Want to make your holiday decorations more “green” this season? Here are some suggestions on how to integrate eco-friendly holiday décor in your home this season and beyond.
Real Christmas trees
Fresh, sustainably sourced evergreen trees like fir, spruce, or pine, make for a classic, aromatic centerpiece that can be decorated and later recycled or composted.
Beeswax candles
Natural, honey-scented candles made from beeswax, often hand-poured or dipped, provide warm, eco-friendly lighting for mantels or tables without synthetic additives.
Popcorn and cranberries
String air-popped popcorn kernels and fresh cranberries into garlands for trees or mantels, creating edible, colorful, and biodegradable decorations with a rustic charm.
Bows made from cotton or hemp
Simple tied bows from natural fibers like organic cotton ribbon or hemp twine add a soft, textured accent to wreaths, gifts, or branches without plastic.
Real fir or pine greens from a nursery
Fresh cuttings of fir, pine, or spruce boughs from local nurseries can be used for wreaths, swags, or garlands to bring authentic forest scents and greenery indoors.
Pinecones
Collect them from nature to create rustic ornaments, wreaths, or table centerpieces; they can be left natural or lightly dusted with eco-friendly glitter like mica powder.
Dried orange or citrus slices
Dehydrate slices of oranges, lemons, or grapefruits to string into garlands, hang as ornaments, or place in bowls for a fragrant, colorful touch.
Cinnamon sticks
Bundle them with twine for scented ornaments, stirrers, or additions to wreaths, providing a warm, spicy aroma.
Holly branches
Use fresh holly with its red berries for wreaths, mantel displays, or simple bouquets, adding traditional festive color (ensure berries are non-toxic if pets or kids are around).
Mistletoe
Hang fresh bunches for a classic kissing tradition or incorporate into natural wreaths for subtle greenery.
Dried herbs like rosemary or bay leaves
Form them into mini wreaths, garlands, or posies for doors and tables, offering both decoration and herbal scent.
Nuts
Use walnuts, chestnuts, or acorns to create garlands, fill decorative bowls, or hang as ornaments for an earthy, textured touch.
Pomanders (clove-studded oranges)
Pierce fresh oranges with cloves in patterns, then let them dry for long-lasting, aromatic spheres to hang or display.
Star anise or cloves
Scatter in bowls, glue to wreaths, or string for ornaments, enhancing décor with their star-shaped beauty and fragrance.
Wooden elements
Carve or slice branches into stars, snowflakes, or simple shapes for ornaments, using sustainably sourced wood like birch or driftwood.
This story originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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