A great way to save money this holiday season (something I think we all are trying to do!) is to use nature to decorate. I am lucky in that I live in the middle of a forest. But even if you live in the suburbs, you probably have evergreens, boxwood or holly in your yard.

I took a walk in the woods the other day with my handy garden shears and clipped some holly and pine branches. I also gathered pine cones. I brought them all inside and got to work. First I started on my fireplace mantel. I layed out some holly and pine braches along the top of the mantel. Next, I placed some new hurricane jars with pretty red candles on either end. I filled in the rest with pines cones, red ornaments, some iron birds and nests. So for just the cost of two glass hurricane jars and candles, I have a beautiful natural mantel display!


I had some holly left over, so onto my dining room. I simply layed some holly branches across the bars of the chandelier. I love the way it turned out. Other ways to decorate with nature are to fill bowls with pine cones or tie some pine boughs together with red ribbon and place over pictures and mirrors. Do you have any great decorating with nature tips? I would love to hear them!