HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Gloriously, all dried up

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Elizabeth Young, owner of Flowers Talk Tivoli in Westboro, has been involved with the Homes for the Holidays Tour, in support of Hospice Care Ottawa, for 19 years. As a highly respected florist, she has seen plenty of trends evolve within the industry and is always eager to create high-style decorations for her clients.

This year, dried flowers have made a comeback. Popular in the 1970s, the boho style will find its way onto tablescapes throughout the holiday season and last long past. “The arrangements will last longer than the holidays and look as good as the day that you received it,” assures Elizabeth, who will incorporate some of the trend into the Westboro-area home that she is responsible for decorating on this year’s virtual tour; live on November 18th at Hospicecareottawa.ca

The lasting appeal speaks to a desire to begin seasonal decorating earlier than in past years. The benefits include less fragrance, low maintenance and sustainability; that all equates to greater value. But, there are things to consider when working with dried florals. Elizabeth advised that the stiff stems don’t bend like fresh flowers and can be a little more challenging to work with. She also suggests keeping them away from sunlight which will fade out the colour of the flowers. If you plan on storing an arrangement cover the flowers with tissue paper and store it in a cool, dark dry space.

Pick up assorted dried flowers to make a display of your own with a few tips from Elizabeth: 1. Start with a low round container, filled with chicken wire to set flowers into.

2. Choose fresh winter greens that will eventually dry within the arrangement. 3. Lay out the greens and dried flowers to decide on a colour scheme.

4. Create a base from the fresh product like magnolia, boxwood, cedar, eucalyptus, pine, and juniper. 5. Add the dried, including

Pampas grass, pink protea, skimmia, garden roses, cotton, pinecones, and bunny tails.