16 Ways To Incorporate Southern Citrus Into Your Christmas Decorations

Lemons, Ribbon, and Garland – Oh My!

We love the way Natasha Lawler designs with citrus for the holidays. All you need to imitate her decor is faux or fresh garland for the door and railings, plus whatever ribbon tickles your fancy—and plenty of lemons, of course! If fresh lemons are unlikely to last in your neck of the woods, you can easily find faux lemons (target.com) that will withstand any harsh winter weather. Simply use a hot glue gun to fasten them to a pre-made wreath and wooden skewers to secure them in your flower boxes.

Sweet Oranges and Magnolias

Oversized pinecones and magnolia leaves offer a lush backdrop for cheery oranges nestled in this wreath complete with a matching flowerpot display.

Citrus Greenery

Carry the lemon theme from outside your home into your living room by nestling the fruit into your tree's branches. Tie it all together with a matching bow on top of the tree and wreaths adorning the windows.

Easy Entertaining

While a red, green, and white floral centerpiece nods to the holiday season, hints of zesty yellow from tapers and lemons add a cheery pop of fresh color.

Zesty Name Cards

Create personalized pomanders by poking guests' initials into an orange using cloves. It's an aromatic and charming touch for a holiday-worthy dining table.

Orange Party

Buy a fresh greenery wreath and fill it with a mixture of oranges, clementines, and kumquats. Use hot glue, toothpicks, and ties to attach the citrus. The wreath is sure to be a cheery welcome for any holiday guests.

Citrus Tree

Add a pop of sunshine yellow and orange to your holiday table with a tiny fruit tree. You can also opt for small oranges to create pomanders to use in the display as well.

Materials:

• Five (2-pound) bags of lemons
• florist picks
• 24-inch plastic foam cone
• sprigs of fresh rosemary and cypress
• urn
• five oranges
• reindeer moss
• ribbon

Method:

1. Stick lemons with florist picks (one per lemon).
2. Starting toward the bottom of the cone, insert lemons in circular diagonal rows, working your way up and leaving about 1 inch of space between each row until the cone is covered.
3. Fill in the empty spaces between the lemon rows with rosemary and cypress sprigs.
4. Set the decorated cone securely inside the urn.
5. Place leftover lemons and oranges around the base of the cone; cover up any gaps with reindeer moss.
6. Trail ribbon from the top of the arrangement.

Dried Orange Ornaments

Dried orange slices and clove-filled oranges give this tree a traditional and rustic look. Plus, the combination of the evergreen and citrus will make your home a scented oasis for the holidays.

Pomander Balls

Talk about an easy and effective DIY—pomanders (oranges studded with cloves) have long been a staple in Southern homes during the holidays. Pile them together in a bowl that can be displayed on your coffee table, in a guest bathroom, or on the dining room table for an aromatic decoration that is just as pretty to look at.

Dried Citrus Garland

Fresh greenery adds new energy and life to a home during the holidays and looks even prettier with a pop of color. We love adding a layer with dried citrus slices tied to velvet or silky ribbons. Use leftover slices to embellish other spaces, like those orchids you've been tending to all year.

Lemon Drops

Slice a small slit in a faux lemon or small orange to add a personalized name card for a fresh table setting that's photo-ready.

Citrus and Berries

Holly berries make a lovely centerpiece for any holiday hosting occasion. Add citrus to the mix and you've got a show stopping all-natural display.

When Life Gives You Lemons…

Make a lemon garland! Magnolia leaves, greenery, and and lemons pair for a unique garland that can be hung anywhere in your home. Use heavy-duty florist wire to string the lemons and leaves together.

Easy Like Apples and Oranges

Pick up a handful of apples and oranges from the supermarket when you're doing your last-minute, forgotten-ingredient shopping. Arrange the fruit on your mantle with spruce clippings for an easy, yet thoughtful display.

Two-Piece Citrus Wreath

If you have a double-door entry, you can still get the look of a single wreath by cutting a wreath in half (be sure it has a sturdy frame that will keep its shape). Then you can use florist wire to add fruit, fresh clippings, and a ribbon for a colorful finishing touch.

Colorful Hurricanes

It's one of the oldest tricks in the decorating book, but it works every time. Fill a trifle dish or a glass hurricane with layers of limes, holly berries, and oranges for a bright arrangement on your mantle or dining room table.