Design Tips
The Best Plants for Holiday Decorating and Gifting
As you start to decorate and make your space feel more merry and bright, consider adding live greenery for some extra cheer this holiday season and beyond. Also great to gift loved ones near and far!
There’s nothing like being home for the holidays. As you get your space ready—whether that means trimming the tree, hanging lights, or stocking up on candy canes—consider adding a few of our holiday houseplants and live greenery picks. They’re the perfect finishing touch to make your home feel complete, and they also make great gifts that keep giving, long after the presents are unwrapped!
A zesty evergreen
Lemon Cypress is a bright, citrus-scented favorite for holiday decorating—its naturally conical shape makes it look like a mini Christmas tree, no trimming required. Indoors, it adds fresh greenery and a zesty scent to shelves, mantels, or tabletops. Outdoors, it can be planted in the ground where it brings year-round structure and color, especially in warmer climates.

A live holiday tree
Have you ever longed for a Charlie Brown tree that can fit into a small space but is still full and lush? The Norfolk Island Pine is exactly that. Add small ornaments and twinkle lights to bring a cozy, evergreen feel to your home all season long!

A blooming Christmas cactus
If you love a good succulent but want something with a more festive feel, try a Schlumbergera. Often called the Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter Cactus, depending on its bloom time and leaf shape, this nostalgic plant is beloved for its colorful blooms and long lifespan. It’s not just holiday-friendly, it’s heirloom-worthy, often passed down through generations. A meaningful gift and a lasting addition to any plant collection!

A bright Amaryllis bulb
Amaryllis make stunning holiday decorations with their bold red, white, or pink blooms—and they’re just as great for gifting. Easy to care for and long-lasting, they bring vibrant color and a unique touch to any space all season long. Pair a bulb with your favorite planter for a personalized gift, or choose a waxed bulb for an effortless, ready-to-grow setup.

A vibrant Wintergreen Cherry Berries
Wintergreen Cherry Berries is a festive favorite for holiday decorating, with glossy green leaves and bright red berries that add natural cheer all season long. Keep it indoors for a pop of color on tabletops or windowsills—or, if you’ve got the space, plant it in the ground for woodland charm outdoors. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s a beautiful way to bring the holidays to life, inside or out.

A fragrant evergreen garland
Nothing says holiday like the fresh scent of cedar! This classic garland instantly brings cozy, seasonal charm—whether draped on a mantel, wrapped around a banister, or framing a doorway. Long-lasting and lush, it’s an easy way to make any space feel festive (no pine-scented candles required).

A spruce for any corner or garden
Shaped like perfect little Christmas trees, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce offers classic deep green needles, while the Baby Blue Eye Spruce brings a cool-toned twist with its frosty blue-green hue. Style them in festive containers by the front door, bring them indoors for seasonal cheer, or plant them outside for year-round evergreen vibes. Wherever they land, these pint-sized spruces pack big seasonal magic!

Tips for Decorating with Live Greenery & Houseplants
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Mix textures by pairing soft ferns with bold evergreens or glossy foliage for contrast.
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Add natural accents with pinecones, dried citrus, or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
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Layer heights using plant stands, stools, or boxes to add depth.
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Wrap pots in seasonal fabric like burlap, linen, or ribbon to dress up a planter or for gifting.
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Cluster in odd numbers by grouping plants or greenery in sets of 3 or 5 for a balanced look.
Deck Your Halls (and Your Sill)
Whether you're going for classic charm or a fresh, modern feel, the right plants can instantly elevate your holiday décor—and they make thoughtful gifts, too. From festive evergreens to easy-care greenery, living accents add warmth, texture, and a natural touch to any space. Pick what suits your style (and your lighting), or share the joy by gifting a plant that brightens someone else’s home!
Words By The Sill
Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.
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