As the weather turns and the holidays are in sight, we look to make our homes cozier.
A great way to update our décor is to bring a bit of the outdoors in.
Today, our world is saturated with mass-produced home décor.
Foraging from our yards or neighborhood can create a unique touch to our home.
The process is also sustainable, cost effective, and enables our creativity to shine.
We can find nature’s treasures anytime of the year.
The items we collect can be used in their natural state or as part of something we create.
Foraging is more than just a way to spruce up our living spaces.
It’s a connection to the natural world and a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us.
How to Forage
As we get started, there are two things to keep in mind:
Understand Regulations: Check the guidelines of any parks or natural community spaces to understand what can be collected. If we are at the edge of someone’s property, we should ask before picking something up.
Bring Tools: To collect items, we might need pruning shears and gloves. To hold the items, a basket or a backpack would be a great addition leaving our hands free to collect more items.
Look for Variety: As we collect, we can look for a variety of items. This time of year, some things you might find are fallen leaves in beautiful colors, pinecones or acorns that have dropped to the ground, a tree stump, decorative branches, and fall grasses. As you clear your yard to prepare for winter, consider how any of the “cleanup materials” could be used in your home décor.
How to Use Foraged Items in Fall/Winter Décor
Now that we have gathered our foraged treasures, it’s time to turn them into decor.
Each season brings unique décor ideas. Here are some to inspire creativity for fall/winter:
Centerpieces: Arrange pinecones, acorns, or gourds in a decorative bowl for a natural centerpiece.
Vases: Fill vases with decorative branches and tall grasses.
Wall Art: Press leaves, flowers and plants in heavy books and then frame them as wall art.
Hanging Branches: Secure branches of various sizes to create an accent wall.
Stumps: Stumps of all sizes can be added for anything from a base for a candle to extra seating.
Your Turn
Do you bring the outdoors in to decorate?
What is one item you could collect today?
How could you use these ideas when you are entertaining this season?