Fresh flowers are a classic choice for adding a touch of natural beauty to any space, but sometimes you want to break away from the usual blooms and explore more unique, long-lasting alternatives. From zesty lemons to elegant olive branches, there are plenty of ways to infuse your home with nature’s charm, without the need for a weekly trip to the florist.

Here’s your guide to alternative styling options that go beyond fresh flowers, complete with tips on how to style them for maximum impact.

Lemons

Lemons are the perfect way to bring a burst of vibrant colour and freshness to your home. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they also infuse your space with a subtle citrus scent.

How to Style:

  • Lemon Centrepiece: Fill a clear glass vase or a large bowl with fresh lemons for an instant centrepiece. Pair with sprigs of greenery like rosemary or thyme for a Mediterranean vibe.
  • Table Runner: Scatter lemons along a rustic table runner for a simple yet striking table scape. Add small potted herbs or candles in between to complete the look.
  • Mantel Display: Arrange a few lemons alongside olive branches or eucalyptus on your mantel for a fresh, summery display.

Pro Tip: For a longer-lasting option, consider using faux lemons. They look just as vibrant and can be reused for different occasions.

Foliage brings a sense of calm and connection to nature

Foliage

Foliage is an effortless way to add texture and depth to your décor. It brings a sense of calm and connection to nature, making any space feel more inviting.

How to Style:

  • Statement Vase: Fill a large vase with tall stems of leafy greens, like monstera leaves, eucalyptus, or ferns. This creates a striking, minimalist look that works in any room.
  • Garland: Drape a garland of greenery across your dining table, mantel, or staircase. Add fairy lights or small flowers for an extra touch of magic.
  • Clustered Bottles: Place single stems of different foliage in a collection of small bottles or vases. Cluster them together on a windowsill or shelf for a charming, understated display.

Pro Tip: Mix different types of foliage for added texture and interest. Combine broad leaves with delicate ferns or trailing ivy for a dynamic arrangement.

Olive Branches

Olive branches are a symbol of peace and prosperity, and their silvery-green leaves bring a touch of Mediterranean elegance to any setting. They’re also incredibly versatile and long-lasting.

How to Style:

  • Olive Branch Wreath: Create a simple yet stunning wreath using olive branches. Hang it on your door, above your mantel, or even use it as a centrepiece with a candle in the middle.
  • Minimalist Arrangement: Place a few olive branches in a tall, slim vase for a minimalist arrangement that adds height and sophistication to your space.
  • Table Décor: Lay olive branches flat along the center of your dining table, interspersed with candles or small bowls of nuts for a rustic, Mediterranean-inspired table scape.

Pro Tip: Olive branches dry beautifully, so don’t worry if they start to lose moisture—they’ll still look chic for weeks.

Dried flowers are having a moment

Succulents

Succulents have taken the décor world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, require minimal care, and add a modern, sculptural element to any room.

How to Style:

  • Terrariums: Create a terrarium with a mix of succulents, pebbles, and moss. Display it on a coffee table, bookshelf, or kitchen counter for a touch of greenery that’s virtually maintenance-free.
  • Succulent Garden: Arrange a group of different succulents in a shallow dish or tray for a compact, indoor garden. This works beautifully as a centerpiece or as décor for a windowsill.
  • Individual Pots: Place small succulents in decorative pots or teacups and group them together on a tray or scatter them throughout your home for little pops of green.

Pro Tip: Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, so place them near windows to keep them happy and healthy.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are having a moment, and for good reason. They offer a nostalgic, vintage charm while lasting much longer than fresh blooms. Plus, they come in a range of colours and textures that can be tailored to any season.

How to Style:

  • Dried Flower Bouquet: Create a bouquet using dried blooms like lavender, hydrangeas, and bunny tails. Place it in a vintage vase for a rustic, romantic look.
  • Wall Hanging: Make a simple wall hanging with dried flowers tied to a wooden dowel or hoop. This adds a touch of bohemian flair to any room.
  • Floral Wreath: Craft a wreath with dried flowers for a year-round decorative piece that can be hung on a wall or used as a table centerpiece.

Pro Tip: Dried flowers are delicate, so handle them gently and keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Fruit and Vegetables

Why not think outside the vase and incorporate fresh produce into your décor? Fruits and vegetables add colour, texture, and a playful element to your space.

How to Style:

  • Fruit Bowl: Fill a large bowl with seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, or apples. This not only adds colour but also doubles as an edible centerpiece.
  • Vegetable Arrangement: Use artichokes, radishes, or even asparagus as part of your table décor. Their unique shapes and colors can create an unexpected and eye-catching display.
  • Mixed Basket: Combine fruits and vegetables in a woven basket for a rustic, farm-to-table look. Place it on your kitchen counter or dining table.

Pro Tip: Use seasonal produce to keep your arrangements fresh and timely. For a long-lasting display, opt for hardier items like pumpkins or gourds.

Embrace Creativity in Home Décor

Styling your home with alternatives to fresh flowers is a wonderful way to bring natural beauty indoors while exploring different textures, colours, and scents. Whether you’re drawn to the bright zest of lemons, the timeless elegance of olive branches, or the modern appeal of succulents, there’s no limit to how you can express your style.

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