Holiday Decorating With Greenery: My Favourite Ways to Add Warmth, Texture & Magic

There’s something about the first wreath to be hung that tells me the holiday season has arrived. Before the tree lights turn on and the stockings get hung, it’s the scent of fresh greenery that transforms my home into something warm, nostalgic, and unmistakably festive.

This year, my sister Susan and I collaborated to create a brand-new Holiday Guide. It’s a cozy, curated, magazine-style collection of our favourite holiday décor ideas, seasonal recipes, gift guides, styling tips, and holiday wardrobe picks. Inside, I share eight of my favourite wrapping ideas, six holiday decorating tricks, and shoppable links to the exact décor pieces I’m loving this season.

Today, I’m sharing a sneak peek: my top holiday greenery and garland ideas that bring timeless charm to any home, whether you’re decorating here in Whitby, the Toronto area or anywhere winter settles in early.

Holiday Garland Ideas: Start With a Faux Base, Then Layer in Fresh Stems

If you’ve ever wondered why some garlands look lush and expensive while others fall flat, the secret is layering. I always begin with a simple faux garland as the base. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just something with good structure.

Then, I layer in fresh greenery such as:

• Cedar for soft draping
• Pine for fragrance and fullness
• Eucalyptus for a modern, airy look

I tuck each stem in loosely so the shape feels natural and organic. Finish with a few sprigs of faux berries for colour and dimension.

Where to use layered garlands:

• Across the mantle for a classic, cozy focal point
• Draped along a staircase railing
• Around interior doorways for an old-world holiday charm
• Across a console or entryway table

This combination of faux + fresh makes your greenery last longer while still bringing that unmistakable holiday scent.

Holiday Decorating With Natural Textures

Once the greenery is in place, you can start adding small touches that make your décor feel warm, layered, and festive. I love mixing in:

• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Wooden ornaments
• Textural ribbon made from silk, linen, or velvet

Natural fabrics soften the overall look and instantly elevate your greenery. A simple bow tied at the end of your garland or layered throughout adds movement and charm.

Styling examples:

• Tie linen bows on your Christmas tree for a Scandinavian-inspired look
• Add citrus and cinnamon to kitchen garlands for warmth and fragrance
• Weave velvet ribbon into your mantle garland for depth and richness

Why Fresh Greenery Makes Your Home Feel Magical

Fresh greenery brings instant warmth to any space. Whether it’s cedar, pine, fir, magnolia, or eucalyptus, natural elements create a sensory experience with its fragrance, the texture, the colour.

It’s grounding, nostalgic, and a timeless part of holiday decorating. And the best part? You only need a handful of fresh stems to elevate your home.

Bring the Full Holiday Magic Home

If you want the complete guide — including the wrapping ideas, décor shopping lists, recipes, and more — you can purchase it below.

Click here to purchase the Holiday Guide for only $30! 

It’s the perfect companion for making your holiday season feel intentional, cozy, and beautifully styled.

At Erin Interiors, we love helping clients in Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, and across Durham Region create spaces that reflect the season while staying true to their personal style.

If you’re feeling inspired to bring a touch of Christmas into your own home, follow along with us on Instagram for more seasonal decorating ideas, or connect with us directly to chat about your decor home renovation project.