Growing things in the garden can be enjoyed long after the growing season ends. One of my favorite ways to bring it all inside is decorating for the holidays. It takes a while to get the maturity of growth to use in some of these projects but there are many sources, some you will find here, where you can buy what you don’t have but still get the look. I planted several winterberry bushes in my back yard after being star struck by an urn filled with bunches of winterberry with a backdrop of fresh snow at a New England farmhouse. It took my breath away. So number one on the list is
1. Urns filled with birch branches, winterberry, pine cones, or any other plant in the garden or yard that yields an interesting texture to your container can be a great way to add to your holiday look. The photo below shows birch branches held upright in florists foam cut to fit tightly into the urn base surrounded by a base of moss and topped with lights and pine cones. Easy.
[easyazon-link asin=”B004NA4DME”]1 Pound Bag Assorted Real Natural Pine Cones[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B000XAQLZA”]Floracraft 2-5/8 Inch x3-1/2 Inch x7-7/8 Inch Floral Foam Blocks – 6PK/Green[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B000PULMIO”]Berry Heavy Winterberry – Ilex – Vivid – Also Bonsai![/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B001HKZE0S”]Green Earth Accents Birch Branches 3-4 Feet, Package of 18-20 – Natural[/easyazon-link]
2. Topiaries are another way to bring the green inside. In a clay pot with twinkle lights wrapped around them, they are a quick way to get the Sage Garden Style look. They can be placed behind a grouping of family pictures or moved to the buffet table for a great centerpiece accent. Another trick is to place a cone style topiary of berries with lights inside flanking the mantel of garland as shown in the picture below from one of my mantel decorations.
[easyazon-link asin=”B002G36L48″]Topiary Photo Holder/Place Card Holder (Set of Four) “As Seen in Modern Bride Aug/Sept 2008″ – Baby Shower Gifts & Wedding Favors[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B000XPZ2NM”]TWO Pre-potted 4′ Spiral Boxwood Artificial Topiary Trees. In Plastic Pot[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B000OIRIUS”]24″ Pre-Lit Cranberry Berry Double Ball Topiary Tree With Clear Lights #H89080[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B005ZI2FMS”]Lighted Grapevine Christmas Trees with Green Sequin Garland – Set of 3[/easyazon-link]
3. Swags and Garlands are widely available with simple greenery to use as a starting point. A great way to embellish them is with accents from nature. Glittery sugared fruit and flowers, faux feathers, twisted grapevine twigs, nuts, and pinecones are all great ways to add color, sparkle, and personal touches to this traditional method of decorating mantles, mirrors, and more. A little imagination goes a long way. Use a collection of antique snowmen, or anything whimsical to make it yours.
[easyazon-link asin=”B005QNP2WC”]Package of 12 Artficial Eucalyptus Greenery and Berries Floral Christmas Holiday Floral Picks[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B005T34XCO”]Package of 12-Holiday Red & Burgundy Sugared Berry Floral Picks[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B0044YPUEE”]Sugared Fruit Collection Gold Glitter Drenched Floral Christmas Craft Pick 12″[/easyazon-link]
4. Pinecones. Probably the one element that is the easiest way to infuse any decor with a natural feeling. Put them in the bowl of your taste-anything from mirror glass to murano glass-it just works. Add a little potporri to give it some interest or just leave them sitting there in all their glory. I love pinecones.
5. Natural Wreaths are the one symbolic holiday decoration that is the very essence of Sage Garden Style. It is the circle of life, celebrating the seasons, and all that they have to offer. Each unique and beautiful in its own way.
[easyazon-link asin=”0517887762″]Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”0517887762″]Great American Wreaths: The Best of Martha Stewart Living[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B001CMZBOU”]Preserved Boxwood 16 Inch Wreath[/easyazon-link]
[easyazon-link asin=”B003U6GVL8″]Melrose International 24-Inch Styrofoam, Wire and Plastic Berry Wreath[/easyazon-link]
Happy Holidays to you all!