Jackson Hole offers foraging options for DIY decor.
The internet runneth over with controversy these days, so I’ll dare to make a statement that everyone can agree on: wintertime in Jackson Hole is breathtakingly beautiful. From drift-frosted peaks to the serene quietude of snow-blanketed forests and rivers edged with lacy ice — you’d have to be a black belt in Scrooge-ness to not feel the magic of the holiday season in the Tetons.
As you look ahead to the gatherings that mark this season of celebration, an easy way to bring a splash of that wild beauty inside is to create wildcrafted tablescapes and decorations. While it may look complicated to make your own decor from fresh, wild materials, it’s far less intimidating than it seems.
One of my favorite pieces to create and share is a simple centerpiece. It’s rustic, festive, and a uniquely Jackson Hole addition to our holiday decor. Follow the steps below to make your own — or get inspired to get creative and craft your own special items!
Begin with a base. My favorite is a slice from a log — this is an approximately 1-inch thick slice from a firewood round — but if that’s not handy or detail work with a chainsaw isn’t on your list of Western skills yet, there are plenty of alternatives. Any plastic tray or dish will work, or you can use a foam disc designed for flower arranging. A rough-cut plank would look nice as well, especially if your table would accommodate a longer, narrower tablescape piece.
Whichever base you use, start by drilling or poking four pairs of holes around the edges – large enough to pass a wire through.
Next, you’ll build your frame with woven willow branches. These are plentiful to find around streams, rivers, and ponds around the valley. They’re a great deal of fun to work with, too! Aim to collect a small handful (around five per project) that are no thicker than your pinky finger. Curl the first one into a circle, and simply wrap it around itself. Add the others in the same way, and soon you’ll have a surprisingly-stable hoop on which to build your decoration.
If you’d prefer to build a wreath, simply skip the base portion, and make your hoop larger. The size is up to you!
Using florists’ wire (a fine, dark green wire found at hardware or craft stores), attach the hoop to the base through the holes. Twist the wire snug, and you’re ready to start getting creative!
Add whatever greens or leaves you like — no wrong answers here! Use small pieces of the florists’ wire to attach the boughs and leaves, and tuck the stems or unruly ends into the gaps in the hoop. This is a great activity for the whole family, too. While younger kids may need help with twisting the wire to stabilize branches, they can absolutely pitch in on the design.
I like to add a candle in the center, and a bow or other decorative flourishes to complement the natural materials. Other fun items to consider adding include ornaments, dried orange slices, or weaving in some small strand lights. The options are endless!
In the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind holiday decoration that will not only smell wonderful and add an extra dash of holiday style to your table or front door, but also one that showcases the incredible beauty that’s growing all around us!
Wild, fresh materials that look (and smell) great:
- Pine, fir, or spruce boughs bring a classic wreath look
- Rocky Mountain Juniper has evergreen leaves and bright blue berries
- Oregon Grape has beautiful red leaves and looks similar to holly
- Kinnickinnick has small leaves and tiny berries, adding lovely volume and texture
- Wintergreen is an evergreen with oblong leaves and easy-to-use stems
- Rose Hips are mostly dry and add a nice touch of red — but look out for thorns!
- Sagebrush has a beautiful scent, and brings some silvery tones
A few tips to keep in mind:
- If you’re harvesting materials on private property, make sure you have permission first!
- Use a mix of material sizes, shapes, and colors to add texture.
- Don’t stress about perfection. The unruly nature of the materials is part of the beauty.
- When adding a candle, be sure the flame is in a container. As materials dry, they can become dangerously flammable.
- When you’re done with your decoration, remove the greens and leaves, but keep the base and hoop. They’re reusable next year!
