Natural Decor for the Holidays

Since moving to a smaller home in the city a few years ago, I downsized many things, but especially the non-essentials – holiday decor being one of them. 

When my kids were little, decorating the house was a fun thing to do and they loved it. As they got older, my taste evolved and my holiday decor changed with it. There wasn’t less of it, but more actually. I had a holiday brunch at my home and I had three Christmas trees! 

Then I moved to the city. 

I love holiday decor – even in a small home, but it can get to be too much to install and ultimately remove within mere weeks. 

In thinking about how I might begin the “re” decorating for the holidays I’m thinking less is more and am more focused on the overall aesthetic of senses. Here are some pointers for a less is more, tasteful and natural holiday season. I’m planning on finding;

  • Natural elements like natural boxwood wreaths, eucalyptus branches, winter berries, scented pine cones and whatever other items I can find at neighboring grocery stores (not farm stands, sadly).

  • Candles, room sprays and diffusers that smell like pine needles and cedar wood. I am a huge fan of Harlem Candle Company’s product line throughout the year, but during the holidays . . . I love this one.

  • Tiny lights on the few glass ornaments I have remaining. I like the warm light of these:

  • Mantle garland of fresh boxwoods (I may need to go to the farm stand for this one), with rustic bells tied across with ribbon. Here’s one that’s ready to go:

  • Perhaps battery operated candles on timers for my windows. I’m doing something less traditional with these beauties.

  • Wreath with rustic bells and a simple classic bow – I may go crazy and have more than one. TBD. Boxwood wreaths with a red bow and these rustic bells.


Most of these items are easy to store for following years or be recycled. In the meantime, my place will smell great, be tasteful and look natural. Happy holiday – regardless of what you celebrate – to all of you!


I’ll be posting photos in the coming weeks on Instagram @nancymichaelsinteriors. Stay tuned!


And, If you’d like to run a decorating challenge by me, feel free to reach out to schedule a brief convo. Here’s my direct email and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Your decorating dilemmas are my pleasure to help you with and great content ideas for the blog!

Nancy Michaels

Nancy is the head Interior Designer and CEO at Nancy Michaels Interiors. She has been a real estate investor for more than 20 years and has first-hand experience at transforming houses from unappealing and unappreciated properties, to stylish homes that sell for well over asking price.

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