Need to decorate in a hurry? Just pick a theme.
“Look at how many weddings are themed,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “Beaches or seashores – places you enjoyed visiting – or things you love. Bring that into your floral decorating with color and a few representative elements. Christmas is definitely a time to be eclectic.”
For example, it’s easy to add a fiesta flair to Christmas by using bright vases and calla lilies. Then add chili peppers to your tree, wreath or floral arrangements. Bright chunky candlesticks and some fresh greenery can also play into that theme.
And she points out: If you have souvenirs from a trip, you won’t have to buy anything new.
Combine red, black and green for a Moulin Rouge/Parisian vibe. Red carnations and green button mums pair well with strings of sparkling holiday lights, which come in all kinds of fun shapes. Accent with shiny black ribbons.
Teleflora's Island Blooms adds sleek chic to your decor.
Tropical Christmas? A bottom layer of shells or stones adds depth to your flower arrangements. Trendy gardeners know that lush, exotic plants like bougainvillea, bananas and angel’s trumpet are increasingly being grown in colder climates. So, choose from your garden if you can; otherwise just stick with bright floral colors.
Asian/contemporary: At a time when many of us are cutting back, the simplicity of Asian design is particularly appealing. Try grouping mums in Chinese take-out containers (you can buy from restaurants and they’re fun for kids to decorate) and displaying a few lanterns. Then add an arrangement from Teleflora’s Zen line and you’ll really change the look of a room.
As Carol always says, the idea is to have fun and be creative!
Flower Fact of the Day: Are you a flower fan who loves to read? Then be sure to check out Anne Raver’s roundup of garden books in the New York Times: nytimes.com/2008/12/11/garden/11garden.html.
