LIVEN UP THE DAY

with a beautiful leafy bouquet

WHAT’S NEW

This Thanksgiving, designers are styling textural rich-hued blooms in leaf-wrapped vases to echo the lush beauty of autumn. “Here, velvety red zinnias mingle with fluffy hydrangeas, creamy roses and crisp leaves, forming an abundant eyecatching display,” notes floral pro Teresa Williams. “And the surprising leaf-tied vase draws attention from bottom to top—it’s the perfect centerpiece for any feast!”

GET THE LOOK

Gather six large leaves from the yard and snip off stems plus

1 inch. Layer leaves around a 5" cylindrical vase and secure with yarn. Fill the vase halfway with water, then snip 8 red zinnias, 4 light-pink spray roses and 3 green hydrangeas to lengths between 5 and 9 inches. Insert the hydrangeas first, then add the other flowers one by one to fill the vase. To finish, fill in gaps by tucking in more leaves and vines.

INSIDER’S SECRET

Fresh-cut greenery tends to wilt quickly, so Williams and her team at the Gateway Florist in Annapolis, Maryland, suggest filling a spray bottle with water and spritzing leaves daily to prevent them from drying out or browning. Also smart: Rub a drop of olive oil on leaves twice a week to keep them supple. No fresh leaves? Cover a vase with faux craft-store greenery for a display you can use year after year.