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15 Unexpected Ways To Decorate With Greenery For The Holidays

By Wendy Jacob + Jenna Wilhelmsen On

Using festive boughs to spruce up your space for the holidays isn’t a new concept, but there are lots of fresh ways to adapt an old tradition.

Scroll down to discover 15 unexpected ways to decorate with holiday greenery this season.

In this dining room, greenery is used to adorn a wagon-wheel pendant, while two more boughs are affixed to the sconces. Paperwhites are regular holiday staples: forced bulbs are easy to grow and they are super fragrant, for an early harbinger of spring.

  • Photographer Patrick Biller
  • Designer Colin Baird

In an all-white backdrop, the pretty tree, wreaths, and branches pop and add vibrancy and life in this newly built barn. “Evergreen boughs placed in water are long-lasting and have a festive aroma,” notes the homeowner. She hangs boxwood wreaths in front of the windows and tucks stray boughs in a gap under an armoire.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Architectural design, Andy Friesen/design consultation, Stephanie Giesbrecht

An unadorned pine wreath casually leaning against a charming iron bed in this newly built barn, tiny swags affixed to the frame and a small tree infused fragrance and accent the pure look of this space.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Architectural design, Andy Friesen/design consultation, Stephanie Giesbrecht

Dress up a platter of cookies with a spiky sprig of pine, and fill an empty vessel like this pitcher with extra branches.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Architectural design, Andy Friesen/design consultation, Stephanie Giesbrecht

Give a bathroom a fresh fragrance with an arrangement of scotch pine branches and mistletoe tied on the key.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Architectural design, Andy Friesen/design consultation, Stephanie Giesbrecht

Skip the standard poinsettia arrangement in favor of something more unstructured. In this Lion’s Bay waterside home in B.C., a feathery clutch of cedar branches can be snipped on a forest walk and are an easy way to accent a pair of vintage skis and antique blanket box.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Ami McKay of Pure Design Inc.

Floral and interior designer Cynthia Zamaria filled baskets with small evergreens and uncut boughs for a lush yet relaxed look.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Cynthia Zamaria

Create an eye-catching decoration by adding a sprig of greenery to the bottom of a clear vase. Top with candle sticks for even more impact.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Produced by Meg Crossley & Christine Hanlon

Designer Alison Milne draped greens over her collection of ornaments and objets for a classic and effortless look.

  • Photographer Donna Griffith
  • Designer Alison Milne

One wreath is never enough! Dress a wall with a variety of sizes, textures and shades of green for a dramatic holiday look that grounds your entryway.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Produced by Meg Crossley & Christine Hanlon

Designer Angela Wheeler makes a merry first impression by dressing up her foyer mirror with a lush bough. The 120-year-old reclaimed wood table is the perfect pairing.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Angela Wheeler

Don’t forget about succulents! Consider placing tall, Christmas tree-like plants in decorative bowls around the house.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Produced by Meg Crossley & Christine Hanlon

Dried clementines are a classic Christmas table accessory – plus they smell great when paired with fresh-cut greenery.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Cynthia Zamaria

Add an unexpected hit of green in your entryway by wrapping fresh foliage loosely around a lantern or sconce.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Produced by Meg Crossley & Christine Hanlon

Mix it up this year by displaying miniature evergreens on your dining table. Wrap them in burlap for a rustic vibe.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Architecture by Ginger Sorbara

Drape a staircase with lush garlands, and finish the look with bows along each loop for an extra dose of holiday glam.

  • Photographer Donna Griffith