A sweetheart wreath to brighten the day!

with a sweetheart display

WHAT’S NEW

This month, florists are ushering in autumn with heartwarming welcome wreaths that wow! “Here, ruffled hydrangea, fluffy asters and spiky heather in a range of magenta hues combine for an eye-catching textural look,” says floral designer Cathy Herrold, owner of Graci’s Flowers & Gifts in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. “Plus, layering two separate circlets adds dimension. It’s a sweet display to greet guests and the fall season!”

GET THE LOOK

Soak a 10" floral foam wreath in water. Cut two dozen asters and hydrangeas in shades of pink and purple to 2". Press stems into the foam, alternating colors until foam is covered. Then bend a

26" piece of floral wire into a heart shape and twist ends together. Cut handfuls of heather to 3" and wrap pieces around the heart, securing with snips of wire. Set heart on top of foam; secure together with wire.

INSIDER’S SECRET

To keep your wreath perky for up to a week, soak it in a nourishing antibacterial “bath” using household ingredients. To do: Simply add 1 Tbs. of sugar and 1 tsp. each of white vinegar and bleach to a roasting pan filled with 4 cups of water. Soak the wreath in the mix for five minutes every other day to add nutrients and eradicate bacteria. Also smart: Mist the wreath with water between “baths” for hydration.