Archive for the ‘Seasonal Decorating’ Category

Posted on May 1, 2009 - by admin

Flower Centerpiece Arrangements

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Cincinnati Flower Show. They had a lot of great ideas for both home and garden. One thing I am always on the lookout for is new and exciting centerpieces. These flower centerpieces really caught my eye as I thought I could easily replicate them with flowers available at my local market (or even local discount store like Sams Club or Costco). For the pot, you could use a nice looking garbage can (I say this because I have a great looking black wicker can and an equally attractive black tole one). While these twigs are special designer versions, I feel you could get the same effect with dried reeds or twigs from your area. However, if you are interested in buying the twigs you see in the photo, I’ve seen them both at Michaels craft store and Sams club. The nice thing about buying good ones is that you can save them for use again later. The same is true of the paper lanterns, you can find them almost anywhere (Target, Walmart, Michaels, Hobby store, Party Store etc.) The carnations and pom pom mums are also readily available - around here you can get a couple bouquets of both for under $10. Another nice thing about this centerpiece is its longevity. All of the flowers chosen are long lived and can withstand moderate heat… no wilting flowers here! I loved the color scheme of hot pink, lime green & black. I’m going to do my own version in lime green and lemon yellow - fresh and fun for the spring/summer.

I often buy bouquets of fresh flowers for my kitchen and my dining room, but when I’m looking to take it up a notch I really prefer an organized display. I even keep a virtual file of season arrangements that have caught my eye and that I feel I can easily replicate. On of my favorites was found in the fall at a very upscale antiques festival. I was able to purchase the centerpiece after the show was over for maybe $25. I took a few photos from various angles. When it came time to discard the spent flowers, I disassembled the arrangement and kept everything that wasn’t perishable (ex. feathers, floral picks, dried berries, and the basket it came in along with the liner) I put everything in a ziptop bag and down to the basement it went. It only took 5 minutes more than chucking the whole thing in the garbage. Now, every year for the past SEVEN years I have pulled out that basket and re-created the arrangement. Talk about getting my money’s worth!

I encourage you to do the same, even if the initial arrangement is a bit of an investment. If you have the PERFECT spot for it and you know that you’ll create it again - just do it. Mother’s day is the perfect example.. if you see an adorable sunflower topiary in a cute tin pail that would look great next to your kitchen sink - grab it! Enjoy it, take photos and do it again next year at the same time. You’ll thank yourself.

Posted on April 29, 2009 - by admin

Topiaries - both real and “preserved”

WOW - I wish I had known about this site 10 or so years ago when I was making 20 or so topiaries for my wedding. At the time, there really weren’t that many good options on the market. They were either too fake or too cheap or too something. SO, we opted to make our own. A LOT of time and a LOT of money later we had 20 beautiful topiaries. It was a true family effort. My dad cut the wood from a fallen tree in our family’s yard, my mom painted the pots, grandma hot glued, uncle assembled… you get the picture.

Ivy Ball on Stem Topiary 14 inch
Well the point of my telling you this story is to stay that those topiaries are STILL in rotation. My best friend (and her sister) used them in their weddings, as did my sister and my brother. They have been used at countless parties and every year during the holidays. A well made topiary is a MUST HAVE for your decorating rich decor. Although there is something about a topiary that makes me want to have them in pairs. After all of these years I am still in love with those manicured balls. I now have two real ones outside my front door. I love them and get complimented all the time. Check out the great ones available at Fresh Topiary. Click on the link below and browse their site for ideas. I love that they sell topiaries in 2 and 4 packs - as I said, I like them in pairs.

Ivy Ball on Stem Topiary (pair)

Posted on March 27, 2009 - by admin

Apothecary Jars

Check out these great Apothecary Jars!  We love these versatile containers for just that reason - they are SO versatile. Try two or three on your kitchen counter Change their contents throughout the year and your look will never tire.

SPRING -  fill them with brightly colored Easter Eggs.

SUMMER -  maybe some sand and sea shells.

FALL - pine cones mixed with pine straw

WINTER - Peppermint candies and vintage mercury glass.

You can even take the ever changing pace a step further and add seasonal candies. We love the pink & white M&Ms out around Valentines day. Come to think of it - M&M’s come in holiday colors all year long. Although, it would take will power of STEEL to have a constant, never ending supply of chocolate right at your finger tips. On second thought, maybe pine cones are the way to go after all.