EASY LAST MINUTE NATURAL DECORATIONS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME

These are a few of our favorite things...

... to add some festive holiday decor. MoonBee Flower Farm has always been less "bling" and more "bark" so here are several great ways to bring a natural holiday into your home.

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"HAVING A HOLIDAY BALL"

ORANGE POMANDER BALLS- These fragrant ornaments are made by studding citrus fruit with whole cloves. The wonderful part about this is that anyone can do this which makes it a great project for kids and adults alike. You can keep it basic and just make a pattern with your cloves or you can get fancy and cut away rind to expose the pith, add ribbon and even add some gold paint. Set them alone or put them in a bowl, these will definitely lift your spirits.

"BABY YOU'RE A STAR"

STAR ANISE-This anise spice is incredibly aromatic and visually stunning. They are super rigid making them perfect for hot glue. Be creative about adding star anise to ribbons, skewers or even cut cardboard to stabilize whatever shape you need. They make excellent mini wreaths to add to the tablescape or the Christmas tree. One of our favorite things to do here at MoonBee Flower Farm is to add them to name tags for holiday gifts.

"WELCOME TO THE CONE ZONE"

PINECONES- Whether decorating or not, we here at MoonBee Flower Farm are always up for a walk in the woods. Picking up some well shaped pinecones can be super fun. We recommend that if you are going to use them inside of the house, you follow these simple steps:

1. Remove any visible dirt and debris (duh!!).

2. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spread cones in a single layer.

3. Bake cones at 200-250 degrees for 30-60 minutes depending on size and moisture level. Turn them occasionally to ensure even drying.

4. Be sure to cool the cones completely before handling.

Once your cones have been baked they should be ready for decoration. Pinecones in a bowl, crystal bowl, or tied with ribbon are great. They should still have that wonderful pine smell. You can stay natural or consider painting them with a quick spray of your favorite metallic paint. Pair them with holly berries and small ornaments.

"STICK WITH US FOR THE HOLIDAYS"

CINNAMON STICKS- One of the most iconic scents of the winter season is cinnamon. In every pie, mulled wine, and candle, cinnamon smells like the holidays. Tying bunches of cinnamon sticks together is a super easy way to add a bit of decor for all of your senses. If you want some stability to your arrangement secure the sticks with hot glue before decorating with your binds of choice. Some of our favorites are twine, velvet ribbon, and metallic twist ties. Don't forget to add some greenery like rosemary or eucalyptus and holly leaves to enhance your design.

"PRESERVE THE JOY"

MASON JARS- Mason jars are great for so many things and can be found almost anywhere for a steal. Filling them with natural treasures then tying them off with a ribbon can make a lovely rustic holiday decoration. You fill them with battery powered lights, foliage, flowers dry or fresh. Also, consider painting the inside of the jar with a festive milk paint or metallic to up your style points.

" A SLICE OF HOLIDAY SPIRIT!!"

DRIED FRUIT- If you would like to use dried fruit as decor here is our tried and true method when you don't own a dehydrator.

1. Slice your fruit into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. Pat dry to remove excess moisture. For apples and pears, do not core them as cross cutting the seeds makes for a lovely star design in the fruit.

2. Arrange the fruit slices in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

3. Bake at 125-175 degrees for several hours turning the slices every hour to ensure even drying.

4. When your fruit is dry to the touch but slightly bendable you are ready to cool. The fruit will harden as they cool.

These dried fruits can be added to everything from table decor to ornaments on the tree. Try adding to your wreath or garland for a little something special.

"SHARE THE WREATH THIS SEASON"

FRESH NATURAL WREATH- Whether you make it yourself or order up one from MoonBee Flower Farm, having a fragrant natural wreath on your front door is a great way to wish everyone who passes your house a very "Happy Holiday Season". We handcraft our wreaths with greenery from our farm here in Water Valley. This year we are offering dried flowers from the summer season as an extra detail . Our wreaths are super fresh and made to order so they will last. Check out our website for designs, pricing and delivery options.