It’s the end of fall, and winter is near. The pumpkins are soon going into the compost, and the last leaves have fallen from the trees. The color is mostly gone from the landscape. The summer flowers are long past the point of bringing those daily bouquets into the house. It's sad, I know, but here comes winter, ready or not!

I don’t know about you, but for myself, natural winter decor can have me thinking harder than usual. The winter season just isn’t quite as abundant as the other times of the year, and so it requires some extra creativity and planning. The good news is that God’s creation still has a lot to offer for winter decor, even naturally!

Today, we will be talking about how and where to forage winter decorations for your home. Foraging in the winter will give you access to items you can use to make your own natural decor. From leaves to branches to berries, foraged items will add a special touch to your holiday season and allow you to say goodbye to expensive store-bought decor for good!

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What is Foraging?

Can you think of all the items you might find when out on a nature walk? Foraging is the process of gathering items from nature. Berries, herbs, nuts, leaves, and branches are just a few of the most common items that you might come across.

In the wintertime, collecting natural elements can play a large role in seasonal decor. Because winter has colder temperatures, shorter days, and less sunlight, we tend to grow fewer crops at this time of year. However, winter foraging gives us the opportunity to make the most of the items that thrive and remain during this season.

There are plenty of items in nature that are available to forage and use to make winter decorations for your home. Many traditional Christmas decorations are actually inspired by items that can be gathered outside, including pine branches and holly plants.

Any time you set out to forage, always remember to respect the land and only forage where you have permission. The best place to start is your own garden and property. If venturing outside of there, be sure to check the local rules and regulations to see if there are any limits you need to be aware of.

Why Forage for Winter Decor

Here are some of the top reasons why we love using foraged items to make our own winter decorations for the home. 

• Affordable: Foraged items are free, allowing you to make DIY decor without having to spend a fortune. If you are decorating for winter on a budget, using items from nature is the way to go!

• Less wasteful: Store-bought items are often made with a lot of plastic and junk that is not good for God's green earth. Using natural items is a better alternative as it allows us to make the most of what God has given us, while also reducing waste.

• Inspired by Nature: There’s something so incredibly special about gathering and using materials from the current season. It helps me appreciate the changing of the seasons and the beauty that comes with each one.  
• Fun activity: Both the foraging process and the act of making your decorations can be loads of fun for the whole family. You get to enjoy the gift of quality time while also using your creativity to celebrate the season.

The Best Winter Decorations for Home to Forage

From pine cones to holly to rose hips and more, there are so many foraged items that you can use to make handmade home decor. Let’s dive into all of our favorite items that we use on the farm to make winter-themed and natural Christmas decorations!

Pine Cones

Pine cones come from pine trees and range in size and shape. They are responsible for holding seeds until they are ready to be released, and you can find these underneath mature pines. You can place them in centerpieces or decorative bowls, or use them as accents when making Christmas ornaments, garlands, or wreaths.

Holly

Known for its beautiful green leaves and bright red berries, the holly plant is a classic symbol of the holiday season. Holly plants can be grown in your garden or foraged in shaded areas with moist soil. They are often found under tree canopies and will add both texture and color to your holiday decor. Some popular ways to use holly in homemade decor include wreaths and garlands. Grab some holly and it's time to get crafty!

Ivy

Ivy plants have dark green leaves and are another staple item for anyone decorating for winter. Because ivy plants are evergreen, they go perfectly in winter decor. When foraging for ivy plants, you can expect to find them climbing up the sides of trees in moist environments that get a lot of shade. In addition to garlands and wreaths, you can also use ivy to make eye-catching centerpieces or potted arrangements. 

Pine and Cedar Branches

Foraging fallen branches from pine and cedar trees is a great way to gather materials for your winter home decor! Pine branches have long, clustered, needle-like leaves. On the other hand, cedar branches have a softer texture and more of a flat appearance. Paired with colorful items like holly berries or dried orange slices, these branches will help make long-lasting centerpieces, wreaths, and garlands.

Another benefit of pine and cedar branches is their scent. Not only do they make beautiful winter decorations for your home, but they also bring a wonderful holiday aroma wherever they go. While pine branches tend to have a sharp, fresh scent, cedar branches have a warmer and more woodsy scent. 

Winter Herbs

Our list of items for foraging in the winter would be incomplete without winter herbs! Thyme is a perennial herb with a scent that is slightly minty. Sage is a perennial herb with soft, velvety leaves and an earthy aroma. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with a piney scent and needle-like leaves.  

All three of these herbs are popular selections for home gardens and can be grown indoors during the colder months of the year. Herb bundles are one of our favorite ways to use these herbs for home decor. These bundles can hang in different places around the house, including in windows or on knobs or hooks.

Rose Hips

Rose hips are the fruit of rose plants, and they can be harvested in early winter. They add a vibrant splash of color to contrast with the greens in wreaths, garlands, and other centerpiece arrangements. The key to getting rose hips from your own garden is not deadheading your rose bushes.

Grape Leaves and Vines for Wreath Making

The leaves and vines from grape plants are perfect for making home decor. Grape vines are long, flexible, and have a naturally twisted shape that makes them an ideal base if you are making wreaths. Grapevine cuttings can be collected in winter if grown in your garden. You can also forage for them in wooded areas. 

Dried Items from Fall

Even though the seasons are changing, we can certainly take some of our natural fall decor with us into the winter! Dried and preserved items, such as wheat, cattails, and dried flowers, are our favorite fall items to use for winter decor. Although wheat and flowers can be grown in your garden, cattails will be foraged from wetland areas. These items look best when arranged in decorative vases, then used as centerpieces or accents to the room. 

Popular Questions about Winter Decorations for the Home

What colors work well for winter decor?

Red and green are the most traditional and commonly used colors for Christmas decorations, but there are other color combinations that you can use to create a beautiful holiday ambience. Blue and silver can also be used for an elegant theme, and earthy tones can be used to achieve a more rustic and natural look.

How do I keep natural decorations fresh indoors?

To keep natural decorations fresh indoors, keep them in a cool location and avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Evergreen plants should be misted every few days to stay fresh.

How do I store my winter decorations after the season?

Decorations made from natural materials can be wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place if you want to preserve and save them for future use. However, remember that only dried decorations should be saved. Anything fresh will rot in storage.

Embrace Winter with Foraged Items

Foraged items can be used to create beautiful winter decorations for your home and help you celebrate the holiday season. Foraging in the winter and seeing just how many items there are reminds me that there is still so much to take in, appreciate, and enjoy — even in seasons that might not seem as abundant as others. As you start decorating for winter, it will be helpful to keep track of all the items you have foraged. 

Winter does not need to be all gloom if we keep it in season, November through January, and embrace everything that God has offered to us during these cold winter months. It's time to cozy up by the fire, enjoy crafting with our foraged treasures, and snuggle up with a good 'ole cup of tea!

If you would love more crafty ideas for making handmade gifts, make sure to download our Handmade Christmas E-book here - free from Thanksgiving until Christmas!

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