We have so much gratitude for the inspiring and kind people we meet and have the fortune to work with. We first met Frances from Prema at her siblings wedding. Her sister Virginia is a dear friend and colleague, and Owner of Aspen based Bluebird Productions. We have watched as Frances has collaborated with Virginia on remarkable weddings and visionary styled shoots.
We have been collaborating with Frances to style and provide florals for a holiday party we are planning this month. We were delighted for her wreath decorating workshop she co-hosted at Cedar and Hyde, one of our favorite local boutiques. Through our meetings, collaborations and seeing her designs, we are simply in awe of her talent and styling genius. It seemed only fitting that we should ask Frances to share some of her favorite holiday decorating ideas. So without further ado we give you Frances own words….
My Favorite Natural Holiday Decorating Ideas by Frances
This time of year simply calls for decoration and celebration. It’s a time for jubilant gatherings of friends and family and for cozy evenings with warm drinks and sweet treats beside a fire. Bringing the outside in with natural evergreen and floral elements is a lovely way to enhance any celebration. Wreaths, garlands, flower arrangements and seasonal potted plants bring a fresh and festive spirit to the home around the holidays.
Here are a few of my favorite elements to incorporate in seasonal decorating:
Berries: The bright pop of red ilex berries absolutely speaks “winter” to me. The contrast of the plump densely gathered berries on their spindly woody stems to the dark rich color of magnolia leaves and evergreen boughs is enough to make a perfect holiday centerpiece by itself. Boughs of shiny green holly, placed in a simple pitcher or vase, with their round bright berries also makes an easy but polished looking winter design.
Photo source
Photo from Prema
Citrus – If you want to create a wintery arrangement without relying on the classic red and green combo, using citrus elements such as Satsuma oranges or branches of kumquat fruits is a wonderful alternative. The waxy peel of the fruit reflects the light while the fruit itself adds a delicate and crisp fragrance to any design. Adding citrus to a floral design of assorted white flowers and glossy foliage creates a wintery-fresh look with an air of lightness
Photo source; floral design by Sarah Winward
Seasonal Flowers – In our world today where it seems like everything and anything is possible at whatever time we might desire it, there is something so wonderful about a flower that remains only available for a brief season. This seasonality is precious and something to be celebrated. One of my all-time favorite flowers to design with this time of year is the bold and beautiful amaryllis. It comes in a variety of colors, from crisp white, deep crimson, to a peachy pink. They add so much drama to a flower arrangement and are quintessentially holiday. The sweetly fragrant paperwhite narcissus are another one of those special Christmas-time flowers. The bulbs are easy to pot and grow inside, and then one they get so tall that they begin to sway, the stems can be cut for flower arrangements.
Photo Prema
Image source
Sugar and Spice – Dried quince slices and long cinnamon sticks are some of my favorite elements to incorporate into seasonal wreaths and arrangements. The orange color of the quince and the warm aroma of the cinnamon add a bit of sweetness, spice and spark to holiday decor.
Photo Prema
Photo source
Candles – The nights are long this time of year. It can feel a little dark and cold without the right kind of spirit. That’s where candles, and lots of them, come to the rescue! Lining a holiday table with elegant tapers, or sparkly votives brings an intimate brightness to any event. I also love playing up a mantelpiece with thick pillar candles or festive painted-lanterns interspersed among boughs of evergreens.
Photo from Calluna
Thank you Frances for sharing your talents with us!
