The holidays are upon us. As the days get shorter and the fireplaces grow full with crackling logs, we find ways to busy ourselves,
making our homes more bright and festive for the coziest time of year. If you’re like us at Brock Builders, we like to make the interior of our homes reflect the values we have regarding our environmental impact. Here are some tried and true ways to decorate your house with sustainability in mind.

Dried Orange Garland

Dried orange garlands are a great activity to make with kids. Don’t worry though, they’re fun for just the adults too! All you have to do is slice some oranges and squeeze out all the juice. Stick them in the oven for 2 hours at 250 degrees, and they’ll be ready to use after cooling them on a rack for a day or two. Finally, grab your needle and thread to string them together and drape them over the mantle (or Christmas tree, door frame, etc).

Classic Christmas Wreath

If you’re lucky to have some evergreens nearby like we do here in Asheville, you can easily make this iconic decoration while you sit by the fire and drink some hot chocolate. Find some branches out on your next walk from an evergreen tree. Make sure they’re nice and flexible. While you’re at it, pick up some pine cones, holly, or laurel so that you can add some extra pizzazz to your Christmas wreath. Then, simply layer the materials and attach them to a base made from wire. You may need to tie pieces together with more string or wire, as needed.

Christmas Table Centerpiece

In the same vein of using natural materials, you can make a simple, wonderfully- perfumed centerpiece out of foraged materials from your backyard (or the local forest trail). Grab some small evergreen branches and a large tin can to create the base of your centerpiece. Then, simply fill the tin can with a bit of sand and water – this will keep the branches from drying out. Finally, throw some pine cones, holly, or tree nuts in the center. With a little ribbon and a touch of creativity, you just might have a center-piece for the dinner table that Martha Stewart would be proud of.

From the Brock Builder Family to Yours

The holidays can be such a special time of year. Hopefully these ideas will show you how easy it can be to add some sustainable decor to your home this holiday season. Brock Builders custom home designers look forward to serving you with more green home tips. Happy holidays!