Festive Decoration with Natural Materials

It’s that special time of year when we all want to wrap up warm or stay indoors as the festive period approaches.  For me, there is no better way of getting into the spirit of the season than decorating my home with dried flowers and fruits. Not only is festive decorating with natural materials fun for all of the family, but it conjures up the scent, flavour and colour of warmer days.

Seasonal, long-lasting flower arrangements made from dried or pressed flowers and dried fruits far outshine plastic products. They are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to mass produced decorations and allow us to celebrate this special season in a more mindful manner. No two blooms or sprigs of foliage are alike, adding a unique touch to your festive décor.

At The Petal Girl, I regularly work with dried flowers, many of which I grow and dry myself. Here are a few suggestions of what you can include for the festive season:

Strawflower Garlands

Helichrysum, also known as strawflowers, are a favourite of mine and are the stars of any dried flower arrangement. They will last for years when stored carefully. I love the way their papery petals hold an array of vibrant colours from deep burgundies to burnt oranges, soft pinks and sunny yellows. They can easily be woven into garlands as tree decorations or draped along mantelpieces and staircases, without the worry of them wilting.

Hydrangeas

If you are looking for glamorous, bigger blooms, dried hydrangeas will add volume and vintage charm to any sustainable festive décor. Their generous heads of fading soft blues, antique pinks and dusty greens, look good in dried flower wreaths, table settings or simply arranged in your favourite vase.

Dried Orange Garlands

The warm citrus scent of dried orange slices is traditionally festive for most of us. I think their translucent quality makes them glow beautifully when backlit, creating an enchanting stained-glass effect. Try threading them onto natural twine to create garlands that look stunning strung across windows or combined with cinnamon sticks and evergreen sprigs in dried flower garlands.

Honesty Seed Pods

Honesty pods are another favourite of mine as they offer an ethereal shimmer to dried flower displays with their silvery, translucent discs. They are perfect for minimalist wreaths or table centrepieces and add an elegant sparkle.

Dried Flower Baubles

I always think dried flower baubles bring a natural beauty to traditional tree decorating. They are fun to make for both adults and children. Try filling clear ornaments with tiny blooms and seed heads or cover glass, ceramic or paper baubles with dried helichrysum heads or pressed flowers to create delicate decorations that hang like nature’s jewels. 

Whether you prefer subtle touches or a home filled with natural charm, dried flowers allow you to celebrate in style. Festive decorations made from sustainable, biodegradable materials are both kinder to your home and the planet. They look beautiful now, and are sustainable well beyond the festive season.