HOLLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: STYLING WITH ARTIFICIAL BERRIES

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain botanicals elements that hold a timeless appeal. Artificial holly is one of those holiday staples! With its uniquely shaped green leaves and vibrant red or green berries, faux holly captures the feel of the season while offering the ease and versatility that busy households enjoy. Whether styled on its own, paired with other faux florals, or incorporated into larger holiday displays, artificial holly is a must-have for holiday decor enthusiasts. Let’s talk about how you can use this festive greenery in your home, along with tips for storage and why holly remains a holiday favorite year after year.

Did you know - holly has been a part of holiday traditions for centuries? Associated with winter festivals and later on a staple in Christmas celebrations, holly's spiky leaves and bright red berries are a symbol of hope, renewal, and warmth. While natural holly is stunning, faux holly offers several advantages: it lasts year after year, requires no maintenance, and is not toxic, unlike its real counterpart - giving faux holly a huge advantage.

SIMPLE STYLING WITH FAUX HOLLY LEAVES

One of the simplest ways to style your holly stems is to place a handful of stems in a vase. A couple of holly stems with berries in a sleek, neutral-colored vase creates a striking centerpiece for coffee tables, mantels, or shelves.

For a more dramatic or festive look, you can use clear glass vase, place your holly stems inside, and then fill that with faux snow or brightly colored ornaments. This adds that flair of holiday charm and a burst of color. You can also mix in a few taller, complementary stems, such as faux eucalyptus or red winter berries, to add height and variety.

Minimalists will appreciate the impact of holly on its own, while maximalists can use it as a starting point for layering other decorative decor to match their holiday style.

PAIRING HOLLY WITH OTHER ARTIFICIAL BOTANICALS

Holly stems can really shine when paired with other faux florals, making them a versatile addition to any holiday design. Combine holly with classic holiday favorites like poinsettias, roses, and hydrangeas for a full and festive centerpiece or bouquet.

• Poinsettias and Holly: The bold, velvety petals of faux poinsettias beautifully paired with the sharp-edged leaves of holly create an eye-catching arrangement. Create an arrangement with white poinsettias and red holly berries or red poinsettias with green holly. Feeling even more festive? Use red and white poinsettias with classic red holly berries!

• Roses and Holly: Red or white fake roses arranged with holly, creates a romantic yet still traditional feel. For extra texture and size, you can always mix in some faux greenery like rich green magnolia leaves or soft green eucalyptus.

• Hydrangeas and Holly: Large, rounded hydrangea blossoms provide the perfect base for holly stems to peek through. Just a few white hydrangeas paired with holly create a classic, almost snowy feeling aesthetic, while red and green hydrangeas add richness and warmth to holiday decor.

HOLLY BERRIES WITH GARLANDS

Garlands are a holiday decor favorite! And holly is the perfect accent to add to their already festive look. Adding artificial holly stems to pine or magnolia greenery garlands instantly transforms them into a festive focal point - taking your decor from winter to holiday and back again.

To incorporate holly into your garland, simply tuck and weave the stems throughout the greenery, letting the berries and leaves peek out naturally. Most artificial holly comes with wired stems for easy styling and shaping. Get creative and make it your own! Add in other holiday accents like faux pinecones, small glittered ornaments, or LED twinkle lights for that extra sparkle.

Did you know? Garlands decorated with holly are super versatile:

• Drape them along a staircase banister for a warm and welcoming entry.
• Hang garlands along a mantel, framing it as the centerpiece of your living or entertaining space.
• Use them as table runners for holiday dinners. Use as a stand alone centerpiece or accent with flameless candles or additional smaller flower arrangements.
• Hang faux garlands over doorway arches to create the feeling of a festive holiday entrance into any room.

HOLIDAY WREATHS

Fake holly is a fantastic go-to for wreath-making, whether you’re creating one from scratch or adding to a pre-made design. Its bright berries add a holiday touch and added texture to any wreath.

Make Your Own Holly Wreath
Start with a green wire wreath base (available online or at a local craft store). Begin to layer in holly stems, wrapping the wired holly stems around the wreath base and securing them with floral wire, floral tape, or hot glue. Continue adding holly stems until the entire wire base is covered! For a classic look, stick to holly leaves and berries or add in some simple pine elements (pine cones, smaller sprigs of pine foliage). If you prefer something more modern or flashy, weave in ribbon or add small colorful ornaments.

Add to Pre-Made Wreaths
If you already have a wreath - pine, cedar, magnolia leaf, eucalyptus - but want to make it fit into your holiday decor, adding holly is an easy and classic way to make it pop! Insert a few stems around the wreath to add a vibrant red contrast to the foliage and create an overall fuller wreath look. 

Holly wreaths work beautifully indoors or under outdoor covered porches, bringing holiday charm and cheer wherever they’re displayed.

POST HOLIDAY CARE AND STORAGE

One of the greatest advantages of artificial holly, and faux flowers in general, are there reusability. After the holidays, cleaning and storing your artificial botanicals  properly ensures they’ll look just as fresh for the next holiday season!

• Cleaning Tips: Use a duster or hair dryer on low to clean the dust off of your botanicals. Alternatively, use a soft, damp cloth or baby wipe to clean off each stem, removing dust or debris. Allow the stems to dry completely.
• Storage: Place your holiday stems in a plastic container or sturdy box to protect them from being crushed. Wrapping them in tissue paper or bubble wrap can help preserve their shape. Store in a cool, dry location.

WHY HOLLY REMAINS A HOLIDAY STAPLE

There’s something undeniably festive about holly leaves and berries. Holly embodies holiday cheer and evokes memories of Christmas traditions! That along with its bold and cheerful appearance, makes holly a beloved decor accent year after year. Its versatility allows it to be the star in various settings, from minimalist vases to creative DIY wreaths and garlands.

By adding artificial holly into your holiday decor you’re not just decorating—you’re embracing a timeless tradition, and adding your own practical twist. Its ease of use, long-lasting quality, and undeniable festive charm make it a must-have for any holiday enthusiast. And when the season ends, its durability and ease of storage ensure it’ll be ready to bring festive cheer again next year.

Whether you’re a true holiday traditionalist or love experimenting with modern holiday trends or crafting your own floral displays, faux holly is the perfect way to add that special touch to your celebrations. So this season, deck the halls with holly - and enjoy the beauty it brings to your holiday home!