How to Add natural elements to your Christmas decor

How to Add natural elements to your Christmas decor

How to Decorate a country style home with Natural Elements for a Cosy Christmas

The English countryside is a treasure trove of inspiration for creating a cosy and inviting home during the Christmas season. This year, why not bring the beauty of nature indoors and decorate your space with natural elements? Not only is this approach timeless and sustainable, but it also perfectly complements traditional English country-style interiors. Here are some ideas to transform your home into a festive haven using the charm of the great outdoors.

1. Start with Seasonal Greenery

Nothing says Christmas quite like fresh greenery. Holly, ivy, mistletoe (if you are lucky enough to find any!), and pine boughs are staples of an English country Christmas and can be used in myriad ways:

  • Garlands: Drape garlands of ivy and pine across mantels, doorways, or along banisters for a lush, festive look. For added charm, weave in fairy lights or ribbons in traditional deep red or gold colours. 
  • Wreaths: Create or purchase a wreath made from foraged greenery. Add dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and pinecones for a rustic touch.
  • Table Decor: Use small sprigs of greenery as place settings or create a centrepiece with a mix of holly, berries, and beeswax candles.

2. Add Pops of Color with Seasonal Fruits

Incorporating fruits such as oranges, cranberries, and pomegranates adds a burst of color and a festive touch to your decor:

  • Dried Oranges: String together dried orange slices to create garlands or ornaments. Their rich orange hue pairs beautifully with greenery and complements warm, cozy interiors.
  • Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries to craft garlands or scatter them across tables for a splash of vibrant red.
  • Fruit Bowls: Fill a decorative bowl with fresh fruits, nuts, and cinnamon sticks to create an inviting and aromatic centerpiece.

3. Incorporate Natural Textures

Layering textures is key to achieving a cosy, lived-in feel. Use natural materials to enhance the warmth of your space:

  • Throws and Cushions: Drape a cosy throw from our Garden Birds collection over your sofa or armchair. Its ochre-yellow tones and botanical patterns echo the natural world, adding a cheerful yet sophisticated touch.
  • Wood Accents: Display decor on wooden trays or use rustic wooden candlesticks to evoke the charm of the countryside.
  • Baskets: Arrange firewood, blankets, or even holiday gifts in woven baskets to bring additional texture to your rooms.

4. Light It Up with Candles and Lanterns

Nothing enhances a cozy atmosphere quite like soft, flickering light. Pair natural decor with lighting to create a warm, festive glow:

  • Candle Displays: Place beeswax or soy candles amidst greenery on mantels or tables. Opt for gold or brass holders to reflect the light beautifully.
  • Lanterns: Use lanterns with LED candles to illuminate doorways, staircases, or outdoor spaces for a welcoming feel.
  • Fireplace Decor: If you have a fireplace, let it take center stage by decorating the mantel with natural elements and lighting the hearth for a quintessentially cozy scene.

5. Create DIY Natural Decorations

Embrace the spirit of the season by crafting your own decorations using foraged or sustainable materials:

  • Pinecone Ornaments: Tie ribbon around pinecones to hang them from your tree or incorporate them into garlands.
  • Cinnamon Bundles: Secure cinnamon sticks with twine and tuck them into your tree, wreaths, or gift wrapping for a festive scent.
  • Dried Floral Arrangements: Combine dried flowers, such as lavender or hydrangeas, with greenery for a unique arrangement that lasts all season.

6. Focus on the Scent of the Season

Scents are just as important as visuals when it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere. Infuse your home with the natural aromas of Christmas:

  • Simmer Pots: Fill a pot with water, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, and let it simmer gently on the stove.
  • Herbal Sachets: Place sachets filled with dried rosemary, lavender, or cedar in drawers or hang them from doorknobs.
  • Scented Candles: Opt for candles with earthy, woodsy scents like fir, cedar, or eucalyptus to complement your natural decor.

7. Pair Natural Elements with Your Decor

Our Paint and Pestle designs are perfect for tying together your natural Christmas decor with a touch of English country elegance:

  • Wallpaper Backdrops: Use our mustard yellow arts-and-crafts-inspired wallpaper as a stunning backdrop for your holiday decor. The rich tones and Tudor rose motifs provide the perfect festive contrast to natural greenery.
  • Cozy Accents: Layer our Garden Birds cushions and throws for a warm and inviting space that echoes the beauty of the countryside.
  • Kitchen Styling: Deck out your kitchen with our botanical aprons and oven gloves to bring festive cheer to your holiday baking sessions.

Final Thoughts

Decorating with natural elements is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while staying true to the timeless beauty of English country style. By incorporating greenery, fruits, and textures into your home, you can create a festive atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting. Explore our collection at Paint and Pestle to find decor pieces that perfectly complement your natural holiday theme, and enjoy the magic of a countryside Christmas.

Happy decorating!

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