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5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery

Planning on adding some boughs of evergreen to your space this holiday? Read these tips first.
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5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery

Fresh greenery instantly makes any space look festive — plus, it smells amazing. The catch? It can be difficult to keep in place and tends to dry out quickly. Here are five tips from Halifax-based designer Deb Nelson on how to collect, use and keep greenery alive longer.

10 tips for decorating with fresh greenery

1. Weigh it down

A deep mantel works best for fresh greenery. Set heavy items on top of the boughs to keep them in place.

5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh GreeneryPhoto, Sian Richards.

2. Fasten it

Weave boughs over and under each other, locking them together using the natural shape of the branches. Floral wire or twine keeps pieces attached to banisters, fences or other features.

5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh GreeneryPhoto, Sian Richards.

3. Decorate at the last minute

Natural items don't last long, so hold off decorating for as long as you can, or do it for a party and swap out the old greenery for new closer to the holidays. Tip: Keep the greenery in buckets of water right up until you decorate. Mist with water daily.

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5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh GreeneryPhoto, Sian Richards.

4. Forage

To save money, take a walk in the woods and collect boughs, pine cones and branches. Put them in a vase with a few ornaments on bare twigs for an instant holiday feel.

5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh GreeneryPhoto, Sian Richards.

5. Finish with a bow

Add a red ribbon to any bunch of greenery to instantly bring it to yuletide life.

5 Tips For Holiday Decorating With Fresh GreeneryPhoto, Sian Richards.

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A Bright Spot: Our Spring 2026 issue features 12 colourful DIY decor hacks from guest editor Alexandra Gater. Plus, recipes for protein-packed breakfasts, cheese soufflé and a dreamy rhubarb cake.