You take what you have.

The quote in the title is attributed, as most people probably know, to Cajsa Warg, a housekeeper and cookbook author who lived in the 18th century. I intend to transfer this thinking to Christmas decorations. Over the years, I have become more of a puritan when it comes to decorations. It should be simple and I prefer to use what nature has to offer.

Pine cones, for example, are a great way to use them. Just look here.

Slightly different arrangements with pine cones that are quite easy to make. To make the cones a little more festive, paint them with spray paint or snow spray. Here are some variations.

How to apply a hanging device….

…which can look this pretty on the tree.

An absolutely beautiful pine cone wreath.

Now to conifers.

A spruce branch has been decorated with painted nuts, and looks great on the dining table.

There’s a lot of green here, for sure. A little too much, but the chandelier is nice.

Instead of hanging a bunch of lights, you can decorate the outdoor lantern

Table decoration in a rustic setting.

What have I accomplished myself? Here are some amateurish pictures taken with my mobile camera.

This is my autumn arrangement in the outdoor pots. Green moss and different kinds of pine cones.

My naughty dog ​​has jumped onto the table in the kitchen where I have a “bouquet” of junipers decorated with red balls. I must admit that I am not particularly fond of the usual Christmas flowers, hence this alternative solution. The poinsettia is boring, they dry up after a week (I have really tried to take care of them properly!) The hyacinths do not smell and are short-lived, they grow and nod together quite quickly.

Early one morning I mounted brass wire on the cute brass bells….

… which I put in the juniper in the outdoor pots. The bluebells ring so beautifully when there is a little wind. I hope you feel inspired to trot out into the forest this weekend and take advantage of what nature has to offer. A little oxygen-rich air also lifts the spirits, so a positive side effect. Good luck with your crafting!