus slices with the pine sprigs and cinnamon bundles to create a beautiful, fragrant garland for the tree. The great thing about natural garlands is that they can be personalized with whatever you have available, from pinecones and dried flowers to ribbons or even bits of greenery.
How to Make a Natural Garland:
1. Gather Your Materials: Collect dried citrus slices, pine sprigs, cinnamon bundles, and any other natural materials you like (such as dried flowers, cranberries, or even small wooden ornaments).
2. String Them Together: Use twine or string to thread the slices, sprigs, and other materials together, tying small knots to hold everything in place.
3. Add Extra Details: You can add ribbons, small bows, or even little bells to the garland for a touch of festive charm.
4. Hang with Love: Drape the garland on the tree, along the mantel, or across windows and doorways to spread that holiday cheer.
A Few More Natural Touches
- Pinecone Decorations: Collect pine cones from your yard or a nearby forest, and use them as part of your table settings or scattered throughout the house. You can even add a little glitter to make them sparkle or dip them in wax for a rustic look.
- Dried Flowers: Gather dried flowers from your garden and use them to create wreaths, table centerpieces, or as individual accents in vases.
- Herb Bundles: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary and sage can be tied into little bundles and hung around the house. These herbs not only look beautiful but also bring a soothing aroma to the home.
Why I Love Decorating Naturally
Decorating with natural elements brings so much warmth and simplicity to the holidays. Not only do these DIY decorations save money, but they also allow me to bring a little piece of the homestead inside, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. There’s something magical about using items from nature—whether it’s the bright citrus scent, the fresh pine aroma, or the rustic charm of cinnamon sticks—that makes the season feel more grounded and real.
It’s also a wonderful way to show appreciation for the abundance around us. Whether it’s fresh herbs, citrus, or pine from our own property, using what’s available is a way to honor the seasons and the beauty of the natural world.
How are you decorating naturally for the holidays? I’d love to hear how you’re bringing nature into your home this season. Share your ideas or tag me in your photos on social media—I’m always looking for new inspiration!
Wishing you a cozy, festive, and nature-filled holiday season from my homestead to yours! 🌿🎄
