Make the holidays merry and bright this season by bringing the outside in, decorating with evergreens from your yard or surrounding woods, putting in your own personal touch.

“People have so much around them in their own landscaping that would work great for a wreath, a garland or a table centerpiece, it just takes some looking,” says Mary Kate Kinnane, owner and lead designer of The Local Bouquet in Little Compton, creating floral décor for weddings and special events.

She also teaches floral design classes and offers subscriptions for seasonal arrangements.

To find the clippings, Mary Kate suggests looking for native greens like arborvitae, pine, cedar, holly, even from magnolia trees. “Take a nature walk and see what’s available.”

For variety, add textures like pinecones, juniper with blue berries, or holly with bright red berries. “Texture elevates any holiday centerpiece.”

Another great greenery source is using what may need to be cut from the bottom of a Christmas tree when it’s moved into the house. “When you have to cut a tree down for space, use those branches to decorate,” she says.

Putting it together

For a wreath, Mary Kate recommends buying a sturdy 12” or 18” wire wreath frame from a craft store like Michael’s and then, starting with the leftover Christmas tree greens as the base, add in small bunches of your cedar or pine or arborvitae. Include some textures like pine cones or holly berries and a ribbon. “Skinny ribbons are in right now,” she says. “Velvet or leather looks really nice and high-end on a wreath.”

For garland, use the same greenery and if needed, include an artificial pine garland from a home store, as long as the color is natural looking, she says. For texture, add extras like the pinecones, berries, ribbon and maybe a few favorite tree ornaments to make a mantle or entryway feel special and festive.

Centerpieces

When putting together a table centerpiece, there’s no need to stick to traditional holiday floral colors and plaid ribbons. “Base your choices off of your own home décor, pulling from colors that are naturally surrounding you, whether it’s from rugs, pillows, tapestries or art. Use colors you are drawn to,” says Mary Kate. For a recent client, she chose a white theme for a centerpiece and included white anemones, Ranunculus, parrot tulips, and Helleborus, also known as a Christmas rose, and ferns.

For a table centerpiece container, she suggests pulling out a favorite family heirloom serving piece. “You don’t have to use a traditional vase; find a serving dish in a bowl shape and use that. It creates a wonderful and memorable focus for the table,” says Mary Kate. To keep the florals upright, she suggests using tape across the top to make a grid or chicken wire balled up at the bottom.

How you decorate always comes down to personal style, says Mary Kate. “This season, whether it’s more natural and earthy or traditional and classic, this is a great time to show your holiday spirit.”