Pine is just the tip of the decorating iceberg.
Kritsada
Real Christmas treesaren’t the only way to incorporate festive greenery into your home this winter.
From pine garlands to fir wreaths,evergreen cuttingshave become traditional holiday decor in homes year after year.
Credit:Kritsada
Foraged or farm-bought, evergreen cuttings add rich color, traditional scents, and a fresh look to homes.
Plus, with a little help, they can stay looking and smelling fresh for months.
Dane Tashima
1.
Credit:Dane Tashima
It’s a good choice forcrafting wreathsand holiday swaths.
Or,drape a noble fir garlandaround a door frame for an easy, nature-inspired room divider.
For noble fir cuttings, spritz cut ends with water every two to three days.
With ideal care and conditions, noble fir cuttings can last six weeks.
Cedar: Mantels and Centerpieces
you could incorporate cedar into nearly every decor style because of its versatility.
Try using cedar garlands asdecor for your mantel.
Layer multiple garlands with real cedar branches to create a fuller, more authentic look.
Tuck small sprigs of berries into the garland to add color and more shape.
For an easyChristmas centerpiece, add fresh cedar to the wicker-wrapped bottles.
Credit:Kritsada
How to care for it:Soak cut cedar branches in water for a couple of hours before arranging.
For large pieces, submerge at least the cut ends in water.
This helps prevent them from drying out or losing excess needles quickly.
Mist regularly during the season.
Spraying the evergreens cones with clear acrylic will keep them from releasing pollen.
Use longleaf pine to add a touch of seasonality to every corner of the home.
For instance, in the bathroom, place fresh pine cuttings in a hand-woven vase.
Or set a lush pine garland on the top of yourkitchen cabinetsto create visual interest.
Longleaf pine cuttings are also a great option for creating a natural and full holiday centerpiece.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Toelevate candles, mold a fabric-wrapped wire around the vase and layer in greenery.
Thin fabric-wrapped wire will be easier to bend around vases than traditional florist wire.
A velvety ribbon is a polished finishing touch.
Credit:Carson Downing
Let them dry a bit before using them in crafts or placing them on display.
Marty Baldwin
5.
Boxwood: Dainty Decor Accents
Boxwood’scompact form is simple and elegant.
Use the dainty wreath to add a delicate touch of Christmas green to a sconce above afireplace mantel.
Or, swap the festive ribbon with something more neutral, and the wreath can stay up year-round.
Carson Downing
6.
Eucalyptus: Floral Arrangements and Tablescapes
Eucalyptusisn’t a greenery that is typically associated with Christmas.
The fact that it’s nontraditional makes its addition to holiday decor more interesting.
Eucalyptus comes in myriad varieties.
Here, silver dollar eucalyptus spreads across the tabletop in a festive, unfussy display.
Eucalyptus is also a great filler option for bouquets.
Gather eucalyptus,red roses,white lilies, andholly berriesto make a custom, Christmas display.
Place the bouquet in a vase to spruce up a table or give it as a gift.
How to care for it:This greenery does best kept in a vase of water.
Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth.
Change water as needed and, with attention and care, it can last up to two weeks.
Or use it on tabletops or wreaths, misting regularly.
