Fresh greenery is one of my favorite holiday accents. It’s a simple, natural way to make a home feel warm and festive. While I often use faux garland because it lasts and is low-maintenance, I always like to include a touch of real greenery gathered from the yard or a garden center. This year I plan to frame my kitchen window with fresh cedar garland.
Faux greenery is a smart investment if you prefer to minimize storage and fuss. Quality faux garlands can be displayed from late November through winter, are versatile, and stay timeless year after year.
I hope the photos and ideas below spark inspiration for your own holiday decorating!
If you can’t get to a store, here are a couple of garland options I like:
This fresh olive leaf and myrtle garland
This preserved boxwood garland
Find more in my Christmas Decor Shop (I rounded up many of my favorite pieces!)
I love the kitchen greenery in the top photo from Southern Living — the draping cedar garland accented with preserved oranges on pink and green ribbon is so cheerful and unexpected.
Displaying Christmas cards on a garland around a doorway is such a charming idea — it turns a practical need into a festive display.
Last year we hung a faux garland across the living room/dining room doorway and loved the impact. It’s an easy tradition to repeat.
One year we installed a preserved boxwood garland over our guest room window for a subtle festive touch. It felt fresh without being overdone.
One season we created a DIY boxwood wreath chandelier and used it to frame our doorway. It was a welcoming, festive statement that felt handmade and personal.
I especially love cedar garland tied with rope and ribbon along a stair banister for a relaxed, natural look. Adding a few ornaments brings a playful touch.
We added ornaments to the front of the garland, too, for a little sparkle and color.
Click here for more inspiration for how to decorate your stairway.
Our doodles, Jack and Lily, have always loved when we decorate with fresh greenery — they’re often caught tugging at it. The scent and texture seem irresistible to them, and who can stay mad at those faces?
Looking for Christmas decor for your home? I’ve gathered my favorite pieces in my Christmas Shop to make it easy to find timeless, simple items that work well together.
Shop my favorite Christmas decor for classic, effortless looks.
More Christmas Inspiration on The Inspired Room:
Tips for How to Hang Garland, Wreaths and Stockings Without Nails
Simple and Beautiful Christmas Decorating Ideas
I’ll Have a Blue (and White) Christmas
Effortless Christmas Decorating Ideas
25 Ideas for Christmas Decorating
15 Charming Ideas for Christmas Decorating
38 DIY Garlands
My Favorite Christmas Decor Shop
My Gift Guides (ideas for everyone!)