The holiday season brings so much warmth and comfort, especially within the home. I love decorating my home and adding cozy elements all year long but there’s something extra special about the holiday season.

Last year was my first year in this apartment. I bought and collected several pieces that are typical when adding holiday decor to a space (a tree, stockings, throw pillows, etc.). This year I wanted to add more homemade touches to the space that felt more personal to Patrick and me. Most of the additions this year were homemade or purchased second hand. I’m hoping this could provide inspiration when decorating for the holidays. My favorite touches this year were adding bows to the christmas tree, seeing more cultivated travel ornaments, wreaths to frame the tree, and lots of garlands.

This year I also focused more on decor and warmth I could create from natural elements such as a dried orange wreath or ornaments and a simmer pot to add winter scents to the home. Here’s some simple steps if you’d also like to incorporate this into your home:

dried orange garland

• thinly slice 1-2 oranges (1 is plenty for one garland)
• dry each slice with a paper towel to remove some moisture
• place orange slices on a baking pan
• bake at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours checking occassionally to flip
• oranges will be done once slightly brown or harden

winter simmer pot

• add water to a pot or dutch oven
• cut and add 1 thinly sliced orange
• cut and add 1 thinly sliced apple
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• sprinkle of cloves or nutmeg
• splash of vanilla extract
• add a handful of cranberries
• for an extra touch, add rosemary or pine
• bring pot to a boil and lower to simmer for 30+ minutes

wishing you all happy holidays! x