Decorating & Design
15 Unexpected Ways To Decorate With Greenery For The Holidays
Author: Wendy Jacob + Jenna Wilhelmsen
Published on December 20, 2024
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