Deck those halls

Super sprigs for festive digs

TRADITIONALLY, festive decorations went up on December 24 and it was unlucky to have evergreens inside beyond the 12 days of Christmas.

Today we gather sprigs of pine, junipers, firs, spruce, ivy, holly, laurel, box or euonymus for wreathes and decorations all through December.

To keep this greenery looking fresh, use sharp secateurs to cut branches off trees and shrubs. Split stem ends and stand them in a bucket of water in a cool shed or garage and leave overnight before using them.

With central heating on overtime, spray foliage with anti-desiccant, such as Spray and Save Christmas Tree Spray, which prevents needle drop.

For best results, gather armfuls of contrasting greenery to make garlands for decorating banister rails, door frames and mantel shelves.

Berries on holly plants, yews, ivy, mistletoe and Jerusalem cherry can be used but are poisonous. So keep them away from pets and children.

Collect conifer cones and seedheads and thread on to strings before spray painting them gold or silver.

Kisses

Conkers, which you will find on the ground beneath horse chestnut trees, can also be used but bear in mind they can cause stomach upset if eaten.

Tie fresh greenery on to a wire or woven twiggy circular frame, then decorate and hang on your front door.

Or lay it flat for a table decoration, adding different-sized candles. Go simple with red or get sophisticated with silver, gold and white candles.

Hanging mistletoe is a tradition around the world, so keep your lips puckered for a Christmas kiss.

Add finishing touches before reaching for the sherry such as wrapping houseplant flowerpots with the peeling bark of birch trees and arranging coloured stems of dogwood and twisted hazel in pots.

When taking a potted Christmas tree from the outdoors to your warmer living room, put it in a garage or unheated porch for a couple of days.

Display it indoors in a cool spot and to keep it in good condition turn on its lights only when you are in the room.