Sometimes I feel like my design is all over the place, because I like so many different looks and mediums, but one thing remains the same: group like things together. Case in point is the Christmas table centerpiece that I arranged. 

Looks impressive (if I do say so myself), but simple simon, really. Just follow the rule: like things together. Here is how you can recreate the look!

1. Buy a dozen roses at a discount store, and another bouquet, but make sure the second bouquet has at least two large, or three medium flowers that are identical. Also, I bought a bundle of tree greenery since it was Christmas, but you can use fern or something similar.
2. Since the flowers were purchased at a discount store, you have to slice off all the thorns and the bottom leaves. Fill your kitchen sink with water and cut each stem under the water. You might have to trim them again when you are actually arranging to get the exact length you want, but ALWAYS cut under the water. 
3. Use a container the same shape as your table, I used a ceramic rectangle. Tuck in wet florist foam and put in water and florist food (powder you get with your flowers). Foam should be soaked, but not covered in water.
4. Stick greenery in the foam around the outer edge, and when using a rectangle, the longest pieces should be on the end.
5. You have completed your bottom layer. Think of this arrangement as four layers.
6. Take the two or three identical flowers, (in my case, two large green cabbage roses) and center in the middle of the bouquet. This is your top layer.
7. Follow with a dozen roses surrounding the large center flowers. Remember you may have to recut the roses to the length you want.
8. Inbetween the greenery and dozen roses, position any other flowers you might have. I grouped small lime mums together and worked my way around, using like flowers in clumps and any single flowers that came with the bouquet. Fill in as needed.   
9. Viola, you are done!
10. Water daily. I make my arrangements the day before, but it should last 5-7 days if you purchase fresh flowers. Ask the store what day they get shipments. Some places will actually pull out the flower colors you want and save them for you!

Think dinner parties, Valentines Day, or look ahead to Easter!

Blessings, Ele

O Christmas Tree

A Christmas Tree Wish...

in a shadow box sparkles with neutral colored ephemera. 

Ephemera (plural): paper items (posters, tickets), that were originally meant to be discarded after use but have since become collectibles. 

Shades of soothing cream, beige, and black along with the velvety texture of vintage wallpaper sit behind a glass frame. Can be hung on the wall, or free standing on a table.

 

"O Christmas Tree,  O Christmas Tree....."

A few new items are finding their way into my shop.

I am also adding a few supplies, such as paper posies, so that you can use them on your own creations. Currently Lollishops shopping cart is not working, so if you want anything from my store, just e-mail me.

Blessings,

Ele

Birthday Party Part I

Grace, elegance, and pure kindness dwell within my mother. She celebrated her 80th birthday in my home with  75 friends and relatives. 

I luuuuv these tissue paper puffs. You can find them at Prost to the Host on etsy. The come flat and folded, and it's a party in itself pulling out the tissue paper pieces and foofing them up!  They are the perfect decor for a birthday celebration.

I hung turquoise and peacock blue puffs in the sunroom above the guestbook table. The peacock blue is my FAV color, but they are all flouncy, foofy and fun. 

The puffs in the dining room are white, light blue, and pale turquoise. These babies will stay up for awhile. I can't bear to take them down.

Here's a little sneak peek (above) of the food and favors. You will have to wait for Part Two!

Happy Birthday Mom!  

Blessings to all of you,

Ele