9 Plant‑Themed Holiday Decor Ideas For Plant Parents

Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things, but honestly, I want my plants to join in on the fun too.

Mixing greenery with seasonal touches makes my space feel warmer and more personal, and I don’t have to give up that natural vibe I love year-round.

Holiday decor can still be festive and spotlight the plants you already care for. Why not let them shine?

I’ve noticed that even small changes—like adding lights, a few ornaments, or some natural textures—can turn everyday plants into holiday focal points.

It’s a fun way to bring the season indoors, and it keeps things feeling fresh and easy.

1) DIY Mini Terrarium Ornaments

Making mini terrarium ornaments is something I look forward to every year. They add such a fresh, unique vibe to my tree, and I get to sneak in a little plant love in a creative way.

To start, I grab some clear plastic or glass ornaments that open. I fill them with moss, pebbles, or dried greenery—just enough to keep the ornament light and safe for hanging.

Sometimes I’ll pop in a tiny air plant since it doesn’t need soil and only a little misting to stay happy. If I’m out of air plants, faux greenery works just as well for the look.

Mixing in different textures—like a bit of sand, a mini pinecone, or dried flowers—makes each ornament feel special. It’s not a ton of effort, but it looks like it.

When I’m done, I hang them up with ribbon or twine. They catch the light and really stand out on the tree.

These also make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends who love plants. I can personalize each one to match their style, which is always fun.

2) Macrame Plant Hanger Wreath

Turning a macrame plant hanger into a holiday wreath is one of my favorite hacks. It lets me mix my plants with seasonal decor and I don’t have to buy anything new.

I just shape a simple macrame hanger into a circle, then add some fresh greenery, pine branches, or faux garlands for a festive feel.

To make it more seasonal, I tuck in small ornaments, dried orange slices, or a bit of ribbon. The soft macrame texture makes the wreath look cozy and handmade.

I hang mine on the front door or on a blank wall. It’s a natural touch that still feels like holiday decor.

If I want something different from a traditional wreath, this is my go-to. Plus, after the holidays, I can use the hanger for my plants again—no waste.

3) Succulent Centerpiece with Pinecones

I try to keep my holiday table simple but still eye-catching. A succulent centerpiece with pinecones gives off a natural, festive vibe without being over the top.

I use a shallow bowl or tray, then place a few small succulents in the center. Pinecones get tucked around the plants to fill in the gaps.

The mix of green and brown looks balanced, and sometimes I’ll add a few evergreen sprigs for extra color and texture.

For a cozy glow, I set a few tea light candles around the arrangement. It makes the whole table feel warmer.

I like that succulents are low-maintenance. They don’t need much water, so I can set this out early and enjoy it for weeks.

If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll brush the pinecones with a little gold or silver paint. It adds a bit of sparkle without losing the natural feel.

This works on a dining table, coffee table, or even a mantel. It’s easy to move and always looks fresh.

4) String Light Wrapped Pothos

Wrapping my pothos in string lights is such a simple way to add sparkle. The soft glow makes the leaves pop, and suddenly the whole plant feels festive.

I stick with LED lights because they stay cool and won’t hurt the plant. Warm white lights look cozy, but honestly, colored lights are fun too—it just depends on my mood.

When I wrap the lights, I’m careful to keep them loose so the vines can keep growing. No need to strangle the poor plant.

Plugging the lights into a timer is a lifesaver. They turn on in the evening and off at night, which saves energy and keeps things consistent.

I avoid misting the plant or letting water get near the lights, just to be safe. Dry setup is key for both the plant and the lights.

This quick update makes my pothos feel festive without going overboard. It’s easy and adds just the right holiday touch.

5) Herb Garland for the Mantel

A herb garland on the mantel is one of my favorite holiday tricks. Not only does it look festive, but it brings a fresh scent into the room—can’t beat that.

I usually go for rosemary, thyme, and sage because they last and smell amazing. I tie small bundles with twine and string them along a ribbon or cord.

Sometimes I’ll add a few sprigs of eucalyptus for a softer look. Pinecones or dried orange slices make it feel extra seasonal without being too busy.

What I love is that the garland is decorative and practical. If I need a sprig of rosemary for dinner, I just snip it off the mantel—easy.

When the season’s over, I compost the herbs or dry them for later. Nothing goes to waste. It’s a simple project that makes my home feel festive and natural.

6) Pressed Leaf Holiday Cards

Making pressed leaf holiday cards is such a personal touch. Real leaves make the cards stand out from anything you’d find in a store.

I collect leaves in all shapes and colors, then press them between heavy books for about a week until they’re flat. This keeps them from curling up or breaking.

Once they’re ready, I glue them onto blank cards. Sometimes I’ll layer with colored paper or add a handwritten message—nothing too fancy.

Metallic pens or washi tape around the edges can make the design pop. It’s the little details that make these cards special.

They’re great for friends and family who appreciate handmade things. Each card turns out different, which I think makes them even better.

7) Cactus-Shaped Cookie Cutters

Using cactus-shaped cookie cutters for holiday treats is just plain fun. Simple sugar cookies suddenly become plant-inspired snacks that fit right in with my decor.

I decorate the cookies with green icing and sprinkles to mimic real cacti. Sometimes I’ll add tiny red or yellow dots for “flowers” on top.

These cutters aren’t just for cookies. I’ve made sandwiches, cheese slices, and even fruit into playful shapes for snack trays.

When I package the cookies in little bags, they make easy homemade gifts for my fellow plant lovers. It’s a personal touch that doesn’t take forever.

I keep the cactus cutters out all year, but they feel extra festive during the holidays. It’s a quirky way to bring my love for plants into my baking.

8) Air Plant Snowflakes

Air plants are awesome because they don’t need soil and are super easy to move around. Their light weight makes them perfect for hanging decorations.

To make air plant snowflakes, I attach small air plants to simple wooden or wire snowflake frames. The plant sits right in the center, and the frame gives it that wintery look.

I hang these in windows, on walls, or even on the Christmas tree. The green against the snowflake shape feels fresh and seasonal.

These decorations last well beyond the holidays, since air plants just need a little misting to stay happy. I reuse the same snowflake frames every year.

Mixing different air plant sizes keeps things interesting. Smaller plants look delicate, while bigger ones make the snowflakes pop.

Sometimes I’ll add a bit of ribbon or a small ornament for extra color. It keeps the design cheerful but still simple.

Making these doesn’t take much time, and I love how each one turns out a little different. It’s an easy way to sneak plants into holiday decor.

9) Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree with Fairy Lights

Using my fiddle leaf fig tree as a holiday centerpiece is something I look forward to every season. Its tall shape and big leaves make it so easy to decorate.

I wrap fairy lights around the trunk and branches, keeping the glow soft and warm. The lights highlight the green leaves and give the tree a cozy look.

I skip heavy ornaments to avoid weighing down the branches. Lights or lightweight decorations work best and don’t stress the plant.

This setup is perfect if I want a festive touch but don’t have room for a separate holiday tree. It feels simple and natural.

Plugging in the lights at night makes the whole room feel more inviting. The combo of greenery and gentle light just creates such a calm holiday vibe.

Choosing Safe Plants and Materials

I want my holiday decor to look festive, but I’m not about to risk my pets or the planet. I stick with plants that are safe for animals and materials that cut down on waste, but still look cheerful.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Plant Options

Some classic holiday plants, like poinsettias and mistletoe, can make pets sick. I steer clear of those and pick pet-safe options instead.

Christmas cactus is a favorite—bright blooms and no worries for cats or dogs. Spider plants are great too; they grow fast and add greenery without any danger.

For something fragrant, I go with rosemary or thyme. They smell amazing, look festive in pots, and if a pet takes a nibble, it’s no big deal.

Here’s my quick list:

• Safe: Christmas cactus, spider plant, rosemary, thyme
• Avoid: Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, lilies

With these safe choices, I can decorate however I want—no stress about vet visits.

Eco-Friendly Decor Materials

I try to cut down on plastic by using natural and reusable materials. Wood, jute, and cotton are my go-tos for sturdy wreaths and garlands.

I save glass jars for candle holders. Reusing fabric ribbons instead of buying synthetic ones just feels better, honestly.

These materials last longer, and I don’t have to toss them after just one season.

Sometimes I’ll make ornaments from dried orange slices, pinecones, or cinnamon sticks. They look warm and festive, and later on, I can just compost them.

Here’s a quick table I use to keep things simple:

Material	Good Choice	Avoid
Ribbons	Cotton, linen	Plastic, foil
Ornaments	Pinecones, dried fruit	Plastic glitter
Wrapping	Recycled paper	Foil wrap

Caring for Plants During the Holiday Season

I try to keep my plants happy during the holidays by paying attention to their environment. Cold drafts, dry air, and the general chaos of the season can really mess with them.

Maintaining Healthy Indoor Plants

I always check for drafts near windows or doors because sudden temperature changes stress plants. If leaves start curling or dropping, I move the plant somewhere more stable.

Dry indoor heat is another thing I have to deal with. I’ll use a humidifier or even just set a tray of water nearby to add moisture to the air.

That helps keep leaves from getting all crispy.

Dust seems to build up faster in winter, too. Every couple of weeks, I gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth.

Clean leaves just look nicer and can soak up more light.

When decorating, I make sure ornaments or lights don’t block airflow around my plants. If they’re too close together, it traps humidity and can invite pests.

Managing Light and Water Needs

Shorter days mean less natural light, which isn’t ideal. I move my plants closer to bright windows but avoid letting them touch the cold glass.

If there’s still not enough light, I’ll use a grow light for a few hours each day.

Watering changes in winter, too. I check the soil before watering—no more sticking to a set schedule.

Most plants need less water when it’s cold since they’re not growing as fast.

To avoid overwatering, I do the finger test: if the top inch of soil feels dry, I water lightly.

I always empty out extra water from trays to prevent root rot.

For plants that love light and warmth, like succulents, I rotate them every week. That way, all sides get some sun and they don’t start leaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

I like mixing plants with holiday decor in a way that feels festive but still natural. Simple touches—herbs, succulents, string lights—make things look warm and a little personal without a lot of extra work.

How can I incorporate live plants into my holiday decorations?

I’ll put string lights around my pothos or tuck small plants onto shelves with a few ornaments. Live plants add color and texture, and they look great next to garlands or candles.

What are some creative ways to use potted plants as festive decor?

I wrap pots in seasonal fabric or burlap and tie them with ribbon. Grouping small potted plants on a mantel or entryway table makes for a cozy holiday display.

Can you suggest any plant-based centerpiece ideas for holiday dinners?

I like making a succulent centerpiece with pinecones in a shallow tray. Adding candles or ornaments between the plants keeps it simple and still festive.

What are some tips for keeping holiday-themed plants healthy indoors?

I keep plants away from heating vents and only water when the soil feels dry. Bright, indirect light is key for keeping them happy through the season.

How can I create a holiday wreath using succulents or air plants?

I use a macrame plant hanger wreath as the base and tuck in small succulents or air plants. A bit of moss keeps them in place without needing any soil.

What are the best plants to gift to fellow plant lovers for the holidays?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with mini terrarium ornaments—they’re adorable and a bit unexpected. I’m also a fan of small potted herbs; they’re useful and look great on a kitchen windowsill.

Succulents are another solid pick. They’re just so easy to care for, even if your friend forgets to water things sometimes.

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