Flowers and plants are natures way of decorating seasonally. Here are some wonderful ideas from Laura Dowling, a Parisian educated florist based in Washington DC, and now florist to the White House.
I love the arrangement she did on the left …Candles and flowers.
Candles and flowers are a classic combination and provide the finishing touch to any table setting.
In addition, the Claddagh, a16th century Irish candle decoration symbolizes eternal love and friendship, and provides a perfect subtle energetic statement for your space.
Decorate a silver candelabra with flowers and greenery for an elegant look or even insert candles (securely, of course) in bouquets with your choice of flower and/or plants.
She also has some great directions for creating holiday wreaths and arrangements that reflect the spirit of the season. Enter her web site and go to projects…there are actual “recipes” using not only flowers but bountiful fruit and vegetables found seasonally at local farmstands. See the Apple and berry wreath directions below for a sample of the information on her web site. It’s a quick and easy way to add beauty to your home! I love this particular wreath because I love the combination of apples and berries which utilize a traditional color motive with an unexpected twist!
APPLE AND BERRY WREATH
What you’ll need
1 12 inch straw wreath form
Stem wire Floral wire
Floral picks (4 inches)
35 small red delicious apples
1 bunch of red holly berries
1 bunch of red rose hips Trailing English ivy
Directions
•Pierce apples through the center with the stem wire. Working from side to side on the front of the wreath, wrap wired apples around the form, twisting tightly in back to securely fasten each piece of fruit.
•Cover the entire wreath form with apples.
•Cut small bunches of berries and rose hips (about 2 – 3 inches in length). Wire the berries and rose hips to floral picks.
•Add the bunches to the wreath, interspersing the berries among the apples.
•Wrap trailing ivy in and around the wreath as a finishing touch.
#1 by Alexandra Brooks on December 10, 2009 - 1:28 pm
That arrangement is gorgeous! I go live. White, red or pink. I will often use sea shells, twigs, or apples in the vases. Or if I base the arrangements around a pretty candle I will go with more green, ornaments, bows. (I have an old-fashioned posey holder that is helpful when I do these green arrangements.) Gild-the-lily by having the arrangements EVERYWHERE. But hey, it’s Christmas. Over-blessed is a good thing, right?
#2 by Sharon Hiebing on December 10, 2009 - 7:46 pm
I have a nickname for my husband – Marty Stewart. He would love this and could totally make it.
Every year at Christmas he makes one new unique piece for our home. I have to show him this.
Thanks for the great idea!
Sharon Hiebing
Creating Wealth through Caring & Connecting
http://earningincomefromhome.wordpress.com
#3 by Irene on December 12, 2009 - 10:44 am
I like that…Marty Stewart. Yes, and her web site shows other ideas.