Holiday Cheer Inside: Decorating with Seasonal Plants, Fresh Greens, and DIY Festive Touches

Decorating Inside for Christmas and the Holiday Season

Ah, the holiday season—a time to turn your home into a cozy, twinkling wonderland. Whether you go full-on Clark Griswold or prefer a more subtle, rustic vibe, holiday decorating is all about creating a warm and welcoming space. If you’re ready to deck the halls (and living room, and kitchen, and every other room), here’s everything you need to know about holiday plants, greenery, lighting, and DIY touches that add sparkle without emptying your wallet!

 

Holiday Plants: A Festive Garden for Indoors

What says holiday cheer more than a few seasonal plants? Not only do they add a touch of natural beauty, but they can also bring a delightful fragrance to your home.

1. Poinsettias

• Care Tips: Keep poinsettias in bright, indirect light and away from drafts. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but don’t let them sit in waterlogged soil.
• Pros: Vibrant colours that scream holiday spirit!
• Cons: They can be finicky and aren’t always pet-friendly, so keep them out of reach if you have curious fur friends.

2. Christmas Cactus

• Care Tips: These tropical beauties thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and like to be watered thoroughly, but only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Pros: Low maintenance, easy to find, and they often bloom in pink, red, and white.
• Cons: They don’t enjoy being moved around once they start blooming, so pick a spot and stick with it.

3. Amaryllis

• Care Tips: Keep in a bright, sunny spot and water sparingly at first, then increase as buds appear. After they bloom, keep the soil slightly damp.
• Pros: Stunning, large blooms that add drama to any room.
• Cons: Blooms only last a few weeks, so they’re more of a short-term showstopper.

4. Norfolk Island Pine

• Care Tips: This mini tree loves bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil.
• Pros: Perfect for a small space or as an alternative to a full-size Christmas tree.
• Cons: It’s a houseplant that needs care year-round, so consider it a long-term commitment.

 

Fresh Evergreens: Real or Faux?

Nothing beats the look and smell of fresh greenery for the holidays. But before you decide to go full-on live evergreen, keep these things in mind:

Fresh Evergreen Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Fragrance: Fresh evergreens fill your home with a forest-fresh scent.
• Natural Beauty: Real greenery has a texture and feel that’s hard to replicate.
• Cons:
• Maintenance: Fresh greens require regular misting to stay fresh and can shed needles.
• Limited Lifespan: Even with the best care, fresh greenery will eventually dry out.

Tips for Keeping Fresh Greenery Lasting Longer

• Mist Regularly: Fresh greens love a spritz of water every day or two.
• Keep Cool: Display them away from heat sources to prevent drying.
• Soak in Water: Before decorating, soak your greenery in water overnight to hydrate.

Faux Real-Touch Greenery

• Benefits: Today’s faux greens can look incredibly realistic and are reusable, making them a more eco-friendly option over time.
• Care: Give them a gentle dusting before each season, and they’re ready to go!

 

Lighting Up the Holiday Spirit

Twinkle lights are the final touch that brings your holiday decor to life. Here’s how to work with lighting:

• Fairy Lights: Small, battery-operated fairy lights can be tucked into garlands, wreaths, or around your favourite holiday plants. These work especially well on mantels or wrapped around a tabletop tree.
• LED Candles: If you’re a fan of candlelight but want a safer option, battery-operated LED candles provide a warm glow without the worry.
• String Lights: White or coloured, these are a classic for the tree, but you can also drape them along banisters, windows, and bookshelves for a bit of holiday sparkle.

 

DIY, Repurposed, and Thrift Items for Unique Holiday Decor

Let’s add some personality to your holiday decor with DIY projects, repurposed items, and thrifted treasures. Some ideas are:

1. Ornament Display: Fill a thrifted glass vase with vintage or colourful ornaments for an easy, festive centrepiece.
2. Upcycled Wreaths: Use an old wire hanger as a base and wrap it with fresh greenery, fabric scraps, or even leftover ornaments.
3. Pinecone Projects: Gather pine cones from outside, give them a light spray of gold or silver paint, and use them as natural decorations for your mantle or as fillers for glass bowls.
4. Repurposed Containers: Old tins, mason jars, or teapots can be turned into mini holiday planters. Just fill with poinsettias, succulents, or small pines for instant festive cheer.
5. Tabletop Centrepieces: Place faux snow and fairy lights inside a vintage cake stand and arrange fresh sprigs of evergreen, holly, and berries on top.
6. Thrifted Holiday Finds: Head to your local thrift store for vintage holiday decor—look for things like classic nutcrackers, old sleds, or vintage glass ornaments to add charm to your decor.

 

So, there you have it, decorating for the holiday season doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By blending fresh and faux greenery, twinkling lights, and some DIY magic, you can create a warm and festive atmosphere that reflects your personal style. And don’t forget—taking care of your holiday plants and greenery will keep them looking their best all season long. Whether you’re going for elegant, rustic, or just plain over-the-top, your holiday decor can be as unique and welcoming as your own cozy corner of the world!

Happy gardening!