What’s the easiest way to make a bouquet look extra special?
“A really simple way to make your flowers look incredible is with a statement vase. Intricate embossing or flashes of gold and copper really make displays shine at Christmas time. You can also cheat your way to a fuller-looking display by building a grid formation out of clear tape over the mouth of your vase and then arranging your blooms into the gaps.” – Caroline, Lead Florist at Bloom & Wild
Can you tell us about the most exciting floral trend to try this Christmas?
“This Christmas, sprayed foliage is set to be a huge trend. Whether you love classic or contemporary displays, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a traditional Christmas-lover, look out for frosted asparagus fern in sparkling silver or champagne hues (find it in silver in The Christmas Sparkle, champagne in The Balmoral and gold in The Festive Joy). The way it catches the light is so magical. But if you’re a tradition-breaker, then be bold and have fun by spraying your asparagus fern in bright colours. Aqua blue is huge right now and gives your display a modern winter-wonderland look.” – Amelia, Floral Stylist at Bloom & Wild
I want my festive centrepiece to wow. What are your top styling tips?
“The secret is to create interesting levels by cutting some stems shorter than others. When arranging your bouquet, create real fullness by adding your shorter stems to the front. If it’s going against a wall (rather than the middle of your table) style it from one side only for extra impact.” – Caroline
How can I make my bouquet last longer?
“To keep your flowers happy for 7 days or more, they require a little TLC before you pop them in a vase. Firstly (and most importantly) cut your stems at an angle (removing 3-5cm). This gives surface area for them to drink up. Next, remove any leaves that may fall below the waterline of your vase, otherwise they’ll deteriorate and compromise the longevity of your bouquet. And lastly, remember to refresh and re-trim your stems 1cm every 3 days.” – Caroline
I want to make my own wreath. Any tips?
“We’ve made it so easy to do just that with The Crafty Christmas, which is an assortment of scented winter foliage and berries. Just add scissors, a spool of floristry wire, a wreath ring (approx. 25cm) and sheet moss, which you can find at your local garden centre, and follow my 3 steps below” – Amelia
Step 1: Trim your stems
Cut your stems so they’re 8-15cm long. Lay them in groups of 2 to 3 stems, staggering down so the tips lay slightly below each other.
Step 2: Prepare your wreath ring
Start by wrapping the moss sheet around your wreath ring. Next, wrap your wire clockwise around the moss (leaving gaps about 4cm). It’s important to pull the wire tightly. When you’ve made a full circle, cut the wire and twist the ends together.
Step 3: Start arranging
Pick a group of stems and lay them diagonally across the wreath ring. Tightly secure the ends to the ring with wire. Lay your second group of foliage just underneath and continue working clockwise without cutting the wire, tucking the last section of stems beneath the previous ones until your wreath ring is full.
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