Decorating for Christmas with Dried Hydrangeas
This year I really wanted my Christmas decor to feel warm, collected, and full of texture, so I decided to build my mantel around one of my favorite end-of-season treasures, dried hydrangeas. They have the prettiest antique color once they dry on the bush and they blend beautifully with Christmas greenery. I loved the idea of using them to create a lush, old world garland and it turned out even better than I imagined.
If you want to try this look in your own home, here’s exactly how I did it.
Step 1: Let the Hydrangeas Dry on the Plant
At the end of the season I leave my hydrangea blooms on the bush until they naturally dry out. Once they feel papery and the color shifts to that warm golden brown, I clip them off and bring them inside. There’s no special prep. They’re ready to use as soon as they’re fully dry.
Step 2: Build a Full Greenery Base
To get that really full, drapey look, I layered several different garlands together.
I started with one thick, super realistic greenery garland I bought years ago from a website that sadly doesn’t sell them anymore.
Then I added two Amazon garlands to each side to extend the shape and give it more length and movement.
I also tucked in a few leftover sprigs of greenery, I had lying around, to add more layers and texture.
This combination creates the perfect base for dried hydrangeas because the branches give them lots of places to nestle in without any wiring.
Step 3: Add Your Dried Hydrangeas
Once the greenery was in place, I tucked the hydrangeas throughout the garland, concentrating on spots that needed a little more fullness or color. They add so much volume and richness, and because every bloom dries a little differently, the whole garland takes on that perfectly layered, collected look.
Step 4: Style the Mantel with Collected Pieces
Once the hydrangeas were in place, I layered in the rest of my decor. Almost everything on this mantel is secondhand, which is exactly why I love it. I go to estate sales and vintage shops any chance I get, and those pieces always bring so much character to a space.
Why Hydrangeas Work So Well for Christmas
They’re free, they’re beautiful, and they last all season. The dried texture pairs perfectly with classic Christmas greenery and adds dimension you just can’t get from store bought florals. If you want a mantel that feels curated and timeless, hydrangeas are the perfect addition.
This ended up being one of my favorite Christmas projects this year. It’s simple, it’s natural, and it makes the whole room feel warm and collected. If you have hydrangeas in your yard, definitely save them at the end of the season. They make the most stunning holiday decor.
Links at a Glance
Mantle Statue - Estate Sale
Oil Candles - Estate Sale
Mirror - Goodwill
Gold Canister on Mantle - Estate Sale
If you liked this, you might be interested in my blog all about my estate sale tips!
How To Make A Dried Orange Garland
If you’ve ever wanted that cozy, old-fashioned Christmas look without spending a ton, dried orange garland is so easy to make at home. It’s one of those simple little projects that makes your whole house feel warm and festive, and the best part is, you only need oranges, an air fryer, and a bit of fishing line.
Here’s exactly how I make mine:
1. Slice your oranges as thin as you can.
The thinner they are, the faster and more evenly they dry.
2. Place the slices on a tiered metal shelf inside your air fryer.
This keeps them separated so the air can circulate around each slice.
3. Cook at 195°F for about three hours.
Make sure you check on them here and there.
4. Thread them onto fishing line using a big needle.
Just poke through the top edge of each slice and slide them down the line.
And that’s it. Sweet, simple, and so pretty. This year I hung mine across my mantle, and I love how the warm orange tones mix with the greenery . It really does add that perfect handmade touch.
Links at a glance
Garland - Sadly, no longer available
If you like this, you might be interested in how I decorated my bedroom for Christmas!
The Gift You Didn’t Know You Needed: My TOTO Bidet
Okay, hear me out, I am officially a bidet girl. And not just any bidet, the TOTO Washlet S2 elongated bidet seat. If you’ve ever wondered whether one of these is actually worth the hype, let me just say: yes. A thousand times yes.
This is one of those gifts that feels unexpected in the best way. Something you wouldn’t think to get for yourself, but once you do, you wonder how you ever lived without it. And honestly? It’s the perfect Christmas gift for someone you love (or for yourself, because sometimes we deserve a little everyday luxury).
Why I’m obsessed:
Cozy heated seat
Gentle warm air dryer
Instant warm water
Soft night light
Self-cleaning
And so much more
It makes you feel so clean, and so comfortable. It elevates something that every single person uses every single day, turning it from ordinary into a small moment of luxury.
If you’re looking for a gift that will surprise someone in the absolute best way, something practical, elevated, and genuinely life-enhancing, this is it. Everyone needs one.
Treat someone you love. Treat yourself. You’ll thank me later.
Toto Washlet S2 Bidet Seat
If you like this you might be interested in my 2025 gift guide for her!
Decorating Our Bedroom For Christmas
Our bedroom is officially the first room I decorated for Christmas this season, and I am so glad I started here. Before I pulled out any Christmas bins, I gave the room a really good deep clean and swapped in a new rug and the maroon flowered blanket. Once everything felt fresh and cozy, it was the perfect space to ease into holiday decorating without feeling overwhelmed.
For Christmas decor, I kept things simple and focused on pieces that bring in a soft glow and a little bit of magic. I added multiple small lit trees, and they completely changed the atmosphere of the room. The warm lights at night feel peaceful and calming, and the whole space feels like a quiet retreat at the end of the day.
One of my favorite details is the crackle glass ornaments. They catch the tree light in the prettiest soft sparkle, and they are beautiful even during the day. I also added a snow globe on the nightstand, and the slow swirl when it is lit feels whimsical and sweet. It is such a small thing, but it brings so much joy.
I hung a large bow above the TV and I love the way it finishes the space. It is a simple touch that feels classic, and ties everything together.
It is amazing how just a few pieces can transform a room. I have been sneaking into bed early just to sit with the lights glowing and enjoy how beautiful it is.
This is your reminder to decorate the room you actually rest in. Light the trees, add something that makes you smile, and enjoy every peaceful minute.
Links At A Glance
Paint Color - Field Trip by Clare Paint
If you liked this you might be interested in my 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
2025 Holiday Gift Guide For Her
The 2025 holiday gift guide is here! Holiday gifting season is officially here and I am so excited to share my curated gift guides with you. I pulled these roundups together using things I have personally bought, received, loved, and gifted, along with a few new finds I already have my eye on. If you are shopping for friends, sisters, moms, teachers, or treating yourself, there is something good waiting for you.
I put together separate lists for every type of girl in your life. The Gift Guide for Her is full of pretty, thoughtful, feel good pieces that never miss. The Beauty Lover Guide is packed with skincare favorites, body care treats, and fun beauty gadgets she will actually use. The Fashion Girly Guide is for the stylish one who loves wearable everyday pieces that still feel special. And the Homebody Guide is my cozy collection for anyone who loves slow mornings, soft blankets, good coffee, and a perfectly styled space.
I hope these guides make gifting easier and a lot more fun. Save this post to come back to later and send it to someone who might need a little hint.
Happy gifting and happy holiday season, friends.
If you like this, you might be interested in how to host a stress-free holiday party!
HOW TO MAKE A HOT CHOCOLATE BAR
The holidays are here and the weather is colder. Set up this amazing hot chocolate bar at your next party complete with multiple flavors, toppings, servingware, and decor.
With Christmas coming and the Winter season here for several more months, I thought it would be a great idea to share my hot chocolate bar with you! I sourced my goodies from all over (mostly Home Goods and Kroger) but I will link as many similar items as I can find.
This was a hit at our annual Christmas party, but the only other recommendation I have to add to the list below is to get some Kahlua or Bailey’s to add some alcohol to the mix!
ITEMS USED:
SERVINGWARE:
Two Tiered Marble Server is from Crate and Barrel
Bonavita Electric Kettle (ours has a traditional spout and I can’t find it, but the linked one is similar
The little plastic bowl for the chocolate spoons is from the Dollar Tree
Small serving tongs are from the Dollar Tree
Measuring spoon to measure the hot chocolate powder, these are similar
Napkins are from Home Goods, but these are cute and so are these.
Cups with lips and sleeves are from Home Goods, but these are similar and cute
INGREDIENTS:
The multi-flavor chocolates are from Home Goods, but these are similar
Chocolate spoons are from Home Goods but Amazon has them as well (linked)
Sprinkles from the grocery Store
Cinnamon Sugar from the grocery Store
Marshmallows from the grocery Store
Candy Canes from the grocery Store
Creme Filled Stick Cookies from the grocery store or Home Goods
Whipped Cream from the grocery Store
Optional Kahlua or Bailey’s
DECOR:
Gold tree is from Target and they sell two sizes
I hope you guys love this as much as we did! I will for sure be setting up another one of these are our next party this winter season!
25 Days of Blogmas!
I'm so excited that I will be doing 25 Days of Blogmas for the first time this year. Each day you'll be able to check back and see a new post on the blog. Topics will range from cycling, general fitness, food, beauty, and more!
