Celebrate

deck the halls

You can gather boughs and trimmings right in your own backyard—or pick up some at a local nursery—to fill your home with seasonal finery. You’ll find them in an array of evocative colors, textures, and scents (eucalyptus is an especially fragrant pick).

• Use evergreen branches and other foraged foliage—plus winterberries and pine cones—to make beautiful decorations, including garlands and the homemade wreath shown here.
• Fill hollow glass-ball ornaments (the kind with the removable metal caps) with small sprigs of holly, bayberry, and evergreens, leaving the cap off for 24 hours to prevent condensation from forming inside.
• Plant tender bulbs such as amaryllis, prechilled hyacinths, and paperwhites in attractive indoor pots and keep in a draft-free spot. Soon, you’ll have a cheerful, mood-lifting display.

Garden

keep your evergreen fresh

A just-cut tree needs lots of water and some TLC to make it through the holidays. Here’s what to do:

1. Before bringing your tree home, select a spot that’s a safe distance away from heat sources such as a furnace, radiator, or fireplace.

2. Before putting the tree in its stand, saw off ½ inch from the bottom of the trunk (unless this was done for you when you bought it); this lets the tree soak up more water.

3. Check water levels daily (more often at the beginning) and replenish as needed—no additives necessary.

4. Limit how long string lights are left on; their heat dries out the branches.