Using pine branch Christmas decorations;

I love the look of natural decorations.

Each year we trim our trees in the fall. I use the fresh pine branches to decorate my B&B for Christmas. I love the look of natural decorations, They bring in the scent of pine in a way bottled scents could never capture. Using natural materials looks beautiful, uncluttered, and clean. Bringing a little extra life to materials that would have been mulched much sooner. I prefer to use them as much as I can before they become useful in other ways. Pine trees take on a life of their own if they are not regularly tended and trimmed. This tree is looking a little wild and requires attention to reduce dead needles and give the tree added strength for next years growth.

After carefully trimming our trees and removing dead spots and disease our trees are ready for a safe and refreshing winter. This care will give them rest and prepare them for next years growth.

Placing them on your mantle shelf or other focal shelving is the traditional use for cut branches. This placement can bring extra character to crafted trees, villages, or nativities. They also make beautiful wreaths or garlands when shaped the same day they were cut and soaked.  When deciding where to place your pine cuttings you must choose stationary settings and surfaces that will not be disturbed throughout the month. Moving them will loosen needles and dry the branches faster since they are not being fed a continuous water supply. I

f you don’t touch them they will last for weeks! The pine branch Christmas decorations help to create the atmosphere of the season without being overwhelming for my guests.

If you are interested in following my other decorating ideas you may follow me on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/gcbandb/