There’s a growing desire to step away from the rush of Christmas—the buying, the plastic, the decorations that last only weeks before ending up in a box or a bin. It seems to me that more and more, people are turning back towards the natural world for inspiration. Or perhaps I'm in an echo chamber? It can be difficult to tell. One thing I know from my own experience though is that decorating with nature offers us an opportunity to connect with the world around us, to ground ourselves and quieten our systems, even at a time when the insatiable hunger of the capatalist machine is at it's loudest.
Dried flower wreaths, centrepieces and small decorations carry the echoes the natural world in to our homes. Shapes and tones of nature in the forms of seed heads, preserved petals and arching stems bring a dusting of magic and colour to a space. The unique character of natural materials I find to be the perfect antidote to modern life that seems to get stranger and stranger as I get older.
When you decorate with dried flowers, you’re bringing a little of that steady, grounded beauty indoors for the winter. Their longevity makes them the perfect choice for anyone wanting to celebrate Christmas in a way that feels more considered. less waste, less rush, more intention. Each piece can be brought out year after year, becoming part of your own seasonal rhythm.
When we moved in to our (then!) damp old farmhouse in December 2018 , for the first Christmas I decorated our cottage with branches of fir and mistletoe. It was a relief to replace concrete and nightlife with mud and birdsong, although quite the shock to the system at first. I began to make wreaths too, such a beautiful and natural symbol of continuity during the depths of winter.
it took me a little time to realise, but a slower Christmas doesn’t mean one made up of less joy; if anything, it can bring more. Stepping off the train of rampant consumerism, even just a little, allows us to celebrate in a way that feels considered and in touch.
Along with foraging interesting branches, pinecones and greenery to decorate your own home, perhaps you could start thinking about growing a few strawflower plants in a pot on your balcony, or in a garden bed. Come next Christmas, you'll have jewel coloured heads that you've nurtured from seed to bloom, and it really is a special feeling knowing how much a part of the process you were in creating the festive garland that hangs in your home. In the meantime, I offer the sweetest little floral chimes and blush tinsel in my favourite shades. I hope you like them!
Merry Christmas all x