Real or Faux? Seasonal Decorating with Griffins

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As the BIG indoor decorating season approaches, the question is whether to use real or faux? The trend has been moving away from inexpensive, artificial garland and doo-dads, although the quality of these has vastly improved over the years. Using good quality faux blooms and branches is now worth consideration. But, the freshness and fragrance of evergreens, paper white blooms and amaryllis is intoxicating. What to do, what to do? How about a clever combination of both?

After making your own outdoor fresh evergreen arrangements from boughs you source from a walk in the woods (be sure to have permission and cut responsibly) or from bundles from a local garden centre, you may have extra to use indoors. Keep them cool and hydrated until you are ready to use them (outdoors, in the shade is best), typically one to two weeks prior to any entertaining. These fragrant, fresh boughs can be the focal point of a lovely table arrangement or be tucked in, amid faux garland affixed to your mantle, stair banister or arch-way or even laying flat on a table runner. Be sure to cut a variety of branches (pine, boxwood and BC cedar are the best, long-lasting evergreens for indoor application) into pieces of various sizes. These will provide texture and fragrance amid your faux elements. Consider treating these fresh boughs with Wiltpruf (a non-chemical spray) to lock in moisture. Once the “greening” is complete, the addition of pinecones, dried hydrangea blooms, berries (real or faux), shelled mixed nuts and other natural accents complete the seasonal, on-trend look. Good quality faux blooms elevate the look with pops of colour or subtle elegance (blush pink, soft blue or all white tones).

For an up-scale look, mix faux or real evergreens with shiny ornaments, glistening glass décor, fluffy potted cyclamen or classic poinsettia. For a cottagecore or country look, why not add strings of cranberries and popcorn?

Real or faux, these are the seasonal, botanical elements that make our homes appear welcoming, warm and unique throughout the holidays and winter months.

By Vikki Whitney, Owner of Griffin’s Greenhouses

705-652-8638 or 1-877-647-4334 www.griffinsgreenhouses.com

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