Mistletoe has had a quiet glow-up. Once a sprig pinned above a doorway for an obligatory Christmas kiss, today it shows up in mantle styling, table settings, wreaths, and even bedroom shelves — across homes that don't otherwise lean traditional. If you've been looking for a way to add a bit of festive character to your Australian home without going full red-and-green, decorative mistletoe might be exactly what you're looking for.
Here are twelve ways to bring mistletoe into your styling this Christmas — most of which work just as beautifully in a sun-drenched December as a snowy one.
Why mistletoe is having a moment
A few reasons. The traditional Christmas palette has expanded — warm whites, sage greens, dried botanicals, soft creams — and mistletoe sits perfectly in all of it. It's a single decorative element that signals "Christmas" without committing to a full red-and-pine theme. For Australian homes, where the season often calls for something lighter and more nature-led than a Northern Hemisphere winter aesthetic, mistletoe is the rare Christmas decoration that genuinely works.
The other reason: faux mistletoe is now genuinely beautiful. The plastic-y supermarket sprigs of the early 2000s have been replaced by realistic, textural pieces you can leave up for the full festive season. Some of the best decorative mistletoe pieces look so close to the real thing that guests do a double-take.
1. The classic doorway hang — but reimagined
Hanging a mistletoe sprig in a doorway is the original mistletoe move, and there's a reason it endures. But you don't have to limit yourself to a small sad bunch tied with red ribbon. Try one of these instead:
- A larger, fuller mistletoe bundle suspended from a single point with a leather or velvet ribbon
- A Meet Me Under the Mistletoe sign hung above the doorway, with a small mistletoe sprig tucked into the frame
- Multiple smaller sprigs hung at staggered heights to create movement
The traditional doorway position works because it's a high-traffic, high-visibility spot. Don't waste it on something underwhelming.
2. Mantle styling with mistletoe accents
If you have a mantle (or a credenza, sideboard, or any horizontal surface that functions like one), mistletoe is one of the easiest ways to make it look intentionally styled. Lay a soft garland of faux mistletoe along the length, then break it up with three to five "anchor" pieces — candles, framed art, ceramics, ornaments. The mistletoe ties it all together visually without dominating.
Pairs especially well with: ivory candlesticks, brass details, ceramic ornaments, and signs in natural wood tones.
3. Mistletoe in a Christmas wreath
Most Christmas wreaths lean either pine-heavy or eucalyptus-heavy. Adding mistletoe brings a third texture — small, rounded white berries against the larger leaves of the base greens. It's the easiest way to make a wreath look custom rather than store-bought.
If you're building your own wreath, weave a few mistletoe sprigs into the existing greenery and secure with floral wire. If you're buying a pre-made wreath, look for ones that already include mistletoe in the mix.
4. Table styling for Christmas lunch
Australian Christmas tables often try to balance "festive" with "not too hot-looking." Mistletoe is brilliant for this. Run a loose mistletoe garland down the centre of the table — no need for an elaborate centrepiece — and tuck small sprigs into napkin folds or under place cards. The result reads as a thoughtful Christmas table without making the whole setting feel heavy.
For an outdoor Christmas lunch (which, let's be honest, is increasingly common), faux mistletoe is the way to go. It won't wilt in the heat.
5. Stair garlands with mistletoe accents
If you have a staircase, your bannister is prime decorating real estate. A standard pine or eucalyptus garland looks even better with mistletoe woven through. Use the mistletoe at intervals — every 60-80cm — rather than continuously. The visual rhythm makes the garland look intentional rather than draped.
This is a particularly nice spot for decorative mistletoe because it's at eye level for guests as they move through the house.
6. Mistletoe in unexpected rooms
The bedroom, bathroom, kitchen — anywhere your guests don't expect Christmas to show up — is a great place to put a small piece of mistletoe. A single sprig on a bedside lamp, a small bundle tied to a bathroom mirror, or a sprig in a kitchen window all work. The unexpected placement makes the rest of your decorating feel more considered, like Christmas extends into the whole home rather than being contained to one room.
7. Modern vs traditional styling
If you're going modern — minimal palette, clean lines, considered restraint — use one statement piece of mistletoe rather than many small ones. A single oversized bundle, or a statement mistletoe sign, creates the same festive read without cluttering the room.
If you're going traditional — full tree, red and green, abundant garlands — use mistletoe everywhere as a unifying thread. Doorways, mantles, wreaths, table settings. The repetition of the same element across rooms makes a heavily decorated house feel curated rather than chaotic.
8. Pair mistletoe with red ribbon
Mistletoe and red ribbon is one of those combinations that just works. The small white berries against red is a classic Christmas colour story without committing to red across the whole room. Try wrapping a small mistletoe bundle with a red wired Christmas ribbon and hanging it from a curtain rod, a wall hook, or above a doorway.
The wired ribbon holds its shape, which means your bow stays plump rather than going limp by week two.
9. Mistletoe on the tree
Hanging mistletoe directly on the Christmas tree is underrated. A few small mistletoe sprigs nestled between branches at varying depths adds texture you can't get from baubles alone. This works particularly well on trees with a more natural, foraged aesthetic — think dried oranges, pinecones, raffia, brown craft tags.
For a more whimsical tree, consider adding a gingerbread man ornament or two alongside the mistletoe — the combination feels homemade and warm without being twee.
10. Mistletoe in a glass cloche
For something a little different, try displaying a small mistletoe arrangement under a glass cloche or in a clear vase. The container makes it feel intentional — almost like a small Christmas terrarium. Add a single battery-operated tea light underneath the cloche for a glow that works especially well on long Australian summer evenings.
11. Mistletoe as a gift
This one's a small but powerful idea: tie a small mistletoe sprig to the top of a Christmas gift instead of (or in addition to) a bow. It elevates the wrapping completely, and recipients can use the sprig in their own decorating after they unwrap.
Particularly nice for thoughtful Christmas gifts where the wrap is part of the experience.
12. Mistletoe care: real, dried, and faux
Quick guide depending on what you've chosen:
Real mistletoe lasts about 2-3 weeks indoors. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Note: mistletoe berries are toxic if eaten, so keep real mistletoe away from pets and small children.
Dried mistletoe lasts a season or more if stored properly. After Christmas, lay it flat in a dry, dark spot. It will fade slightly each year but holds its shape.
Faux mistletoe lasts indefinitely with light care. Dust it gently each season before displaying. Quality faux pieces — the ones worth investing in — last for many Christmases.
Where to buy decorative mistletoe in Australia
Quality faux mistletoe can be hard to find — most homeware stores stock pieces that look obviously plastic. At Mistletoe Home, every piece in our Christmas range is hand-picked for character and realism. From Meet Me Under the Mistletoe signs to mistletoe sprigs, bundles, and styling accents, we focus on the pieces you'll want to bring out year after year.
We ship Australia-wide and pack every order carefully — your decorative mistletoe arrives ready to display.
Frequently asked questions
Is decorative mistletoe Christmas-only?
Traditionally yes, but increasingly people are using subtle mistletoe accents in their styling through the cooler months — anywhere from May to August in Australian homes. Once January hits, most people pack it away with the rest of the Christmas decorations.
Real vs faux mistletoe — which is better?
For Australian homes, faux usually wins. Real mistletoe wilts quickly in the heat, can be hard to source outside specialty florists, and has toxic berries to be cautious of. Quality faux mistletoe looks beautiful, lasts for years, and is safe around pets and children.
How do I hang mistletoe?
Most decorative mistletoe pieces come with a small loop of twine or ribbon for hanging. For sprigs without a hanging loop, tie a small length of ribbon or jute around the base. Hang from a wall hook, a curtain rod, or a small adhesive hook (a 3M Command hook works well for lighter pieces).
Where do you traditionally hang mistletoe?
The classic spot is a doorway — usually an interior doorway between two main rooms, where people pass through. The tradition is that two people who happen to meet under the mistletoe must share a kiss. Modern decorating doesn't limit it to doorways though — see all twelve ideas above.
How much does decorative mistletoe cost in Australia?
Quality faux mistletoe pieces typically range from around $15 for a small sprig to $50 or more for larger statement bundles or signs. Decorative mistletoe signs are usually in the $30-$60 range. View the full Mistletoe Home Christmas range for current pricing.
Can I leave mistletoe up year-round?
It's not traditional, but if you love the look, there's no rule against it. A small mistletoe sprig in a bathroom or as part of your year-round wreath blends nicely with non-Christmas styling without screaming "festive."