Surrey

As the big day approaches, there&#8217;s no better time to transform your home into a cosy Christmas retreat. But why not try something a little different this year? Instead dusting off your dated baubles, embrace the beauty of nature and the magic of colour psychology to create a truly bespoke natural Christmas look.



We asked interior designer Helen McClure from <a href="https://www.athomebydesign.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">At Home by Design</a> based in the Surrey Hills, for her tips on infusing your home with colour and festive spirit naturally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-forage-for-festive-foliage">1. Forage for festive foliage</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels.jpg" alt="A woman makes a Christmas wreath using natural foliage." class="wp-image-57672" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-wreath-decor-suedadilli-pexels-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Wrap up warm, grab your wellies, and take a stroll through your local woodland. Nature’s Christmas decorations are everywhere* (and they&#8217;re free!).



<ul>
<li>Evergreens:&nbsp;Holly, ivy, and pine branches are classics. Use them to create garlands, wreaths, or table centrepieces.</li>



<li>Berries:&nbsp;Red holly berries or rose hips add pops of festive colour. Just make sure they&#8217;re out of reach if you’ve got curious little ones or pets.</li>



<li>Pinecones:&nbsp;Scatter them across your mantlepiece, or spray them with metallic paint for a touch of glamour.</li>



<li>Twigs and branches:&nbsp;Arrange bare branches in a vase for a minimalist Scandi vibe, or drape them with fairy lights for extra sparkle.</li>
</ul>



Pro tip: Foraged greenery can dry out quickly indoors, so consider misting it lightly with water or using florist foam to keep it fresh.



*Only take what you need, and don’t stray on private land!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-play-with-a-natural-colour-palette">2. Play with a natural colour palette</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash.jpg" alt="Natural Christmas table decorations." class="wp-image-57675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-natural-libby-penner-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Nature provides the perfect inspiration for your Christmas colour scheme. Here are some ideas to try:



<ul>
<li>Classic woodland:&nbsp;Pair deep greens with pops of red and earthy browns for a traditional and nostalgic feel.</li>



<li>Frosted forest:&nbsp;Blend silvery whites with icy blues and soft greys for a wintry, sophisticated look.</li>



<li>Golden glow:&nbsp;Use warm golds, bronzes and creams to create a cosy, candlelit atmosphere.</li>
</ul>



Colour psychology tip: Greens evoke balance and harmony, while reds bring warmth and excitement. Combine the two for a cheerful yet grounded holiday vibe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-craft-your-own-decorations">3. Craft your own decorations</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash.jpg" alt="Christmas decorations on a table." class="wp-image-57676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-table-decor-libby-penner-unsplash-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Put on your favourite festive playlist and get crafting! Homemade natural Christmas decorations not only look charming but also add a personal touch to your home. Here are some ideas:



<ul>
<li>Orange slice ornaments:&nbsp;Dry slices of orange in the oven, thread them with twine, and hang them on your tree.</li>



<li>Cinnamon stick bundles:&nbsp;Tie cinnamon sticks together with a ribbon for a rustic decoration that smells divine.</li>



<li>Natural wreaths:&nbsp;Weave together branches, berries, and eucalyptus leaves to create a beautiful, aromatic wreath for your door.</li>



<li>Mini forests:&nbsp;Fill glass jars with moss, twigs, and fairy lights to create enchanting woodland terrariums.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-bring-the-outdoors-in">4. Bring the outdoors in</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1087" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash.jpg" alt="Natural Christmas decorations on a mantel." class="wp-image-57673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash-800x580.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash-1000x725.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash-400x290.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-decor-toa-heftiba-unsplash-768x557.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Who says fairy lights are just for trees? Use pretty white twinkly lights to illuminate your natural decorations. 



<ul>
<li>Wind lights around pine branches in a vase for an eye-catching display.</li>



<li>Use battery-operated lights to illuminate your garlands and wreaths.</li>



<li>Add a strand of warm white lights to a bowl of pinecones for a simple yet elegant table centrepiece.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-incorporate-festive-scents">5. Incorporate festive scents</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq.jpg" alt="Christmas table decorations." class="wp-image-23733" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/12/christmas-table-hq-720x479.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Christmas is as much about the smells as it is about the sights. Enhance your natural decorations with:



<ul>
<li>Fresh herbs:&nbsp;Rosemary sprigs look beautiful and smell amazing when tied to napkin rings or tucked into wreaths.</li>



<li>Scented candles:&nbsp;Choose fragrances like fir, cinnamon or spiced orange for an extra festive feel.</li>



<li>Clove-studded oranges:&nbsp;Not only do they smell incredible, but they also make for a stunning, old-fashioned decoration.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-create-cosy-colour-zones">6. Create cosy colour zones</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel.jpg" alt="Christmas tree in a cosy living room with wood fire burning." class="wp-image-57677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/christmas-tree-cosy-fire-rawpixel-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: Rawpixel</figcaption></figure>



For a truly bespoke feel, use colour to create distinct zones in your home:



<ul>
<li>Sitting room:&nbsp;Opt for warm, rich tones like burgundy and gold to create a space perfect for sipping mulled wine.</li>



<li>Dining Room:&nbsp;Stick to a cohesive, understated palette – perhaps silvers and whites – to allow your table settings to shine.</li>



<li>Entrance hall:&nbsp;Make a bold first impression with a statement wreath and bright, cheerful hues like red and green.</li>
</ul>



Decorating your home for Christmas with nature and colour is not only sustainable but also endlessly customisable. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something a bit more contemporary, incorporating natural elements allows you to create a festive atmosphere that feels personal and unique.



So, grab your wellies and your crafting supplies, and let nature inspire your most magical Christmas yet!



<a href="https://www.athomebydesign.co.uk/">At Home by Design</a> specialises in creating interiors that balance timeless charm with a twist. Contact Helen for more decorating inspiration and to restyle your home for the new year.

Deck the halls in natural style!

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