Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Happy, Merry Everything! That’s right, we have embarked upon the season of hosting everything from a casual Friendsgiving get-together, to a boisterous New Year’s Eve bash, and all of the wonderful holidays in between. This calls for a toast, or at the very least, great food and a beautifully set table to welcome your guests. Create an inviting atmosphere that draws them in with a terrific centerpiece to set the tone of the occasion. When it comes to table decor, there’s no need to call FTD and throw down a lot of cash. You can make your own centerpieces, using personal touches that will make your guests feel welcome.
Creating a centerpiece for your soirée doesn’t need to be daunting or expensive. Start by surveying your garden for any flowers that are still blooming or greenery that looks healthy. Natural elements like pine cones, dried hydrangea flowers, holly leaves and berries, and fresh pine will be fitting for the season. Use floral wire to secure these items to floral sticks found at the craft store, or simply use skewers from your pantry. Fill in gaps with interesting foliage by taking clippings from your evergreen hedges. This time of year, dried seed pods from various flowers and plants will add a unique and interesting dimension to your centerpiece. Experiment with thistle-like dried coneflowers, the starburst of a dried allium, or a small branch of your crepe-myrtle with seed pods intact. A completely dried arrangement will complement your fall decor perfectly and will last without water.
Of course, fresh flowers always make an inviting arrangement. If the cold weather has taken its toll on your garden flowers, you can buy loose flowers from certain produce stores or even the grocery store. Use fresh oasis with each new arrangement, soaking it thoroughly to keep your flowers hydrated. Used oasis can harbor bacteria, so you’ll want to start fresh each time. Wrap flower stems in green floral tape, then cover with decorative ribbon in coordinated colors to match your flowers and fit the theme. Secure the ribbon with floral pins or a dab of hot glue.
Embellish your arrangement with fun touches like small Christmas tree balls, artificial berries, or unexpected items such as bells or feathers. Thrift stores and dollar stores offer unique items without much added expense. Get creative when choosing your pot or vessel for your flowers. Think outside of the box. Make your arrangement in a pumpkin (fake or real) for fall or inside a child’s toy truck for Christmas. For your Hannukah table, place a small jar inside a clear vase and nestle gold-covered chocolate coins in the outer vase. Have fun and use your imagination to create one-of-a-kind centerpieces.
Similar to creating an outdoor arrangement in a pot or urn, you’ll want to follow the “thriller, spiller, filler” rule of thumb, but on a smaller scale. Your focal flower or item may be the tallest or most impressive part of the centerpiece, followed by flowers or greenery that spill over the pot or receptacle. Then you can fill in the gaps with a wispier decoration such as real or artificial berries. Don’t make your arrangement perfectly symmetrical. Your design will look more natural if things aren’t cookie cutter perfect. Make sure your centerpiece isn’t too tall. You want your guests to be able to converse and see each other over your arrangement. (Unless someone brings up politics, then you should block them with a giant boxwood!)
Once you gather basic supplies such as floral wire, oasis, and floral tape, you’ll have plenty left for your next arrangement. You may find yourself looking forward to each new holiday to express your creativity. Flower arrangements would also make a perfect hostess gift if you find yourself in the position of guest instead of host.
Of course, the best part of this season is spending time with family and friends. Wishing you joy, peace, and harmony as we anticipate all of the wonderful festivities ahead. We would love to hear from our readers. Please send your questions, comments, or pictures to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
