Holiday Floral Arrangements

Gather Your Supplies
In addition to branches, greenery, berries, and flowers, you will need:

• A container to hold your arrangement
• Floral foam, chicken wire, or another implement to hold the branches intact
• Floral clippers (may need two sizes – a larger one to cut conifer branches)
• Water with floral preservative added
• Greens, evergreens, berries, twigs, cones, and flowers
• Other decorations as desired, such as ribbons, ornaments, candles

When choosing a container, think about how you will be using the arrangement. If it is a table arrangement, keep the total height less than 10-12 inches tall, as you will want to be able to see and talk with your guests. Will it be viewed from one side or all sides? If it is a gift, be sure to use a vase or container that you don’t care if it isn’t returned.

Lay out all your supplies on a table, and be sure to have a tarp or sheet underneath or work in an area such as a heated garage or shop. Keep a garbage can handy for extra stems and cuttings for composting later.

Let’s Create a Beautiful Holiday Arrangement

• After you have chosen a container, decide how you are going to keep the flowers in place. Use a tape grid, floral foam, chicken wire (fold into a globe shape), or a floral frog. If you are using floral foam, be sure to soak it for several hours before you start arranging.
• Add a preservative water mix to the container, filling to about half full.
• A lazy Susan turntable helps view an arrangement from all sides
• Start adding greenery and building a foundation. Pine or cedar is good for hanging over the edges. Remember to strip the leaves/needles so they are not in the water causing bacteria growth.
• Add twigs or branches, such as the red twig dogwood, the white birch, and the lichen-covered branches.
• Add in odd numbers – 1, 3, 5.
• Add layers of greenery and define the shape using different colors and textures from the outside, working your way to the center.
• If you have a focal point such as a special ornament, a candle, or a lantern, add this now.
• Add berries and flowers if you like.
  • If you purchase flowers, buy ones that will last, such as chrysanthemums, alstroemerias, and carnations.
  • The greenery and branches will last for several weeks if watered and misted. Keeping the greenery, you can replace the flowers as needed.
• If you want to purchase specialty items to add to your arrangement, try little ornaments, cinnamon sticks wrapped with raffia, a bow, or little birds.

Care After You Have Completed Your Arrangement
Remember to keep the branches and flowers nourished by adding water every couple of days. Misting with water every few days is also helpful. Branches should stay looking good for several weeks. Replace flowers and greenery if they start fading.

Creating floral arrangements with foraged natural materials is a rewarding way to bring seasonal cheer into your home. Using these techniques, you can craft beautiful arrangements that brighten the holidays and bring joy to those around you.