The holidays are a great time to hunker down, snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a warm fire. But maintaining a connection to the outdoors is an essential part of the holiday experience.

Whether you’re decorating an outdoor space or bringing the outdoors in, there are many ways to bring natural elements into your holiday décor.

Incorporating natural garlands, branches and small pine trees into your holiday décor not only create a cozy look, but will fill your home with the smells of nature.

Mixing natural woods with earthy metals and garland accents is a holiday trend we can’t get enough of.

The rustic vibes create a warm and comfy atmosphere, almost like you’re tucked away in a cozy cottage for the holidays. Try these looks.

Big trees stand out, make a statement and are an obvious way to command attention.

But how do you blend it with the rest of the room? We love using their smaller counterparts in the same room to help tie a space together.

One of the best surprises of the holiday season is all of the fun places holiday décor can make an appearance.

We all know of the the obvious places like the exterior of your home and living room, but this year expect to see holiday décor throughout the home. Branch out into the kitchen, the dining room or even your kid's bedroom—no room is off limits this holiday season!

It may sound strange, considering that outdoor vegetation is typically covered with snow in many parts of the country, but it’s all the more reason to open up your heart and mind to incorporating floral elements into your holiday design this year.

Don’t be afraid to use non-traditional colors either. Make a soft and subtle statement with elegant whites and playful pinks, or go bold with bright blues and purples.

There’s something nostalgic about plaid that warms our heart.

Plaid patterns show up in fun places you wouldn’t expect. Buffalo plaid in black and white, as well as black and red, find their way into all sorts of décor – think wreath and garland ribbons, accent pillows, stockings and more.

Here are some great incorporations for you to try out this winter.

Don’t forget about the space under your tree!

We expect to see the traditional train sets and tree skirts of the past, but also predict that we’ll be seeing tree collars in natural materials and metals.