When it comes to holiday decor, it’s always a toss-up when you are choosing between real and faux foliage. There are pros and cons of each, and we believe both have a place in the home over the holiday season as long as they look high-quality and realistic. Let’s take a look at when to use real vs. faux decor and some creative ways to style your holiday decorations at home.
When to Use Real Decor
There is no denying the charm of real florals, Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths. Using real greenery brings a richness of texture and a natural fragrance that artificial versions can’t quite replicate.
Some people will always buy a real tree each year and enjoy the experience of picking it out with the family. However, real plants have the downsides of requiring more care and a limited lifespan, plus they can trigger allergies. They are also less desirable if you have pets or small children who might try to eat the dropped tree needles.
When to Use Faux Decor
Faux decor is an excellent alternative to real when you’re wanting convenience, longevity, and an easy clean-up. You can reuse your faux decor year after year without it losing its charm. Faux decor eliminates the need to do additional shopping around the holidays, plus allergy sufferers can enjoy the beauty of seasonal decorations without triggering sensitivities.
Just remember, the trick with faux decor is investing in high-quality pieces that don’t look artificial! As you will have these pieces for many years, they are worth a small investment.
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How to Mix Real & Faux Decor
A china cabinet or breakfront is a staple in many Southern dining rooms. It’s not just this furniture piece that is tied to Southern tradition, but what’s inside. Southerners have a deep attachment to family heirlooms, which often include inherited silver sets and china. Something in our hearts swells when we are able to display a family heirloom. While these special furniture pieces may or may not be used frequently is beside the point. They make for a beautiful display.
Third Option: Dried/Preserved Decor
Of course, there is another alternative: dried and preserved. This is a beautiful means of achieving a natural look without having to buy new every year. For example, a fresh magnolia wreath makes a beautiful statement on a front door that can be reused once it dries out.
Another idea is to combine dried and fresh elements in floral arrangements to create a more textural look. Finally, there are creative alternatives to a real tree like our Provence Rattan Large Tree. Made from natural rattan, it provides a coastal twist on a classic tree and can be reused again and again.
Where to Place Your Decor
There are many places in the home that can be spruced up for the season with real or faux greenery. Here are some common and creative places to place wreaths and garlands:
- Above a bed
- Front door
- Entryway
- Mantel
- Banister
- Tables
- Windows
- Above mirrors
- Doorknobs
Holiday Decor at GDC Home
To start your holiday decorating off strong, stop by any of our three Charleston home decor stores where we have a large variety of seasonal trimmings in stock. From whimsical ornaments for that white elephant gift to formal holiday tabletop pieces, it’s time to drape your home in holiday style!
Shop the Look
Provence Rattan Sleigh
From sweets to festive baubles or a merry flower arrangement, this beautifully hand-woven rattan sleigh delivers whimsy wherever you place it.
Grand Magnolia Leaf Wreath
The distinctive green and amber tones of the magnolia leaves add depth and richness to any space. Great for covered porch, or use as a unique, colorful centerpiece.
