Holiday Decor: Severna Park Style

Homestead Gardens can serve as an inspiration for tree decorating whether it’s Santa ornaments or more unique displays.

This train is on display at Homestead Gardens.

This red, white and blue tree is one of many unique displays at Homestead Gardens.

Homestead Gardens carries items from Annapolis artist Kim Hovell, who makes candles, ornaments and giftware.

This hand-painted ornament features O'Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern in Annapolis.

Homestead Gardens’ poinsettias are grown by Tidal Creek Growers in Davidsonville.

Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2024 12:00 am

By Katie Melynn

It’s time to deck the halls. Homestead Gardens in Severna Park has several tips for bringing the bounty of the Chesapeake to your holiday decor.

Bring nature to your holiday decor

“Visiting our store, you'll see nature blended into everything that we do despite the gardening season being over,” said Haley Bush, marketing manager with Homestead Gardens. “A lot of our trees have silks and stems that connect back to nature with things like berries and leaves. Our ornament collection features many options that are reminiscent of the garden and being outdoors. Plus, you'll notice a foraged and whimsical theme throughout our entire collection.”

Don’t be afraid to combine items picked up from the local nursery with those you find in your own backyard.

“Customers can purchase the bulk of their fresh decor from Homestead Gardens, and then forage some of their own greens to mix in as well,” Bush said. “Things like magnolia branches, cedar, hollies and more can be mixed in, creating a unique homemade feeling. Toss on some lights and you'll surely have something magical.”

Local themes and artisans

“We have a ton of stuff from Kim Hovell of Annapolis, offering her signature designs in candles, ornaments and a ton of giftware. Annapolis candles, of course,” Bush said. “We also have a ton of local goods in our pantry collection for seasonal recipes. Not to mention, all of our poinsettias are locally grown in Davidsonville by Tidal Creek Growers.”

You can also bring in local elements from nature, either those you find yourself or pieces crafted by local artisans. Oyster shells and crab mallets make fun themed decorations for your holiday tree. Leaves, branches, and acorns from towering oak trees, especially for those in Severna Park, bring in an element of nature. Driftwood from the Chesapeake Bay, as well as pinecones, are fun to craft with and make unique holiday decor.

Crafting a collection

The holidays are the perfect time to start a treasured collection.

“We also have a hand-painted ornament (that) features O'Brien’s (Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern) in Annapolis for those who collect this ornament each year,” Bush said.