Christmas Decorating with Nature and Colour

Go Foraging for Festive Foliage

Wrap up warm, grab your wellies and take a stroll through your local woodland. Nature’s Christmas decorations are everywhere:



• Evergreens: Holly, ivy, and pine branches are classics. Use them to create garlands, wreaths or table centrepieces.
• Berries: Red holly berries or rose hips add pops of festive colour. Just make sure they're out of reach if you’ve got curious little ones or pets.
• Pinecones: Scatter them across your mantlepiece.
• Twigs and Branches: Arrange bare branches in a vase for a minimalist Scandi vibe, or drape them with fairy lights for extra sparkle.

Pro Tip: Foraged greenery can dry out quickly indoors, so consider misting it lightly with water or using florist foam to keep it fresh.

Please only take what you need, and don’t stray on private land.

Play with a Natural Colour Palette

Nature provides the perfect inspiration for your Christmas colour scheme. Here are some ideas to try:

• Classic Woodland: Pair deep greens with pops of red and earthy browns for a traditional and nostalgic feel.
• Frosted Forest: Blend silvery whites with icy blues and soft greys for a wintry, sophisticated look.
• Golden Glow: Use warm golds, bronzes and creams to create a cosy, candlelit atmosphere.



Colour psychology tip: Greens evoke balance and harmony, while reds bring warmth and excitement. Combine the two for a cheerful vibe.

Craft Your Own Decorations

Bring the Outdoors In

Who says fairy lights are just for trees? Use them to illuminate your natural decorations:

• Wind lights around pine branches in a vase for an eye-catching display.
• Use battery-operated lights to illuminate your garlands and wreaths.
• Add a strand of warm white lights to a bowl of pinecones for a simple yet elegant table centrepiece.

Pro tip: White light, which is cooler, is better used outdoors as it is reminiscent of snow and icicles. Warmer, cream/yellow light creates a cosy atmosphere indoors.

Incorporate Festive Scents

Christmas is as much about the smells as it is about the sights. Enhance your natural decorations with:

• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary sprigs look beautiful and smell amazing when tied to napkin rings or tucked into wreaths.
• Scented Candles: Choose fragrances like fir, cinnamon or spiced orange for an extra festive feel.
• Clove-Studded Oranges: Not only do they smell incredible, but they also make for a stunning, old-fashioned decoration.

Did you know: Because scent signals travel directly from the olfactory bulb to the brain’s emotion and memory centres, smells can trigger vivid memories and strong emotions almost instantly.

Create Cosy Colour Zones

Use colour to create distinct zones in your home:

• The Sitting Room: Opt for warm, rich tones like burgundy and gold to create a space perfect for sipping mulled wine.
• The Dining Room: Stick to a cohesive, understated palette, perhaps silvers and whites, to allow your table settings to shine.
• The Entrance Hall: Make a bold first impression with a statement wreath and bright, cheerful hues like red and green.

Decorating your home for Christmas with nature and colour is not only sustainable but also endlessly customisable, and fun. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something a bit more contemporary, incorporating natural elements allows you to create a festive atmosphere that feels personal and unique.

So, grab your wellies and your crafting supplies, and let nature inspire you.



At Home by Design specialises in creating interiors that balance timeless charm with modern sensibilities. For more decorating inspiration, contact us today.