It’s the holidays! We know the tradition calls for a huge tree set up in the middle of the living room. But not everyone can fit a full-sized tree into their spaces. What can you do? Well, allow us to help.
The right holiday plant acts as decorations that feel grown-up rather than gimmicky. This way, you can have your holiday aesthetic without the hassle of moving around furniture to fit a large tree, only to stow it in a couple of months.
We get it. Plants are living, breathing things that deserve love and care. But that’s not to say we can’t make them with us as we try to bring in more festive cheer into our homes. Let’s get started on some space-saving ideas for decorating with plants!
Holiday Decorating With Plants
Centrepieces
No tree space, no problem! You’ll likely have or can manage some table space. The dining table is the obvious stage. Use one striking specimen as your focal point. Amaryllis provides tall, sculptural blooms that read dramatic and formal. For a softer, more textural look choose a cluster of white poinsettias and variegated ruscus in a shallow, wide bowl.
As a rule, keep the height below eye level. Eye contact is still key during dinner conversations. Add a few natural elements, such as eucalyptus stems, dried orange slices, or small bark pieces to tie the arrangement to the season. Swap candles for battery-operated tealights to avoid accidents. A living centrepiece not only looks elegant but invites guests to lean in and comment, which is half the fun of hosting. We know you want the hosting cred. So do we!
For longer tables, line the centre with a series of small pots instead of one large piece. The repetition builds presence without overwhelming the space and makes place setting changes effortless.
Mantels and Shelves
Mantels and shelves are perfect for mixing plants with heirlooms and candles. Use a taller evergreen, such as a potted spruce or a small Nordmann, as an anchor. Then layer with smaller pots of hellebores, ruscus stems in a water tube or a petite white poinsettia. The trick is to vary texture and scale so the composition reads like a curated vignette.
Keep the palette limited to two or three tones to maintain cohesion. Use simple ceramic or terracotta pots in neutral shades. Intermix metallic accents like a single brass candlestick to add warmth and a hint of holiday glamour.
Kitchen Counter
We’ve all been to apartment gatherings before, right? Everyone flocks wherever food is, making the kitchen the heart of holiday gatherings naturally. Plants here can be both practical and decorative. A pot of basil or mint doubles as garnish for festive drinks, while a compact Norfolk pine or poinsettia brings seasonal charm to the counter. How can basil be festive, you might ask? Wrap a bow around the pot. We’re decorating here. You may as well!
Grouping herbs in decorative jars creates a living spice rack that looks stylish and smells delicious. These touches make cooking and entertaining feel more connected to nature. Just remember that this is the kitchen - aka where fire exists. Keep your plants away from heat and open flames and Bob’s your uncle.
Windowsills
The tables are cluttered with gifts and goodies, the kitchen is just too messy… Where else can we invite our plants? Windowsills are underrated stages for seasonal greenery. A row of plants can instantly brighten the view and greet you every time you take a gander outside. Their blooms catch natural light and create a cheerful border between indoors and outdoors.
Just make sure to check your plants and how strong the sun can get. Some plants don’t like being scorched. Come on… Who wants to see dying plants in the background of your photos? Not us!
Bookshelves
Bookshelves are perfect for mixing plants with personal treasures. A trailing pothos or ivy cascading down a shelf adds movement and softens the rigid lines of stacked books. Small succulents or mini poinsettias tucked between novels act as festive punctuation marks. The trick is to vary height and texture so the shelf feels curated rather than cluttered.
The best part about decorating here? You don’t have to move them after the holidays. Plants can stay tucked in their places and be one with your space.
Running Out of Holiday Plant Ideas?
Have no fear. Bloombox Club is here. By simply heading on over to the website, you can get pages and pages of festive plants and many more. Home them, gift them… If plants are the game, we play ball.
