Nature-Inspired Christmas Tree Decorations

In the past, Christmas tree colors were bright, bold shades of red and green paired with shiny metallics like gold and silver. The newest, cutting edge decorations are more in tune with nature; especially when it comes to colors.

• Choose ribbons and ornaments with muted color schemes often found in nature. For example, instead of bright red, try decorating with deep burgundy colored ribbon.




• You can still use metallics, but tones with a muted "brushed" or "frosted" look instead of a super shiny finish.

1. A Twist on Tradition: Forest green, deep burgundy and amber

2. Dreaming of a White Christmas: Cream, Ivory and pale, brushed silver

3. Merry Monochrome: Muted gold, rich browns and light amber

4. Winter Wonderland: Pale baby blue, cream and light brown

Flora

Take your Christmas decor one step further by incorporating natural elements into this year's decorations.

There are plenty of beautiful plants, berries, flowers and twigs you can use for decoration. Here is a list to get your creative juices flowing:

• Berries - cranberries, holly berries, Christmas berry, green hypericum berries.
  


• Dried Flowers - White English Statice, Bleached Baby's Breath, white and deep red roses, dried white peonies.
  


• Branches, Leaves & Twigs - Ethereal skeleton leaves, birch branches, curly willow, silver dollar branches, small bleached Manzanita branches, bleached bell cups, preserved amaranthus.
  

Fauna

• Feathers - Feathers of any kid, shape and color can make beautiful additions to your holiday décor. For easy decorating, buy pre-assembled feather sprays that you can insert in various places on your tree.




• Birds - Birds in general have been making a decorating comeback. From wallpaper prints to furniture fabrics, birds are back en vogue. Incorporate small, lifelike birds purchased from a local craft store into your decorations.

"Faux" Naturale

• Icicle Branches - Icicle branches are great to use when creating winter wonderland looks.

• Crystal Sprays - Crystal beading on branches can look like delicate dew drops.
  


• Snow Flocking - Flocking is a great look when you are creating a winter wonderland or monochromatic neutral color scheme on your tree. However, it's still not cool to use it with bright red and green bulbs as decorations.