Using Natural Elements for Cozy Christmas Decor

Looking for the charm and coziness of nature this holiday season? I’ll show you how decorating for Christmas with natural elements can create a beautiful and rustic holiday feel.

When it comes to Christmas decor, there’s a timeless and eco-friendly option that brings both beauty and sustainability to your holiday decorating.

Embracing the charm of natural elements can transform your home into a warm and inviting winter wonderland this Christmas season. In this post, I’ll share simple ideas for cozying up your living space with evergreen branches, pine cones, dried oranges, and more.

Christmas natural elements: hydrangea Christmas tree

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Santa mugs and vintage dishes and scale with greenery

Natural elements usually mean materials that come straight from nature or haven’t been changed much. These things can add a rustic and eco-friendly touch to your holiday home.

Here are some common examples of natural elements:

  • Wood: Natural wood, such as logs, branches, driftwood, and wooden boards
  • Plants and Foliage: This includes live plants, flowers, succulents, grasses, and various types of leaves and branches
  • Fruits and vegetables: Pomegranates, oranges, and cranberries make great decor for the holidays
  • Seashells: Shells collected from beaches or oceans
  • Pinecones: Pinecones are commonly used in holiday decorations, wreaths, and DIY projects
  • Reclaimed and Recycled Materials: Salvaged wood, metal, and other materials that have been repurposed
Christmas natural elements:  wooden reindeer head with cream scarf with Norfolk pine tree

Natural elements offer a rustic, organic, and warm option in a world filled with shiny, manufactured ornaments.

The simplicity of evergreen branches, pinecones, seasonal fruits, and berries brings a timeless charm to your holiday decor during the Christmas season.

Decorating with natural materials is a beautiful choice and environmentally responsible choice.

hydrangea Christmas tree near kitchen

There are many ways to add touches of nature to your home when decorating for Christmas. Here are several ideas to use in your own home.

Christmas natural elements:  green dried hydrangea in Christmas tree

Adding dried flowers to your Christmas tree is an easy way to add natural beauty to your holiday decor.

I saved my dried hydrangea bloom heads from fall to bring a unique and whimsical element to my Christmas tree. Finishing touches such as green velvet ribbon and gold and green Christmas tree ornaments were mixed in.

cream dried flower and dried oranges on flocked Christmas tree

Nature-inspired cream flowers look realistic on my flocked faux tree.

Christmas natural elements: white and mercury glass ornaments and greenery in rustic wooden dough bowl

Decorating with natural Christmas decorations brings your home a cozy and charming ambiance. Using traditional decor like evergreens and pinecones doesn’t have to cost much money.

greenery and pinecones hanging on gold Christmas bells

The vibrant greenery of fresh greens, such as evergreen branches and fresh garland, brings a refreshing touch to your holiday decor.

Pinecones help create a rustic and textured decor detail that adds depth and character to your vignettes.

Christmas natural elements: vintage ornaments in silver bowl on tray with greenery and pinecones

Whether you use natural elements in wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, or scattered throughout your home, they bring your holiday decor to life.

Even if you opt for faux trees, incorporating evergreen branches can still give your home that amazing fragrance of a live Christmas tree.


green garland with dried orange slices

One of the easiest ways to capture the magic of the holiday season is by mixing the natural beauty of dried orange slices, pomegranates, and red berries into your holiday decor.

Here are some creative ways to use dried oranges, pomegranates, and red berries in your natural holiday decorations, from wreaths to garlands.

dried oranges and greenery with pinecones

How to Use Oranges in Your Holiday Decor

Oranges and dried orange slices have a warm and citrusy fragrance that fills the air with holiday cheer.

They add vibrant color to your natural decor, making them a versatile choice for different themes and styles. Here are a few ideas on how you can use oranges during the holidays:

  • Orange Slice Garland: String dried orange slices together to create a garland for your Christmas tree or fireplace mantel.
  • Dried Orange Wreath: Use dried orange slices, either alone or combined with other natural elements like pinecones and cinnamon sticks, to create a wreath.
  • Orange Slice Ornaments: Attach strings or hooks to dried orange slices to hang them as ornaments on your tree or in windows.
  • Orange Potpourri: To make a festive potpourri, mix dried orange slices with cinnamon sticks, dried cloves, and other spices.
  • Orange Centerpiece: Arrange dried orange slices in a bowl with pine branches and candles for a charming holiday centerpiece.
  • Orange Slice Tree: Decorate small tabletop trees with dried orange slices for a charming and rustic look.
  • Citrus Pomanders: Make pomanders by studding oranges or other citrus fruit with cloves, then hang them or display them in bowls.
dried orange slices with checked ornaments and berries on tree

Whether you string them as garlands, decorate your Christmas tree with orange slice ornaments, or use them as fragrant potpourri, dried oranges create a pop of color among the fresh greenery.

Christmas natural elements:  pomegranates and nuts in bowl with greenery and pinecones

Mix Pomegranates Into Your Christmas Decor

Pomegranates are a perfect addition to your natural decorations.

Their deep red hue adds gorgeous holiday color to any arrangement. Use pomegranates as table centerpieces, wreath accents, or as part of your place settings amidst green garland.

Christmas natural elements:  red and white dishes with plaid napkin and ring with greenery and berries

Real or faux red berries are traditionally used with holiday natural decor.

From holly berries to cranberries, they add pops of red and a touch of festive charm to wreaths, garlands, and tree decorations amidst the fresh greenery.

Here are some ideas to add berries to your holiday decor:

  • Cranberry Garland: String fresh cranberries onto a thread or fishing line to create garlands for your Christmas tree, mantel, or staircase.
  • Cranberry Centerpiece: Fill a clear vase with water, add fresh cranberries, and add floating candles for a stunning and elegant centerpiece.
  • Cranberry Napkin Rings: Make napkin rings by threading cranberries onto wire or twine and wrapping them around napkins.
  • Cranberry Ornaments: Fill clear glass ornaments with cranberries for a festive touch on your Christmas tree.
  • Cranberry Mason Jar Candleholder: For rustic candleholders, place candles in mason jars and fill them with cranberries.
  • Cranberry Candle Rings: Attach cranberries to floral wire and form them into rings to place around the base of taper candles for an elegant look.
Christmas natural elements:  fresh magnolia leave wreath and dried orange slices

Create a natural wreath with fresh greenery and other natural elements for your front door or inside your home.

I used magnolia leaves and dried oranges for the wreath above.

holding my Christmas wreath I made

By creating your own wreath, you can customize it with natural accents of evergreen branches, pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, and more.

Christmas natural elements: fresh wreath with greenery and red bow

Try making an herb wreath using fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for a fragrant and culinary-inspired decoration.

Christmas natural elements: seasonal flowers, stems, and greenery in a galvanized bucket

Natural element centerpieces and table settings are a beautiful way to decorate for your holiday gatherings with a touch of rustic charm.

After buying seasonal flowers and greenery from Trader Joe’s, I put them in mason jars filled with water and placed them inside a vintage galvanized bucket.

greenery, pomegranates, dried orange slices with red poinsettia centerpiece

Incorporating pine branches, natural greenery, and other elements from the great outdoors into your table decor is one of my favorite natural Christmas decor ideas.

Christmas natural elements: pomegranates with greenery and pinecones

These natural centerpieces can be as simple as a cluster of pinecones, pomegranates, and red berries arranged in a dough bowl or ceramic bowl.

Or you can dress up your Christmas decor with a lush garland of evergreen branches wrapped with twinkling lights.

sprigs of rosemary in a mason jar

Herbs and spices aren’t just for cooking. They’re perfect for mixing with existing holiday decor. There’s nothing more warm and inviting than the fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg filling the air.

Here are some ideas to add herbs and spices when Christmas decorating:

  • Create fragrant potpourri with a mix of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or cloves to place around your home.
  • Add bundles of fresh rosemary or thyme to your table settings for a natural and fragrant centerpiece.
  • Hang dried herb bundles or spice ornaments on your Christmas tree.
  • Attach sprigs of fresh rosemary to place cards for a fragrant and festive touch at your holiday table.
  • Tie bundles of cinnamon sticks together with twine and use them as fragrant decorations on the tree or as place settings.
driftwood Christmas trees in an antique shop

Creating rustic Christmas natural decor out of wood, such as driftwood trees and wooden signs, adds a rustic touch to your holiday home.

Collect driftwood pieces of varying sizes and shapes and assemble them into charming tabletop trees. Decorate these driftwood trees with simple string lights or handmade wooden ornaments.

Christmas natural elements: dining table with plaid blankets and garland hanging over the windows

Paint holiday messages on reclaimed wood planks and hang them on your porch or around your home.

coastal Christmas tabletop tree

Mixing coastal elements like seashells and sea glass with your holiday decor adds a touch of seaside charm to your traditional holiday setting.

Incorporate coastal elements into your holiday tablescape with beach-themed centerpieces and place settings. Combining coastal and holiday motifs creates a balanced blend of relaxation and celebration.

Christmas natural elements: Christmas decorated greenhouse

Enhancing your outdoor and porch decor with natural elements is a wonderful way to extend the warmth and charm of the holiday season to the exterior of your home.

bike basket filled with natural greenery and red berries

Decorate your front porch with evergreen wreaths and garlands accented by pinecones and red berry clusters to create a welcoming and festive entryway.

Add small evergreen trees or potted plants like rosemary or holly for a touch of greenery that withstands winter weather.

Stringing twinkling lights along railings and wrapping them around branches or posts adds a magical glow to your outdoor space. You can create a cozy seating area with wooden benches and plaid throws, making it the perfect spot to sip hot cocoa and enjoy the crisp winter air.

you Cut tree farm rustic wood sign and garland with rustic bell wreath hanging on greenhouse door

By blending Christmas natural elements into your outdoor decor, you create an inviting space for your family and guests.

pomegranates, ornaments, and dried oranges with greenery on table

As you bring the beauty of nature indoors this holiday season, you’ll find that using natural elements not only adds a touch of rustic charm but also fills your home with warmth and authenticity.

Whether it’s the earthy greens of evergreen branches, the subtle spice of dried oranges, or the simplicity of pine cones, these elements create a cozy, timeless ambiance that’s truly magical.

So, as you deck the halls this year, let nature guide your decorating choices and enjoy a holiday season that feels both serene and beautifully connected to the world around you.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may enjoy this holiday post.

Until next time,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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8 Comments

  1. Kim you have such a gift for decorating with natural elements and having it all fit seamlessly with your other pieces! I love everything you do! Merry Christmas to you xx

  2. Kim, you are speaking my decorating love language! You have so many great ideas packed into the post! I love every single picture as well! Using natural and organic items to decorate is the way to go, whether they are real or faux. Thank you for your lists of ways to use all those beautiful natural elements. Merry Christmas, friend! xo

  3. Wow, what an amazing list of creative, beautiful Christmas decorating ideas, Kim! Loved seeing all the glimpses into your lovely home, too. Merry Christmas, friend!

  4. Kim this post is just chock full of beautiful eye candy and fabulous ideas! I have pinned several images that are so inspiring! Thank you so very much for adding such cozy elegance to the tour. Have a wonderful holiday season.

  5. I always get so many good ideas from you Kim! I’ve decided I need to incorporate more berries and pomegranates into my holiday decorations for color. By the way I love that cute photo of you holding that gorgeous wreath! What an amazing project!

  6. These ideas are all so beautiful, Kim! I love, love, love your hydrangea tree and how you perfectly balanced rustic and refined elements and made your home extra special this season. It’s all really pretty! Big hugs and happy holidays, CoCo

  7. I love how you’ve used so many natural elements in your Christmas decor, Kim. Your gorgeous Hydrangea tree is my absolute favorite. Hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas Season!!

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