How to create impact with natural foliage at Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and the busiest! We've asked a few of our favourite ‘industry insiders’ – people well-practised in the art of making the festive season truly special – for their pearls of wisdom to help you get Christmas sorted.
Here, Nikki Tibbles, florist and founder of Wild at Heart shares her tips for decorating your home with festive foliage.
What’s your favourite seasonal foliage to use around your home?
NT: I gravitate towards a variety of pines, larch, scotch pine, litchen, beautiful branches, mistletoe, holly – anything natural and organic that adds texture and a wonderful, evocative scent.
How should we go about choosing what to use?
NT: The plants or flowers that you choose is really down to personal taste – if you like rich colours, then deep reds and greens are your palette. I tend to focus on lots of different shades of green, but if I were to introduce any colour it would probably be something that’s very simple such as white or cream hellebores or narcissi. And I do love lots of branches!
Where do you start decorating?
NT: When decorating, I ensure first and foremost that I have a wonderful front door and hallway – it’s always about making an entrance. You can create a fabulous arch over your doorway with lots of different elements of foliage, and a door wreath is an absolute necessity.
How do you use foliage on the Christmas table?
NT: The table where you are having your Christmas lunch or dinner is incredibly important. Place your candles on the table first, followed by flowers and then branches of pine and litchen, and berried or trailing ivy. It is all very long-lasting, so if you have lots of entertaining to do over the period, foliage is the dream! You can also include planted elements too, like narcissi or amaryllis for reds and whites, and lots of foliage can also go in vases and arrangements. But masses of candles are perfect for the dinner table.
Highland Charm Wreath
Any other top tips?
NT: If you are wrapping gifts, you can tie a little knot of rosemary or dried lavender or put a little knot of pine together with a fabulous bow and ribbon.
And I always tell people that they can dress their Christmas tree with foliage too. I would use a wonderful asparagus fern which wraps around like a fabulous garland. Eucalyptus and pine make great garlands too, and you can place branches of litchen all over the tree. Always put your lights on first before adding any type of decoration, and don’t forget to add a bow!
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