Adding greenery to Christmas decorations creates elegant touch
The spirit of Christmas comes to each of us in different ways. The traditions we have shared with family and friends over our lifetime are memories we cherish. Decorating with fresh greenery, putting up a Christmas tree, or just the smell of cedar and cinnamon are things that make memories.
Wreathes, garlands, swags, and centerpieces are a tradition at Christmas and making them with fresh greenery adds an elegant touch to the home. There is no limit to how you can put different greenery together to make a wonderful display. You are only limited by your creativity.
It is hard to say which type of greenery is my favorite. Magnolia would certainly be at the top, along with boxwood and holly. Cedar, juniper, and camellia branches are also great. I try to use the greens that last the longest in places where they will not get water. I use the others in arrangements with floral foam or flower frogs.
A garland of magnolia on the mantel or around a doorway is one of the most sophisticated displays to use at Christmas. The velvety copper underside of magnolia leaves contrasted with the glossy, green of the front side of the leaves, creates a classy look for the holidays.
Pine mixed with juniper and cedar is also a lovely combination and can be set off by adding winterberry or colorful Christmas balls, ribbon or twigs that could be sprayed gold or silver. Your use of items from nature is endless and is only limited by your inventiveness.
Do not forget that it is nice to add a few touches of greenery on the outside as well. Decorate a statue that is in the garden with a pretty bow, place a garland on the patio or hang some Spanish moss in a tree. These little touches will be enjoyed as you look outside.
When it comes to choosing the greens to use, look in your garden first. Pine, magnolia, cedars, firs, juniper, boxwood, camellia leaves, rhododendron, mountain laurel, holly and other greenery can all be mixed together to make a festive decoration. Herbs are also great because each time you brush up against herbs like Rosemary, a pleasant aroma fills the air.
When I go out to cut greenery, I use this time to trim some of my bushes and trees, cutting limbs and branches that need to be removed. I cut boxwoods deep inside the bush to open up the inside in order to let air and light into the bush and to help the boxwood at the same time. I cut branches of magnolia where it will grow back readily. Last year, I discovered a yaupon holly that was straggly. I cut it back dramatically and this year, it will be a major source of berries in the house since the pruning helped make the plant come back to life. There are few plants that will not benefit from pruning and letting a little sunlight into the shrub or tree.
I try to cut branches in the morning when the plant has more water present in the stems. I place them in a bucket of water out of the sun in a cool place to let them soak up all the moisture. This is called conditioning greenery. When they are in the house, I mist the leaves from time to time with water to give them a little added moisture.
You can certainly purchase some of these items from local clubs and churches. There are also mail order places that sell magnolia made into wreaths and garlands and centerpieces. If buying locally, check to see if they look fresh because you would not want to arrange them and then have them die a few days later.
I also have learned that decorating for the holidays does not have to be done in a day. Get out your larger items and get them in place and do a little each day for a week. This way you will not get as stressed. If you run out of time, at least you have the big items out and fixed. And remember, you can do just a few simple things and make your home festive. Have a few focal points here and there to make a statement.
No matter how lavish or simple you choose to decorate for Christmas, it is a time to be cheerful and enjoy with friends and family. If you are stressed over Christmas, it shows. Relax and enjoy this holiday season with friends and family and enjoy the traditions you repeat each year.