I often underestimate nature when I start decorating for the holidays. I get sidetracked by glitz and glimmer, and so when the next year comes around and the glamour theme has changed, I feel like my decor is outdated and I start down a new rabbit trail. Not to mention, I quickly run out of places to store it because I tell myself, "I spent all this money, so I don't want to get rid of it." It can get a little frustrating and exhausting.
And then, lo and behold, I heard someone
(I don't remember who it was or I would give them credit!) recommend using an article from nature in every room in the house when you decorate.
It automatically makes you come alive when there is even an illusion of nature and living things. And since I have natural decor already, I can spruce it up for the holidays and keep it classic. So much easier.
(Side note: Faux nature counts, so don't be hating on silk flowers, lifelike evergreens and scented potpourri just because I didn't pick them out of my backyard. They stay pretty for.ev.er.)
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Love me some scented candles on a woven tray. Christmas
is in the air. |
Now, I am not going to say I haven't purchased anything new, because that would make me a horrible liar- LOL!. But, I AM getting really intentional about incorporating nature and not starting completely over every year with a new theme. My husband has converted me to upcycling whenever possible and that gets my creative juices practically overflowing. Another cool thing I am getting brave about is
mixing styles. I love modern farmhouse, but I also love peacocks. Modern farmhouse is very neutral. Peacocks are bright with jewel tones. I wouldn't have thought that my flashy peacock ornaments would work with my new love of simple and rustic, but kudos to my sister for saying to try it- because when I look at my peacock inspired Christmas tree in the middle of my white, ivory, and gray living room, it truly rises up to meet me!
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| The tree is all decked out and winter throws in place for getting cozy on Christmas morning. |
So I challenged myself to see if I could tie together kitchen, dining room, living room and entryway with something from nature while at the same time being holiday festive and I landed on... PINE CONES. Stay with me now. I have proof that it works! I have posted some photos of my PCL
(pine cone love... I just made it a thing). Just so you know, photography is not my expertise,
(how DO you photograph a mirror anyway?), but if I waited until I learned everything about photography, then I would never take risks by inserting pictures in a post! Without further ado, are you ready to play
"I Spy the Pine Cones"?!
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My upcycled white door is always there, but
add a rustic sign, snowflakes, and a throw, and
it is winterized! |
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| Entryway- doesn't have to be fancy to be welcoming. |
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Love this windmill Mike picked up at an auction!
All I had to do was top the crate with some festive greenery
and faux snow balls- let's go! |
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This was an old wreath that had seen better days with cracked ornaments I found
in the garage when we moved. I just glued some cotton picks
I had in another display with some lights and and a new bow and it's back in the game now! |
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My favorite accessory in the kitchen is this scale. Never underestimate the power
of fresh cranberries to inject some holiday spirit anywhere you have a container to hold them. |
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| For the first time, I have room for a kitchen tree- yay! |
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More is not always better, you know.
One big bowl on the coffee table is easier to style than a bunch of little knick-knacks. |
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This view calms me like nothing else. The magnolia wreath is always there, but
I stuck a few evergreen picks and pine cones in between the leaves so it looks Christmas-y
without buying a new one. |
I am in no way a professional decorator, but I thrive on creating environments with purpose. Letting nature take its course in decorating for Christmas has taken me to a new level of peace and joy this season.
(Remember that "what makes you come alive" thing?) I hope you can grab hold of the fact that you don't have to be perfect or a professional in whatever you value to be inspired. And
it is not self-promoting to share inspiration. The world needs people like you adding to its beauty, not taking away from it. Sometimes I wonder...
what if the people that have inspired me had decided they weren't good enough to have a voice? I have drawn huge amounts of encouragement and wisdom that improved my life from the most surprising people and places. I am glad they didn't allow self-doubt or fear of the opinions of others keep them from sharing! We all benefit from dispensing ideas, opportunities, and life-giving experiences along this journey. I wish you a blessed time preparing for Christmas as well as an extra measure of inspiration. Remember,
you create the joy that makes your life better!
