6 Ways to Decorate With Plants for the Holidays

While the Christmas tree may be the most famous decorative holiday plant, there’s no reason other plants can’t share in the seasonal glory. In fact, there are actually numerous ways to use plants to decorate your home this holiday season. With a little planning and arranging, you can turn your house into a fresh and beautiful winter wonderland.

Here are six ideas for incorporating plants into your holiday decorations this year.

1. Line your hearth with poinsettias

Though they don’t get quite the widespread attention of Christmas trees, poinsettias are synonymous with the holidays in their own right. With the deep red hue and striking blooms, they can easily add holiday spirit to any room. Try grouping several along the hearth of your fireplace for an especially cozy holiday feel.

2. Wrap your potted plants in festive ribbons

Who says your own potted plants can’t dress up for the holidays? Use ribbons or wrapping paper to give your planters a seasonal boost that will help them match the rest of your festive home.

3. Create a glittering mantle

It’s common for decorators to use tinsel or greenery to line a fireplace mantel during the holidays, but don’t forget to add some height and varying textures to mix it up. Plants like orchids make a great addition to a holiday mantel display because they add height yet remain graceful. Try combining orchids with festive tinsel, candles and ornaments.

4. Start a new tradition with a Christmas cactus

Don’t have space for a Christmas tree this year? Instead, invest in a Christmas cactus that will bloom each year, right around the holidays. You can even hang light ornaments from the branches to get in the spirit even more.

5. Utilize fresh garland

Rather than buying an artificial garland that isn’t likely to hold up for more than a few seasons, invest in fresh greenery each season to decorate your home. Wrap a strand around your banister or cluster it together into a centerpiece—then breathe in deeply to enjoy that perfectly seasonal pine scent.

6. Create a display with plants and lights

Fill glass votive vases with twinkling lights to display alongside your potted plants. Or try grouping strands of lights around your potted plants on your mantel or as a centerpiece. The combination of blooms, greenery and lights will create a romantic and festive appearance that will help your home feel ready for the holidays.

Don’t be afraid to get creative or start a new decorating tradition this year. By incorporating plants in your holiday décor, you can get in the holiday spirit and still enjoy all the wonderful, natural benefits or plants in your home. Tell us how you plan to decorate with plants this holiday!