With all the garland and planter making that's been happening at my house this winter, I seem to have a lot of extra greenery. Instead of composting the branches, why not use it to add freshness and a great holiday aroma (especially the pine) inside!
Just make sure to cut the branch bottoms on a 45 degree angle, keep the water fresh and you're ready to go. It's up to you what vessel you use - glasses, pitchers, silver julep cups, etc. anything will do.
Here's a few ways you can use your leftover greens indoors:
1. Rustic Woodland Centrepieces or Arrangements
I placed a pre-soaked piece of floral foam into a rectangular vase and placed the vase inside the wooden tray. Then, using the same technique as I did in the planters (post here), I started layering greens. I added the cedar boughs first, as they draped over the tray edges, covering the foam. Then I filled in the holes with pine and eucalyptus. I added some twigs for height and width. Last, I cut up the green leaves I spray painted gold for my tablescape (picture below, whole post coming soon) and placed bunches throughout for a bit of glam. I topped the arrangement with a big red Christmas scent candle (to go with the natural pine scent) and fairy lights. So easy, all leftover greens, but stunning on a table or island during the holidays.
*Tip: Make sure your candle is secure in the arrangement - mine is resting on top of the floral foam and secured by branches. Change the water regularly and your arrangement should last for 1-2 weeks.
2. Winter Woodland Tablescapes
In keeping with my whole house (indoors and outdoors) Winter Woodland theme, I used leftover greenery to create a centrepiece that ran down the length of the dining table. I layered greens starting with the flattest branches first, then added different greens to create a fuller looking bough. I wove in some red berry branches and some leaf stems that I spray painted gold. I like the rustic look, but wanted the table to be a bit more sophisticated, with the sparkle and shine of gold. I then nestled in some glittered pinecones, red votive candles and a few glass woodland creatures.
3. Bud Vase Arrangements
So, I know it's not the usual, but I love the look of cut poinsettia blooms. I love to cut individual blooms, stick them in a clear glass (I like to use these round old fashioned glasses from Crate and Barrel) and add them around the house. Not only do the blooms create nice pops of colour, but the clear glass allows lights to sparkle through. I often Add an extra green stem of two to the glass with the poinsettia bloom.
4. Decorations
I scatter cedar branches throughout my home and top with votive candles and small, different textured Christmas balls. At night, or when I'm entertaining, I love the feel of candles and fresh greens.
5. Vase Arrangements
I happened to have a white pitcher out (from The Cross @thecrossdesign) and decided to add some water, then place some pine branches & one Ilix berry branch together. Next I added a pinecone and a few thin red sparkle branches that I found in a decoration box. This look took about 2 minutes, yet I love the look of it. I keep the pitcher on my kitchen counter and smile every time I see it!
So, get creative and use those extra greens! It doesn't take a lot of time, just a little bit of playing around and you've created a beautiful, festive space in your home.
I hope you enjoyed these tips, make sure to send me your photos of any "extra greens" arrangements you make or post them on #mykuratedlife .
Happy Holidays,
Krista
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