Lucky California girl here. Born and raised in this beautiful state, and although I lived away for almost a decade, this is my home. The Central Coast is where I have lived since 2008 and this place is pretty special. I don’t mean to rub it in if you are already shoveling your driveways. Instead, I will just state how thankful I am to get to live in this quirky hybrid of a place shared by farmers, hippies, surfers, hipsters and alike. It’s pretty nice here, in face my town has even been named  “happiest city in America” by Queen Oprah herself.

However, sunshine, hiking, and daily farmers markets have a way of making Christmas spirit feel a bit….well….forced. I’m not sure if it is the few authentic white Christmases that may have ruined me, but I sort of (hope that no one hears me when I) chuckle at the flocked trees and decorations that seem out of place when down the block from a beach bonfire.

So after almost 9 years here, and my east coast city girl past behind me, I have found that I love to decorate my little coastal home for the holiday. Fake tree and all. But, I bring in pieces of the outdoors to make things feel a bit more authentic.

I have a few options from Midwest Living that I found helpful for nature-inspired Christmas decorations that I wanted to share.

No-fuss festivity

Sprigs of evergreens fill a collection of plain glass vases for clearly inspired decor.

Lantern light

Easy-fill ornaments

Nestle special “ingredients” inside ball ornaments for thoughtful, budget-friendly party favors or decorations. You can use wintry natural materials like we did, or let your imagination fly.

What you’ll need

Plastic ball ornaments

Artificial snow

Pinecones

Pine tree clippings

Feathers

Ribbon

Instructions

Place items inside one ornament half. (Leave them loose, or secure with a dot of hot glue.) Top with the other half, string with ribbon, and presto, you’re done!

Merry and bright kumquat wreath

Wreaths with fresh fruit are an American colonial tradition.

Use a 12-inch metal ring for a base, 18 to 20 kumquats, several sprigs of medium-size broadleaf greens and 26-gauge wire to attach the fruit and leaves.

 

Let me know if you try any of these!

Would love to see pics! Tag me on instagram @verbena.babe