"Curious though, anyone tried pinecones or acorns? Wondering how long they hold up indoors..."
I've actually experimented quite a bit with pinecones and acorns, and they've held up surprisingly well indoors—especially if you prep them properly. Pinecones are pretty sturdy by nature, but you'll want to bake them first at a low temp (around 200°F) for about 30 minutes. This helps dry them out completely and kills off any tiny critters hiding inside. Once they're baked and cooled, they'll last years without much fuss. I've had some in a bowl on my coffee table for at least three years now, and they're still looking good.
Acorns are trickier, though. They tend to shrink and crack over time if you don't prep them right. I learned the hard way when mine started splitting after just a few months. But if you soak them first in water overnight, then dry them thoroughly and bake at a low temp (same as pinecones), they'll hold their shape better. Even then, expect some minor cracking eventually—it's just part of their charm, I guess.
One thing to watch out for: acorns can attract pests if they're not fully dried or cleaned. I had a friend who skipped the baking step once... let's just say she wasn't thrilled with the surprise visitors she got later on.
Overall though, your dried grasses and wildflowers idea sounds fantastic—simple yet elegant. I've done something similar with lavender bundles from my garden, and they still smell great months later. Nature really does offer some amazing (and budget-friendly!) decorating options if you're willing to put in a little prep work upfront.
I second the baking tip for pinecones—it's a lifesaver. I skipped it once, thinking "how bad could it be?" and ended up with tiny bugs crawling around my bookshelf. Lesson learned, haha. But once they're properly dried, pinecones really do last forever. I've had some sitting on my mantel for at least two winters now, and they still look great. Plus, they have that cozy, rustic vibe that's perfect for fall and winter decor.
Acorns, though... yeah, they're definitely trickier. I tried them a couple of years ago, and even after soaking and baking, mine still cracked pretty noticeably after about six months. Honestly, I didn't mind too much—it gave them kind of a charming, weathered look—but if you're aiming for something more polished, acorns might not be your best bet. Also, watch out for squirrels if you dry them outdoors—I had a whole tray disappear overnight once!
Your dried grasses and wildflowers idea sounds lovely. I did something similar last summer with dried eucalyptus branches from a friend's yard. They smelled amazing for months and added a nice pop of green to my living room without any maintenance. Nature really does offer endless possibilities if you're willing to experiment a bit.
One other thing I've tried is driftwood. If you're near a beach or lake, driftwood pieces can make beautiful wall hangings or table centerpieces. Just give them a quick rinse and let them dry thoroughly in the sun before bringing them indoors. Mine have held up beautifully for years now—no cracking or pests at all.
Anyway, sounds like you're on the right track with your decorating ideas. It's always fun seeing what you can create from things you find outdoors—makes your home feel extra cozy and personal.
Good call on driftwood—I picked up a few pieces last summer and they've held up surprisingly well indoors. Pinecones have always been my go-to, but I haven't had much luck with acorns either...mine cracked pretty badly, too. Your eucalyptus idea sounds really nice, though; might have to give that a shot next time I find some. It's always satisfying when decor is both natural AND low-maintenance.
Driftwood's definitely sturdy indoors, but have you noticed any discoloration or fading over time? I've found dried grasses and seed pods hold up surprisingly well too—plus they're great for adding subtle texture without overwhelming a space. Have you experimented much with those?
I've definitely noticed driftwood fading a bit, especially if it's near a sunny window. It doesn't bother me much though—kind of adds to the charm. As for dried grasses, I once used pampas grass in a tall vase, and it looked amazing...until my cat decided it was her new favorite toy. Seed pods, though, have been a win. I collected some lotus pods last fall, and they're still holding up great—no fading or crumbling yet.
