By Olivia Lidbury Entertainment 02.11.2023

7 Ways to Forage for Natural (And Free) Christmas Decorations

Head outdoors to gather garlands, wreaths, and berry-filled arrangements.

‘Tis finally the season – and it’s time to reach for the Christmas decorations once more. But why stop at a tree? Every corner of the home is ripe for a little ornamentation come December 1, from a bowl of pine cones on a hallway console, to branches on a bedside. And the best news is that you can load up for free by heading out to nature (though always be sure to do so sustainably, by making sure you never pull up roots and source from plentiful supplies).

Top tip: If you’re foraging for greenery, shake out your finds and then let them acclimatise for a couple of days before bringing them inside – that way any bugs can crawl safely away. Here are some ideas to get you on your way.

1. Play with ivy

Start simple and weave some ivy around a pair of candles on a mantel – it’s remarkable how impactful the result can be. Add berries and twigs for more depth, and enjoy the rustic look.

2. Make a wreath

If you’re new to making arrangements, let the ideals of perfection go. The best thing about working with foraged greenery such as holly and ivy is that their textures and shapes do all the hard work for you. You’ll need a ring as a base, which you can make from willow, and some wire. Look up a YouTube tutorial if you need some guidance. Have fun adding layers and if you’re feeling fancy, top with a big velvet bow.

3. Bag a big branch

A long, strong and spindly branch should be top of your Christmas forage wish list. Why? Because you can hang it from a ceiling, laden with greenery; wrap twinkly fairy lights around it from a vase; or as is the case here, use it as a charming advent branch, with small fabric pouches for each of the 12 days of Christmas.

4. Go global

Once you’ve mastered the base of a wreath, double up to create an orb shape for added volume. This one has been layered up with cotton-like old man’s beard, a wonderfully whimsical type of clematis. Suspend from a focal point in a room for a spirited alternative to mistletoe.

5. Get planting

As in, make a moment out of those spring bulbs. Reach for empty plant plots or urns, and create a centrepiece loaded with moss, pine cones and berries. For minimum effort and expense, this one delivers maximum impact.

6. Those extra touches

A sprig of something green tucked into a twine-wrapped gift looks chic, napkin holder or place-setting. These petite rings are simply fashioned out of rosemary, making use of excess herbs while giving off an unmistakably festive scent.

7. Get spriggy

If you’re not remotely green-fingered and all of the above sounds a little too ambitious, go for the foolproof option. Sprigs of foliage – whether that’s excess branches from your tree – or foraged cypress, look good layered abundantly on a table, or adorning a mantel.