Exercising your creativity is a terrific stress reducer. Here’s how to put fresh spin on your Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating. It’s fun, and you get to see the immediate fruit of your efforts. Let’s start with Thanksgiving, that wonderful, laid-back holiday that doesn’t involve card or gift giving.  I love the simplicity of these natural table settings from Style Blueprint.

Many people have Magnolia leaves in their yard (or a kind neighbor’s) and the vibrant little flower arrangements are unexpected and fun. This one is from  Curbly along with trays filled with fruit and succulents in the pictures below.

 

Here’s another tray put to good use filled with pumpkins and cabbages from The Daily Basics.

 

Simple and relaxed are still my first choice at Christmas. They may need a little refreshing along the way but I find it’s worth it! Plus, I have to find some use for the copious amount pine cones that fall in my yard.

Here are some good examples from Stone Gable.

 

The classic boxwood wreath is always beautiful and long lasting. I get mine at Boxwoods although I’m curious about NaturDesign on Etsy that will very reasonably.  If your interior colors are mostly neutrals, using greenery creates a restful retreat from all of the  commercial Christmas visual overload you see when you are out and about.  This wreath is from HGTV.

Love the greenery and ornament swag!

 

This is a very popular image on Pinterest from Enjoy Your Home  (written in Polish). It would look great in a child’s room. I love its fanciful spirit. If you don’t  own any French jugs you can buy them at Scott’s Antique Market.

 

Apples are cheap and plentiful and look great with a few evergreens in a large container. Fill the bottom with old papers or grocery bags before you start adding red or green apples. This arrangement is from The Enchanted Home.

The look below is so easy and you don’t need stark white interiors to pull it off. The container should be very attractive though. Either an old wooden one or my favorite, an oversized rustic pottery bowl. Just add bright ornaments.

The most important direction I can give is to just have fun being creative. Enjoy the season!