I did something like that. I was 20 and broke, so I went out, cut a few branches from a pine tree, tied them together, and decorated it with little candy canes, dangly earrings, and sprinkled it with baby powder for "snow."
It is actually a good idea, I was surprised at how nice it looked, it added so much texture and focus for the eyes.
Aside from our Christmas decoration stories, a beautiful naked tree branch, or a piece of driftwood, or professionally picture framed autumn leaves can fit wonderfully into the wall decor of a nice home.