We’re starting to decorate our houses now that we’re in December, all ready for Christmas.
More and more decorated trees are popping up in windows across the country, and Scottish Field present some tips to help you make it evergreen this Christmas.
Bring the outdoors in this winter as leading stylist and best-selling author of Botanical Style and Garden Style, Selina Lake provides ideas and inspiration for a very green Christmas.
In addition to your tree, wreath and garlands, Selina has teamed up with Dobbies to put together these simple festive foliage styling ideas for a naturally beautiful Christmas, both indoors and out.
She said: ‘Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without an abundance of greenery and foliage to fill homes with the fresh scent of winter florals. One of my favourite ways to decorate is using plants and flowers from our very own garden. Starting with a cold brisk morning outside gathering cuttings, foliage can be given a new lease of life to create a naturally gorgeous look in any room.’
With seven inspired ideas for styling with festive foliage, get set for a very merry green Christmas this December with these tips from Selina…
1. Mantlepiece Styling
An abundance of green foliage makes a striking yet affordable mantelpiece display for Christmas. Take your secateurs out to the garden and collect a mix of green cuttings from your Eucalyptus trees, overgrown Ivy, Pine Trees, Rosemary herbs and fur foliage.
Arrange your cuttings on your mantle and nestle Dobbies white pillar candles in between, ready to light on the big day – just be careful none of the branches come into contact with the flames once all the candles are lit. (Never leave lit candles unattended).
Dobbies top tip – Use older growth as new tender growth, from the tips of the branches, will wilt very quickly out of water.
2. Festive Hanging Basket
Give your hanging basket a festive twist by planting red berries, white Hellebores and trailing Ivy together. Add extra springs of festive foliage to fill any gaps.
3. Candle Centrepiece
Turn this galvanised metal three pot planter into a festive table centrepiece. Fill each pot with potting compost and insert a dinner candle into the centre of each. Them add small sprigs of foliage around the candle, I used white wax flowers, Eucalyptus, Ivy and added small pine cones. Fill any gaps with moss.
4. Mini Christmas Trees
Mini pine trees make a decorative display when grouped together and wrapped in craft paper tied together with string.
5. Botanical Gift Wrap
How about decorating gifts with sprigs of greenery, berries, and cones gathered from your garden? Simply wrap gifts in simple craft paper, then tie boxes up with black velvet ribbon. Use your garden to collect botanicals and foliage, and to finish the boxes simply weave stalks between the ribbon.
6. Decorative Dining Chairs
Give your dining space a festive botanical feel by decorating the backs of each chair with a bough of foliage. Tie the cuttings (not the spindles) on the chair using string or ribbon and add a handmade message.
7. Rosemary Serving Wreath
Wow your guests with festive nibbles, use Rosemary sprigs to make a wreath base on a serving plate and arrange small stuffed peppers and olives. The amazing fragrance of fresh cut Rosemary will also add a wonderful aroma to your home.
Where Christmas comes together with a one stop shop of ideas and inspiration, find your nearest store and browse the online range at Dobbies.com.
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