Preserved Reindeer Moss for Christmas: 10 Ways to Use It

Christmas decorating is about texture as much as colour, and few materials add as much as preserved reindeer moss. It is soft, light and naturally varied, and because it is preserved, it needs no watering and keeps its look through the whole festive season and beyond. Here is what it is, why designers like it and ten ways to use it this Christmas.

What is preserved reindeer moss?

Reindeer moss is actually a lichen, which grows in cool northern regions. It is harvested, then preserved so that it stays soft and flexible instead of drying out and turning brittle, and it is often coloured to give a range of shades. Preserved moss needs no water or light, which makes it very easy to work with.

Why use it at Christmas?

• No maintenance: It doesn’t need watering, so it won’t wilt or drop.
• Lightweight: It is easy to attach to wreaths, frames, trees and displays.
• Lasting: It can be reused year after year if stored carefully.
• Soft, natural texture: It adds warmth and depth next to baubles, ribbon and lights.
• Lots of colours: Natural greens suit a traditional look, while whites, reds and deeper tones suit a more modern one. 

Ten Christmas ideas

1. Wreaths: Use moss as a base or filler on a door wreath, and add pine cones, berries, dried orange slices or ribbon.
2. Table centrepieces: Make a bed of moss down the middle of the table and set candles in glass holders, pillar candles or baubles on top. Keep flames well clear of the moss.
3. Garlands and mantelpieces: Tuck moss through a garland to fill gaps and add texture.
4. Moss-covered trees and cones: Cover cone shapes with moss for mini “forest” Christmas trees.
5. Bauble bowls and hurricane lamps: Line a bowl or glass vase with moss and fill it with baubles.
6. Place settings: Add a small nest of moss with a name tag for each guest.
7. Gift wrapping: Tie a little moss, a sprig of foliage and a tag to a parcel for a natural finish.
8. Window and shop displays: Use moss as a ground cover for festive displays, window scenes or retail vignettes.
9. Festive moss art: Frame moss in a box frame with a simple Christmas shape, such as a tree or reindeer silhouette.
10. Workshops and crafts: Moss is easy for beginners, so it works well for wreath-making, kokedama and team crafting sessions.

Tips for working with preserved moss

• Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat, which can fade it over time.
• Keep it away from open flames. Use LED candles near moss, or keep real candles safely to one side.
• Use glue, floristry wire or pins to attach it, and avoid getting it wet.
• Dust gently if needed, and store it in a dry place so you can use it again next year.
• Expect natural variation. It is still a natural product, so colours and texture can vary slightly, and small bits of twig or foliage are normal.

Buy preserved reindeer moss

Our preserved reindeer moss is available in a wide range of colours from £20 at preservedreindeermoss.com. Trade and bulk rates are available.

If you are planning a larger project, such as a shop display, event or workshop, get in touch and we can help you work out how much you need.

Credit to Robert Stemler for the image.