Holiday Decorating with Botanicals
This season, we’re taking it back — way back — to the roots of holiday decorating, when evergreens weren’t just pretty; they were powerful. Before Christmas trees and department store garlands, bringing greenery indoors was an ancient ritual, and not just because it smelled amazing (though that certainly hasn’t changed).
Why Evergreens?
Andrea & Dhruv @ Deer Mountain Inn
Long before modern holiday traditions, evergreens were symbols of resilience and life. In many pagan cultures, they represented nature’s refusal to give in to the cold and dark of winter. Celtic and Norse peoples decorated their homes with fir, pine, and holly during the winter solstice, a celebration of the sun's slow return. These greens were thought to ward off evil and bring blessings of growth through the dormant season.
Fast forward: we're still hanging greens. Only now, we're choosing from beautiful, locally-grown options like juniper, spruce, fir, and pine — all sourced right here in New Jersey. Not only do they smell like a fresh forest hug, but they also hold up beautifully. Outdoors, your evergreen decor can last up to six weeks without water. Indoors, they still look great for about two weeks, depending on heat and light.
Oranges, Pomegranates & Other Fruitful Details
Ever notice how orange slices and pomegranates sneak their way into wreaths and garlands this time of year? That tradition has deep roots, too.
In the Great Depression, fresh oranges were a luxury — rare, fragrant, and colorful — making them a prized stocking stuffer and a beloved holiday treat. Hanging dried orange garlands or using citrus in decor became a symbol of prosperity, warmth, and care. And the look? Still totally classic.
As for pomegranates, these ruby red beauties have long been associated with fertility, abundance, and the cycles of life. Ancient Greeks linked them to the myth of Persephone and the seasons, and the fruit's regal look and symbolism made it a favorite for winter altars and holiday displays — long before they became a Pinterest favorite.
What We’re Loving Right Now
At Flora Good Times, we’re going heavy on botanical magic this year. Here’s what’s on our worktables and in our wreaths:
Custom & Designer-Choice Wreaths – Whether you want something minimal and woodsy or totally decked out, we’ve got you.
Pinecones & Lichen-Covered Branches – All the texture, all the wild charm. Forage responsibly.
Rhododendron Leaves – Glossy, dramatic, and unexpected.
Fragrant Touches – Think cinnamon sticks, dried-flower garlands, and, yes, even classic popcorn strands.
Bird-Friendly Bits – We love adding broom corn, millet, and seed pods To Wreaths that feed the birds as they forage through winter.
Dried Orange Garlands – Vintage vibes, modern twist.
If you’re dreaming up something specific — we’re all ears. Whether you're DIY-ing your decor or want us to make something just for you, Flora Good Times is here to bring the botanical cheer.
You can check out our feature in Inside+Out’s feature, The Art of Gathering: By Course, By Heart — Curated by the Valley’s Best, to learn more about our take on table styling this holiday.
Let the evergreens in. Light a candle. Hang that garland. And feel that ancient magic take hold.