How to Naturally Decorate for Spring: Beautiful Ideas You’ll Really Use

The trees are budding, the birds are singing, and the world seems to be bursting with new life. It’s a beautiful thing to see.

But so many stores would have you believe that this means it’s time to buy all-new spring decor. You know…towels with bunnies. Pink checkered tablecloths. Faux flowering branches that you’ll need to store and clean every year.

This year, let’s try something different. See what the world can offer you for free. In the spring, it might be all that you need.

Here’s the secret: try foraging for natural elements instead. All you need is a little creativity, and you can make incredible decorations that will make your home feel just as alive as the outdoors.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! I’m here to help. Here are some tips and tricks on finding and using natural elements to add a touch of spring to your home. By the time we’re done, you’ll be able to create beautiful, natural decor that will make your home feel fresh, inviting, and perfectly in tune with the season.

Foraging for Natural Spring Decorating Materials

Before we dive into creating beautiful spring decor, let’s talk about the art of foraging. Foraging is simply exploring the great outdoors and collecting natural elements to create something beautiful. It’s a great way to connect with nature while sourcing unique and beautiful elements to decorate your home.

When and Where to Look for Natural Spring Decor

The best time to forage for spring decor is, well, during spring! This is when plants wake up from their winter dormancy and burst with new growth. I like to start my foraging adventures in early to mid-spring, depending on the weather patterns in my area.

As for where to look, the possibilities are endless! Woodlands, meadows, and even your backyard can be treasure troves of natural materials. I personally love wandering through local parks and nature reserves, keeping an eye out for interesting branches, wildflowers, and other unique natural elements that catch my eye.

Ethical Foraging Practices

While foraging is a wonderful way to connect with nature, it should be done responsibly and ethically. We should be mindful of the environment and the impact of our actions.

Here’s my little checklist to forage by:

• Know the laws and regulations surrounding foraging in your area. Some parks and protected lands prohibit collecting of any kind.
• Only take what you need and leave plenty behind for wildlife and other foragers.
• When collecting materials, avoid damaging trees and plants. Use pruning shears to make clean cuts, and never strip bark from living trees.
• Be sure to properly identify plants before collecting them. Some species may be protected or poisonous.

Sticking to these tips means we can all enjoy foraging and make sure our foraging adventures are sustainable and respectful of the natural world around us.

Use Flowering Branches

One of my favorite ways to bring the beauty of spring indoors is by decorating with flowering branches. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the enchanting beauty of these delicate blooms to add a romantic and cozy touch to any room in your home. And they’re everywhere!

Best Types of Flowering Branches to Use

There are so many options when choosing flowering branches for your spring decor that it can be tough to decide where to start.

Here are a few of my personal favorites to give you some inspiration:

• Cherry blossoms: Honestly, is anything more spring than cherry blossoms? These iconic spring blooms, with their soft pink petals and ethereal beauty, are a stunning addition to any room.
• Forsythia: If you want to brighten up a spot with a splash of sunshine, forsythia branches with their vibrant yellow blooms are the way to go.
• Dogwood: For something a bit more understated but equally beautiful, dogwood branches, with their simple yet elegant flowers, bring a classy vibe to any setting.
• Pussy willow: They might not bloom flowers, but the soft, fluffy catkins of pussy willows are a charming symbol of spring’s arrival.

Feel free to mix and match, try out different branches, and see what speaks to your style and complements your home’s aesthetic.

How to Force Blooms on Cut Branches

If you’re looking forward to spring blooms but the branches you’ve collected haven’t quite flowered yet, don’t worry! I’ve got a great tip for you. You can try forcing them to bloom by creating the right environment.

Let me walk you through it:

1. First off, give those branches a good trim at an angle. You’ll want them to be at least 12 inches long so they’ve got plenty of room to sprout in the vase.
2. Next up, tidy them up by removing any buds or twigs that would end up underwater in your vase. It keeps things clean and helps your branches focus on blooming.
3. Grab a clean vase and fill it with room-temperature water. Pop your branches in there.
4. Find a cool spot for your vase that gets plenty of light but isn’t directly in the sun’s path. Remember, fresh water is key, so change it out every couple of days.
5. Be patient! Depending on the type of branch and how close it was to flowering when you cut it, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for the blooms to appear.

Arranging Flowering Branches in Your Home

Now for the fun part: displaying your flowering branches! There are countless ways to incorporate these natural beauties into your spring decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Create a stunning centerpiece by arranging branches in a tall vase and placing it on your dining table or coffee table.
• Display a single branch in a bud vase for a minimalist yet impactful look. It’s a great way to add some natural beauty to your space without overwhelming it.
• Mix and match different flowering branches in one large, clear vase for an arrangement that will surely grab everyone’s attention.
• Finally, for an organic, bohemian vibe, why not hang your branches from a decorative ladder or drape them along a mantel?

The most important part? Have fun, and let your creativity shine through. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and placements until you find a look that makes your heart sing.

Creating Natural Spring Wreaths

Nothing says “welcome spring” quite like a beautiful, natural wreath adorning your front door. And guess what? It’s easy to create and customize your very own. Not to mention, it’s also a great way to make use of some of the natural foraged materials around you. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly project that adds a personal touch to your spring decor.

Foraging for Wreath Materials

When foraging materials for your spring wreath, the world is your oyster! Take a walk through your local park or nature trail and keep an eye out for interesting elements like:

• Flexible branches: These will form the base of your wreath. Look for slender, pliable branches from trees like willow, dogwood, or grapevine.
• Greenery: Collect a variety of leafy greens to add texture and fullness to your wreath. Ferns, ivy, and eucalyptus are all great options.
• Wildflowers: Gather a selection of colorful blooms to add pops of color to your creation. Just be sure to leave plenty behind for others to enjoy!
• Unique elements: Keep an eye out for interesting natural elements like pinecones, acorns, or even bird feathers to add a special touch to your wreath.

As you collect, remember to forage with care. After all, we’re just borrowing from nature, so it’s important to only take a little and leave the rest just as we found it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Natural Spring Wreath

Alright, now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to get crafting! Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow guide to creating your natural spring wreath:

1. Start by forming your base: Take your flexible branches and twist them into a circular shape, securing the ends together with twine or wire. This will give your wreath a sturdy structure and make it easier to work with.
2. Add your greenery: Tuck stems of leaves and foliage into the base, working your way around the wreath until it’s nice and full. Be sure to mix and match the different types of greenery to add texture and depth.
3. Time to add your wildflowers: Trim the stems to about 2-3 inches and tuck them into the greenery, spacing them evenly around the wreath. This is where you can get creative and add pops of color wherever you like.
4. Add Personality: Now, for those unique touches. Add any unique elements you’ve collected. Nestle pinecones or acorns into the greenery, or attach feathers with a bit of wire. Again, this is where you can add your personal touch to make the wreath truly unique.
5. Display with Pride: Hang your finished wreath on your front door or in your home, and admire your handiwork! You’ve created a beautiful, natural spring wreath that will brighten any space.

So there you have it—a piece of spring handcrafted by you! It won’t last very long. That’s okay!

Unique Natural Wreath Ideas for Spring

There are so many ways to add your spin to a wreath, but if you’re feeling stuck, here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Create a monochromatic wreath with different shades of the same color. For example, you could make an all-green wreath using various types of foliage.
• Use dried flowers and grasses instead of fresh blooms to make a wreath that will last all season long.
• Craft a mini-wreath to hang on interior doors or use as a centerpiece by downsizing your materials and base.
• Concentrate your greenery and flowers on one side of the wreath for an asymmetrical look, giving the wreath a modern, artistic vibe.

Remember to let your imagination run wild and have fun with the process! And don’t forget to add any unique elements you’ve collected, like pinecones or feathers, to give it that extra personalized touch.

Other Natural Elements for Spring Decorating

While flowering branches and wreaths are beautiful, plenty of other options can easily be incorporated into your displays. Sometimes, the often-overlooked materials can add a touch of depth, texture, and interest to your decor, creating a cozy and organic ambiance. So, why not try it out?

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Using Moss, Lichen, and Bark

One of my favorite tricks for bringing a touch of the forest indoors is using moss, lichen, and bark. Believe it or not, these simple elements can add so much depth and character to your decor. Their muted colors also provide a beautiful contrast to the vibrant hues of spring blooms.

For instance, you could line a tray with moss and place candles or small potted plants on top to create a charming centerpiece. Or, if you’re feeling inspired, you could build a woodland-inspired vignette by arranging a piece of lichen-covered bark on your mantel and surrounding it with natural treasures like pinecones and acorns.

Incorporating Feathers, Nests and Eggs

Speaking of natural elements, have you ever come across a bird’s nest while out for a walk? They’re a common sight during the spring breeding season, and nothing quite symbolizes spring like a delicate clutch of eggs nestled inside.

Of course, it’s important to leave active nests alone, but if you happen to find an abandoned one on the ground after the breeding season is over, you could use it as a charming decoration in your home.

You could also incorporate feathers into your decor by placing them in small bud vases or using them to adorn a wreath or garland. Just remember to collect them responsibly – it’s best to only pick them up from the ground, as it’s illegal to take them from live birds in many areas.

Displaying Spring Wildflowers and Greenery

Of course, no spring decor is complete without the generous help of wildflowers and greenery. Trust me, these natural wonders are the perfect embodiment of the season and can transform any space into a cozy space.

One of my favorite ways to display wildflowers is by creating simple, loosely arranged bouquets in mason jars or vintage bottles. They add a rustic charm and a pop of color to any room. You can scatter these throughout your home for a touch of freshness and cheer.

You can also incorporate greenery by draping garlands of ivy or fern fronds along your mantel or staircase banister. Or, create a living wall by hanging small potted plants or air plants on a vertical surface using hooks or a trellis.

Remember, the key is to let the natural beauty of these elements shine through by keeping your arrangements relaxed and organic. It’s as if they’ve just been plucked from a wildflower meadow or forest floor.

Using Your New Treasure

Now that you’ve gathered a variety of beautiful, natural elements, where do you put them?

Tablescapes and Centerpieces

Your dining table is perfect for showcasing your foraged finds and letting your creativity shine. So, where to begin? Start by laying down a runner or tablecloth in a soft, neutral hue to set the foundation. Then, arrange a mix of foraged elements like flowering branches, wildflowers, and moss-covered bark down the center of the table. The goal is to create a stunning tablescape that makes you feel happy and cozy every time you sit down to eat

For a more formal look, you can create a stunning centerpiece by filling a low, wide bowl with water and floating a selection of blooms and greenery on top. But if you’re all about that rustic, farmhouse-inspired vibe, why not arrange wildflowers and branches in a collection of mismatched glass bottles and jars? It’s a simple and easy way to add some country charm to any room in your home.

Mantels and Shelving Displays

Now, let’s talk about your mantel and shelves—the perfect place to showcase your spring decor. To create a cohesive display, start by choosing a color scheme or theme to guide your styling. For example, you might opt for a monochromatic look with shades of green and white or a woodland-inspired theme with lots of natural textures like bark and moss.

Once you have your theme, begin by anchoring your display with a few larger elements, like a wreath or a piece of driftwood. Then, layer in smaller items like potted plants, bird nests, and decorative objects. Don’t be afraid to play with height and depth by using stacks of books or overturned baskets to elevate certain pieces.

Front Porch and Outdoor Spaces

Finally, let’s make your outdoor spaces cozy and inviting with a touch of spring! Whether you have a small front porch or a spacious patio, it’s easy to add some natural spring decor to brighten up your space and lift your mood. You can also get ideas on how to brighten your home from this guide.

To create a warm and welcoming vibe, why not hang a natural wreath or garland on your front door? This is an easy way to add a touch of greenery and set the tone for the rest of your home.

Next, you can arrange a mix of potted plants and spring blooms around your doorstep. Try varying the heights and textures for a visually appealing display. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding some colorful outdoor pillows and throws to your seating area, along with some string lights or lanterns for a cozy ambiance.

The best part about styling your home with natural spring decor is that there are no hard and fast rules. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! Most importantly, have fun with it

How long do cut flowering branches last?

The longevity of your cut flowering branches will depend on a few factors, such as the type of branch and how well you care for them. Generally, most branches will last anywhere from 1-3 weeks when kept in fresh water and away from direct sunlight.

When their time has passed, throw them in the compost. They won’t last forever and that’s the point.

More on Natural and Spring Decorating

Here are some resources to inspire your spaces with the warmth of the season:

• Spring Farmhouse Wall Art Watercolors
• Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Spring
• Perfectly Nostalgic Grandmacore Spring
• Decorating as a way to“people” the home

I’ve found that decorating with nature has taught me so much about slowing down, being present, and finding joy in the simple things. Really! Really.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to bring the outdoors in. You might be drawn to delicate wildflowers, rustic bark, or lush green foliage, and that’s okay. Trust your instincts and let your unique style shine through.