A Christmas inspired by nature: How to create a warm, minimalist atmosphere for the holidays
December, what a wonderful month! For as long as I can remember this has been one of my favorite times of the year, thanks to my parents, who made it magical year after year. They cultivated a sense of wonder, like rejoicing the first snowflakes, creating our own Christmas market in the garden, and decorating the tree together by the fire. These lovely traditions hold a special place in my heart, which is why I look forward to this beautiful time of year, every year. One of my favorite preparations is to decorate my home and give it with this special atmosphere. Below, I share a few ideas for DIY decorations.
The Christmas wreath
Making your own Christmas wreath is easy. You'll need a circle-shaped stand, branches (fir, cypress, eucalyptus, pine or boxwood are all suitable), wire and wire cutters. Prepare branches of around 15 cm, then remove the bark from their bases. Depending on the thickness you require, assemble several branches and secure them to the circle with the wire. Continue until you've covered the entire wreath. Finally, attach a ribbon to hang the wreath. Avoid exposing the wreath to direct sunlight, as this will slow down the drying process.
The Christmas tree
Certainly the centerpiece of your Christmas decorations. Although the ritual of cutting your tree in a nursery, carrying it back under your arm and walking through three feet of snow must be great, this tree is a fake one. For the moment, it's sparsely adorned, but I imagine it will grow over the years as I make new finds. There are no rules when it comes to decorating your tree; some like it very busy, others, like me, prefer it more pared-down.
The little details...
They'll add the finishing touch to your decor, so take good care of them. And don't forget the essential: candles, for a soft, warm atmosphere.
