Christmas Decor from the Grocery Store

Are you running short on time and money this holiday season?  You're not alone!  Time and money are hot commodities this time of year.  Despite those restraints, we still feel compelled to make our homes look at least a little bit festive for the holidays, but how?  Sure, we all know about the whole decking-our-halls-with-boughs-of-holly-thing; but, there are lots of other ways to decorate with natural elements other than ubiquitous evergreen boughs.  While it is certainly fun to make our homes sparkle for the holiday season, there is something to be said for back-to-basics décor that reminds us of Christmases past.  Instead of running out to buy glamorous, glittered, and gilded holiday home accessories, try decorating your home this holiday season with items you can find at your local grocery store. Yes, you read that correctly. Simple holiday displays using plants, fruit, and other produce readily available at grocery stores are elegant and sophisticated, not to mention surprisingly festive.  These inexpensive decorations harken back to a simpler time, and may just restore a feeling of peace to your home during this jam-packed time of year. 

1 . Poinsettias

Let's start with plants.  Poinsettias are a classic.  Consider, however, taking the plant out of its foil-wrapped pot and placing the blooms in glass vases.  Alternatively, remove the foil and wrap the pot instead in rustic burlap with a gingham bow.  Red poinsettias are eye-catching and festive; however, they also come in white and pink. And don't worry: poinsettias aren't poisonous, contrary to popular belief.

John Block/The Image Bank/Getty Images

2 . Amaryllis Bulbs

Forcing bulbs to bloom at Christmastime is a great way to honor the birth of Christ, and amaryllis bulbs are a popular choice for this tradition and can be found in most grocery store floral departments this time of year.  The red, showy blooms are perfect for Christmas, of course, and add a jolt of holiday cheer to any table.

Potted Amaryllis.

3 . Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhites are another bulb that can be forced into flowering at Christmastime, and there is hardly anything prettier than a row of these delicate white blooms in vases on a mantel or as a centerpiece.  The white flowers look beautiful well after the holidays, too.

Paperwhites. John Block / The Image Bank / Getty

4 . Bowls of Nuts

Bowls of uncracked nuts make a simple (and edible!) holiday decoration.  Placing a bowl next to a fire with a nutcracker nearby invites guests to sit down, get warm, and stay awhile. 

Holiday Nut Bowl. Fuse / Getty

5 . Citrus

The next time you're in the produce aisle, pick up a couple of sacks of oranges or clementines.  Citrus fruit is a quintessential holiday gift for co-workers, hostesses and neighbors, but have you ever tried incorporating these fruits into your holiday décor?  A simple bowl of oranges or a cake plate tiered with tangerines makes a surprisingly festive display. Or, try studding citrus fruit with cloves and using them in a centerpiece. Luckily citrus is in-season this time of year, making it an inexpensive accent for your holiday displays.

Holiday Wreath with Tangerines. Judd Pilossoff / Photolibrary / Getty

6 . Cranberries

Cranberries aren't just for Thanksgiving.  Try filing vases with these beautiful red berries to anchor holiday floral arrangements, or mix them with un-shelled nuts in a hurricane vase.  Add a simple white pillar candle for an elegant centerpiece.

Hurricane with Cranberries and Walnuts. Grace Clementine / The Image Bank / Getty

7 . Popcorn

If you really want to evoke an old-fashioned Christmas, turn on some carols and sit by the fire one evening with your family while stringing cranberries and popcorn into a primitive but pretty garland for your Christmas tree or mantel.

Popcorn Garland. Ryan McVay / Stockbyte / Getty

8 . Pine Cones

Pine cones are another natural element that can sometimes be purchased from grocery store floral departments, often with a cinnamon scent.  Fill a wooden bowl with pine cones and nestle in a few sparkly bulbs or small wrapped gifts for a simple, inexpensive table accent.

Pinecones in Wooden Bowl. John Block / Blend Images / Getty