Need last-minute holiday decorating tips? Visit your garden for some natural inspiration.

November 24, 2014 | By webadmin

The holidays mean hectic schedules for everyone! The to-do list can quickly mount and it’s often the finishing touches to the holiday table or home decoration that get left by the wayside. Are you looking for last-minute yet stylish solutions to create just the right holiday mood? You might not need to look any further than your own backyard! This time of year, there’s often stylish finds to be had by simply stepping out into the garden.

Decorating Tip: Turn a simply grocery store bouquet into something special by adding branches or stems of leaves and berries from your garden.

So what can you cut outdoors to bring indoors?

Pyracantha shrubs may have started producing brightly colored berries in your landscape.Cut a variety of lengths and add to vases on their own or along with a purchased bouquet. Stems of bright green holly leaves are a tradition at the holidays! The crayola-red berries are a wonderful contrast to silver foliage and white flowers.

The silvery foliage of dusty miller or artemisia can added to arrangements for a frosty feel.. Flowering quince and Japanese maples are known for their sturdy, architectural branches. Nandina shrubs have evergreen foliage that’s full of fabulous color this time of year. Cut stems of leaves to accent your centerpiece or other floral arrangements.

Fragrant Additions. Cool season herbs are perfect in both floral arrangements or on their own. The feathery leaves of dill and fennel create an impressive arrangement; cilantro bunched together with pansies and violas is perfect for small vases and tea cups. Tall spikes of rosemary can be added to wreaths or tall vases of flowers.

Edibles as art. Leafy greens from the vegetable or ornamental garden can also pull double duty as unique filler foliage in arrangements and table garnish. The beautiful colors and textures of kale and swiss chard make a charming statement in a centerpiece. The ruffled purple leaves of ‘Red Bor’ kale make the perfect garnish for the turkey or can be used to frame side dishes.

Citrus Tip: Did you know citrus is actually a winter fruit? For pops of bright color, fill bowls with fragrant oranges, grapefruits and lemons. If you grow your own citrus plants, your fruit should be ripening right about now. Citrus stems can be added to large floral arrangements. Specialty grocery stores sometimes carry citrus stems with the foliage and fruit still attached. Look for them on your next trip to Whole Foods.

Ready to create natural charm in your holiday home? Let your imagination and creativity be your guide. Take a pair of garden snips and gloves to the garden and create something gorgeous! Visit our Holiday Inspiration Pinterest Board for more inspiration.