Do you have a love/hate relationship with holiday decorating? Torn between the joy of a beautifully adorned home and the dread of buying new? Or maybe you’re simply looking to shake things up this year. If so, look no further than your own backyard. Nature offers a treasure trove of seasonal décor options that are not only budget-friendly, but also uniquely charming.

THINK OUTSIDE THE PUMPKIN

When nature offers so many unique alternatives, you don’t need to limit your fall décor to pumpkins. Got an acorn abundance out back? Fill a clear decorative container with acorns and fairy lights for a warm, subtle ambiance (be sure to use LED lights, as they won’t pose a fire hazard). For a rustic touch, string pinecones with twine to create a natural garland. Small tree branches, particularly those with interesting shapes, can be arranged in an urn or container for a striking, seasonal display. A festive twist? Spray-paint the branches in autumn hues and add a bow for extra flair.

Pampas grass flumes are another graceful, elegant addition. Whether standing alone in a tall vase or added to a floral arrangement, they bring a touch of nature indoors. If you’re using your own pampas grass, a bit of preparation is required. Cut the plumes while wearing gloves, tie the stems, and hang them upside down for about two weeks to dry. Once dried, fluff them by shaking the dried flowers or blow-drying them, then set the plumes in place with hairspray. Place them in natural sunlight for a day or two to lock in the style, and they’re ready to last all season.

If you have a hydrangea bush, you’re in luck, as they dry beautifully and make stunning displays. And if you’re fortunate enough to have eucalyptus, bringing some indoors not only adds visual appeal, but also fills your home with an amazing aroma.

NATURE’S BOUNTY

Magnolia leaves, boxwood branches, holly berries, and even fruits can be used to craft beautiful wreaths, sprays, and swags for doors, mantels, and pretty much anywhere. Before bringing them inside, be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly. To enhance your home’s curb appeal, create a swag using branches from your backyard pine or magnolia leaves for your windowsill, anchoring it with a sliced pomegranate in the center. This natural statement piece not only looks beautiful, but also adds a delightful fragrance to your home. The average pomegranate will usually dry out beautifully, but its lifespan once displayed is approximately two weeks.

Dried fruits are another wonderful way to decorate for the season. To create your own, slice oranges or lemons into ¼-inch rounds, place them on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and back at 200 degrees for approximately three hours, flipping every 45 minutes. Once cooled, string them together to make a garland, or hang them in a window as a suncatcher. Apples can also be dehydrated and used as tree ornaments, in a swag, or on a garland. Cut them lengthwise from stem to core, dip them in lemon juice to prevent browning, and bake at 200 degrees for about three and a half hours. After cooling, use them in a variety of festive arrangements alongside bay leaves, dried figs, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, and other seasonal accents to enhance the festive aroma and visual appeal.

INSPIRATION – A STEP BACK IN TIME

For even more ideas on naturalistic holiday decorations or to find inspiration rooted in historical charm, consider visiting one of the many historic home tours offered throughout North Carolina. The Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour in Raleigh, happening December 14-15, is a wonderful opportunity. For tickets and information, visit historicoakwood.org/historic-oakwood-candlelight-tour.

This holiday season, let nature inspire your décor. With a little creativity, you can bring the warmth and charm of the outdoors inside, making your home a cozy retreat for family and friends.