Special care is necessary for poinsettias. Water is easily trapped in the wrapper around the pot which causes the over-watered plant to rot and die. Punch holes in the wrapper or remove it altogether. Another non-traditional decorative flower is the narcissus. They grow in the water, and the flowers are very fragrant.
Beaded garland becomes a more natural decoration after adding walnuts or pecans.
Drill a hole in the nut, lengthwise, and string them with the beads. Berries also may be added. Foliage clippings from your yard, like holly and boxwood, can be bound with wire to rope to make your own garland. Twisting the fresh greenery into the artificial makes it look very real because of the heavy green basis. Other greenery found in the landscape may be used for decoration.