Faux + Real Winter Greenery I Use Every Year
When Christmas comes down, I always want my home to still feel warm, cozy, and intentional — not empty or bare. One of the easiest ways I transition my decor from Christmas into winter is by using winter stems. Whether faux or real, greenery instantly adds texture, softness, and that calm winter feeling that carries beautifully through January and February.
In today’s post, I’m sharing my favorite winter stems for decorating after Christmas, how I use them throughout my home, and why mixing faux and real greenery works so well for winter decorating.
Why Winter Stems Are Perfect After Christmas
Winter decorating doesn’t have to mean starting over completely. Instead, I like to edit what I already have and lean into pieces that feel seasonal without screaming holiday. Winter stems are perfect for this because they:
- Add height and movement to vignettes
- Bring in natural texture and softness
- Feel cozy and timeless
- Work well with neutral, minimal decor
- Transition seamlessly from Christmas into winter
By choosing the right stems, your home can still feel layered and styled — just quieter and more relaxed.
Faux vs. Real Winter Stems
I use both faux and real stems in my winter decor, depending on the space and the look I’m going for.
- Faux stems are great for high shelves, statement vases, and areas where maintenance isn’t practical.
- Real greenery works beautifully in areas where I want that fresh, natural look and don’t mind refreshing water.
Mixing the two gives the most natural result and keeps winter decorating low-maintenance but elevated.
My Favorite Faux Winter Stems
Faux Cedar Branches
These are one of my go-to winter stems. Cedar has a soft, full look that instantly makes a space feel cozy and inviting. I love using them in larger vases, on kitchen islands, or on console tables.
Norfolk Pine Stems
Norfolk pine is a winter staple in my home. These stems don’t feel overly Christmas-specific, which makes them perfect for winter decorating. I love how structured yet soft they look, especially when layered together.
Juniper Berry Stems
If you want a little contrast and visual interest, juniper berry stems are perfect. The subtle berries add texture without overwhelming a neutral palette, making them great accent stems.
Frosted Eucalyptus
Frosted eucalyptus brings in that soft, muted winter tone that works beautifully after Christmas. I love using it when I want a lighter, airier winter look.
Pine Stems with Pinecones
Pine stems with pinecones are one of my favorite ways to add instant winter texture and warmth to a space. The mix of soft needles and natural pinecones brings in that cozy, woodsy feel that works beautifully well beyond Christmas. I love using these stems in smaller vases on shelves, side tables, or tucked into built-ins, especially when paired with neutral vessels like stoneware, ceramic, or aged brass. The pinecones add visual weight and interest without feeling heavy, making these stems perfect for winter styling when you want something natural and grounded but still simple and elegant. They also layer beautifully with other greenery, like eucalyptus or cedar, to create a collected, lived-in look.
Barberry and Accent Stems
These are great for filling gaps, adding movement, and creating a more collected look in arrangements. I often use them alongside fuller stems to balance everything out.
Styling Tips for Winter Stems
- Use vase inserts or floral foam to help stems stand upright and reduce how many you need
- Stick to neutral or muted greens for a cohesive winter palette
- Group stems in odd numbers for a more natural look
- Don’t overcrowd — winter decor looks best when it feels calm and intentional
Winter decorating is all about restraint and texture, and stems help achieve that effortlessly.
How I Use Winter Stems Throughout My Home
I style winter stems all over my home — from the kitchen and family room to the living room, dining room, and entryway. Each space gets its own variation depending on scale and function, but the goal is always the same: cozy, simple, and livable.
If you’d like to see exactly how I style these stems in real spaces, be sure to watch the full video where I share everything in detail.
Watch the Video
🎥 Watch the full Winter Stems decorating video here:
This video is part of my Winter 2026 Decorating Series, where I’m sharing cozy ways to decorate your home after Christmas and throughout the winter season.
Final Thoughts
Winter decor doesn’t have to feel boring or unfinished. With the right mix of faux and real winter stems, your home can feel warm, layered, and welcoming long after the holidays are over.
Let me know — do you prefer faux or real winter stems for decorating?
Thank you so much for being here 🤍
Life with sonja 
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