With so many different ways to decorate your home for the holidays, I suggest trying to pick something that you love (could be a color, a theme, or an item) and streamline your holiday home decor around it. Like decorating with cranberries!
I love these holiday decor idea found on BHG that involve decorating with cranberries. I've recreated many of these simple ideas myself over the years.
(You might also like decorating with wrapping paper which is also one of my go-to's during Christmas!)
Ideas for Decorating with Cranberries
Before you get started, you'll want to decide if you're going to use fresh or fake cranberries. I personally like the way fresh look better but find that sometimes they don't last all holiday season. I do find when using real cranberries outdoors (like for porch decor), they last longer due to the cold weather.
If using fresh cranberries, be sure to remove any that seem mush before adding them to your decorations. You may also want to spot check your decorations once a week and remove any that have began to rot.
Decorating with Cranberries on the Mantel
For simple yet impactful mantel decor, fill glass cylinders with fresh cranberries (or fake cranberries) and white candles. Use different height cylinders and candles for interest.
Supplies: Fake Cranberries | Glass Cylinders | White Pilar Candles
Decorating with Cranberry Garland
String these little red gems to make a festive cranberry garland. Attach to mantle with small hooks. I like to use command hooks since they are removable and don't damage your mantel. You can also hang these right on your Christmas tree, or use them in your holiday tablescape.
Supplies: Fake Cranberries (or real) | Thread or Thin String | Needle | Command Hooks
Decorating with Cranberries Outside
Take the cranberry decor outside! Line your porch or front step with cranberries atop fake snow in a glass cylinder or other vase. I do this every year and always get compliments! Fresh cranberries tend to keep outdoors better since it's colder.
Supplies: Fake Cranberries | Glass Cylinders | White Pilar Candles | Fake Snow
Frozen Cranberry Ice Cubes
This is my go-to holiday trick when I'm entertaining (I often freeze flowers in ice cubes)! Freeze fresh cranberries into ice cubes to keep your holiday spirits cold. I also add in a few sprigs from my Christmas tree right into the water before I freeze it. Fill a shallow baking sheet with about ½" - 1" of water and drop in fresh cranberries. Freeze and then break apart to add to your holiday punch bowls and ice buckets. You can also make using a traditional ice cube tray.
Supplies: Fresh Cranberries | Water | Shallow Baking Sheet or Ice Cube Tray
Statement Piece - Decorating with Fake Cranberries
This is a simple way to make a bold statement! Glue fake cranberries to a cardboard cut out of your families last initial. Many craft stores sell large paper mache letters in various sizes that are very affordable. Or, you can make your own using left over cardboard from your holiday deliveries.
Supplies: Fake Cranberries | Large Paper Mache Letter | Glue Gun
Make Cranberry Centerpieces
These cranberry centerpieces will be a showstopper! Glue Fake cranberries to foam spheres of different sizes. Display atop candle holders, vases, or cake stands.
Supplies: Fake Cranberries | Foam Spheres | Glue Gun | Candle Holders or Cake Stands
Which holiday decor idea is your favorite use of cranberries? If you make any of these ideas, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see them!
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scooter says
I have used cranberries so many times as decoration, but only for a few weeks. Now I want to make ornaments and keep. Is it possible to preserve the cranberries so they don't rot?
Bev Louden says
I have heard you can spray the cranberries with shellac, let dry 15 minutes and repeat. I am anxious to try this!
Jacy says
I like to float cranberries in water in mason jars and put white ball candles on top of the jar. You can put some fresh herbs in the water and it makes it really pretty.
Amanda says
I was planning on doing this with some garland, cranberries and a floating candle. In your experience, how long do the cranberries last in the water??
Tori says
Mine typically last a week.
Modern Cupcake - Jill says
Thank you for all of the fabulous ideas!! You've passed along great inspiration!! Cheers!!
Modern Cupcake - Jill says
Thank you for all of the fabulous ideas!! You've passed along great inspiration!! Cheers!!
Modern Cupcake - Jill says
Thank you for all of the fabulous ideas!! You've passed along great inspiration!! Cheers!!
Shannel says
Love all these ideas. Thanks for sharing. Also, I've never used fresh cranberries for decorating, so I'm glad to hear that they've lasted for a while for you.
Your Hostess says
Hi Meryl, my experience with using cranberries as decor is that they last for weeks! I use them in some capacity every year (whether it be on a wreath, or in a glass vase) and I never have a problem with them going bad. If you use them in a jar or vase and notice on one two looking "not so great" I would simply remove them so the others stay fresh for as long as possible.
Meryl says
Do you know how long they will last for? Weeks? Days?
* TONYA * says
WOW. I'd never thought to use cranberries as decoration. What fabulous ideas. I've filed this away for next year.
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Karen says
You know, I hadn't thought about using cranberries as decoration, but I like the idea! Thanks! :)
Karen’s last blog post..A foggy morning
Courtney says
So simple! Thanks for the ideas!!
lenny says
really lovely. simple & cute. the cranberry ice cubes could not be any easier and
up your chic factor by oodles.
have a berry, merry & bright holiday!
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