LEISURE
A large, twiggy branch found on a forest walk has been appropriated as an eco-friendly, sculptural Christmas tree. Strung with twinkling rice lights and hand-carved bird figurines used as ornaments, the tree has an enigmatic fairy-tale quality to it. • Place a similar branch into a wooden basket and secure it in place using kindling or firewood to emphasise the natural woodland theme. • Arrange carved figurines in keeping with a theme – in this instance birds – on the various branches using simple butcher’s twine. • An abundance of battery-operated rice or fairy lights is always a
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SILVER DIGEST // SUMMER 2019
good idea to emphasise the spirit of Christmas cheer and serve as whimsical ambient lighting at night. • Other decorative elements include simple pillar candles in a variety of widths and sizes, tea light candles in clear glass votives and gifts wrapped simply using white butcher’s paper, string and velvet ribbon in shades of vanilla and cocoa. • A tray is a classic way to display a moody decorative vignette, here containing a selection of gifts found in nature: various bird nests, twigs, a collection of beautiful egg shells and, for atmosphere, tea light candles.
