Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Oh, how time flies! December 12 marks the end of the sweepstakes promotion that has been running in conjunction with the purchase of the Teleflora WILLIAMSBURG Golden Pitcher bouquet. Sadly, that also brings my blogging on the Flower Blog to a close.
For years, I have been demonstrating ways to bring touches of “Williamsburg” into the home for the holidays. Whether you live in Tacoma or Tampa or anywhere in between, a Williamsburg-inspired look is always a timeless and beautiful choice.
So, for my last blog entry I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite ways to embellish your home with the natural elegance that has become synonymous with Colonial Williamsburg.
Magnolia leaves are abundant in Virginia, and it’s a good thing because they are, without doubt, one of my favorite things to decorate with. The large, glossy leaves with brown “suede” textured underside couldn’t be a better base to other arrangements on a table, mantle or sideboard.
With their stems trimmed off they make a wonderful “placemat” to side dishes or individual place settings. Or, use small branches to fill a large vase to turn your unused fireplace into a decorative oasis.
Stemware is easily transformed into a beautiful table decoration when filled with fresh evergreen and holly. A small bouquet is all you need to turn an ordinary martini glass into a stunning individual place setting arrangement.
Another option, fill the bottom of the glass with cranberries allowing the greenery to flow over the top. These smaller arrangements beautifully accent a centerpiece that shares similar elements to complete the look of your table.
Bay leaves, great when dried, can become a charming chair decoration. Simply bind the stems with ribbon or raffia to make a small posy of appropriate size for your chairs (4” to 6” in length” and tie on the back. For a little hint of color, weave in a stem of berries or a bouquet of small seasonal flowers.
Have a mix of greenery that you want to showcase? No problem. Clear glass hurricane globes make a beautiful statement when filled with your favorite greenery and accented with lady apples and pinecones. From a large floral arrangement to a small grouping of apples and berries, you might be surprised how a few sprigs of greenery can make a room come alive!
Using fresh greenery has been associated with the decorations in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area since 1940. There is no better or easier way to add a touch of tradition to a table or a room than by incorporating fresh materials of the season.
