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Christmas Greenery
Hello! 
I'm looking for some advice on greenery cuttings for Christmas decorating. My partner and I are spending our first Christmas in our new home, which is a lovely Victorian country house. In keeping with the house I'm wanting to use a lot more fresh greenery, keep the decorations very natural.
What sort of plants would be traditionally/historically used to decorate for Christmas? Things like holly and ivy I can get easily in the garden. But I'm happy to source other things to bring in.
Thank you for your help in advance!
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Hi greggdom - lovely idea. There is something quite special about bringing nature indoors - I always think of it as 'seasonal decor' rather than Christmas decorations, which appeals to my sense of celebrating the season without being cheesy or religious. Traditionally, however, types of greenery are supposed to be symbolic of religious figures or items e.g. crown of thorns.
You can use trees, or just some sprigs, of pine, fir or spruce - and most of these smell amazing too. To boost those green smells - use essential oils or candles to complement. Don't forget mistletoe and pine cones but for colour try ilex (red berries).
A word of health and safety though - be careful if you have pets or little people as most berries are very toxic.
Have fun - and enjoy! Post some pictures on here for us to let us know what you went with.
Things that might help are a reel of soft florist's wire, blocks of 'oasis', to keep things fresh, gold or silver spray paint, artificial berries,as holly berries tend to fall off in time and are never just where you need them for good effect.
I also have an old house and have built up a collection of stuff over the years : some pretty baskets and containers to fit in them, such as plant pot saucers with oasis wired on, and candle cups for including decorative candles (but safer not to light them!).
I have a woven willow wreath for the front door. I wire on two small blocks of oasis, soaked and then wrapped in cling film so it stays damp longer, at top and bottom and then add bits of greenery until it looks right.
I use anything evergreen that is available in the garden, sprigs of conifers, hebes and I have both plain green and variegated hollies and ivies to choose from. I use dogwood stems for added colour, or you can use a bunch of twigs with tiny baubles as a festive 'tree'. I fill bowls and other suitable containers with arrangementsmade according to available materials and the effect I want for a particular place. As I like a bit of glitz at Christmas, I add in some artificial bits anfd pieces for extra impact, but I still like a natural feel overall.
Other things you can use are dried seedheads, pine and fir & larch cones and walnuts. You can have a muted palette if you choose to leave them au naturel, but some of mine are sprayed a soft gold.
If you want more colour you could use red or white spray carnations, ribbon bows, baubles wired to a length of twig. I cheat and use artificial flowers too, tiny poinsettias and Christmas roses. I must add that I am not a florist, just enjoy making things!
Mistletoe - don't forget the mistletoe, probably the most essential piece of greenery for lovers of all ages. Never too old!
We collect pine cones - the bigger the better and with the children we used to spray them gold or silver, but using them naturally is just as effective, especially in a candle display, under or on the Christmas tree, in a garland or around the mantlepiece if you have one.
Butcher's broom is another favourite from bygone days and we still include it in our display. Dried honesty makes a nice addition to the green theme. All in all I think AuntyRach has more or less covered the main items.
allium seed heads make great star decorations, either sprayed or natural and especially A.Christophii which can be huge. I also keep honesty and teasel to mix with the holly and fir to give a bit of depth and brightness to the decorations.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
It's not greenery but I cut branches from a contorted hazel and hang tiny decorations on them.
Pictures! Pictures! We want pictures!!!
They all sound delightful.
Last edited: 17 November 2017 08:05:12
Can't oblige I'm afraid.
Enjoy making them and looking at them, but it has honestly never occurred to me to take pics of them.
Guess it's cos I'm not in the selfie generation!
Having the Grandaughter during Christmas hols, I have to get inventive. So I collected cones when they fell, and bought some mini terracotta pots from garden centre about 35p each and experimented. I look forward to her visits and getting inventive with the glue gun. She loves all things arts and craft and it gets us in the Christmas spirit.
Super idea Kathie
Yes, they are delightful, so inventive and something that most people can manage to do with their children/grandchildren. I saw something similar for sale at our Church Christmas fair a year or two ago - I supplied the cones and a friend made them up using terracotta pots.
I don't have pictures of my creations either, but will take pictures this Christmas for future showings.