DIY: Seasonal Centerpieces

We carry a tremendous variety of freshly cut greens at Heyden’s Gardens, all prime supplies to create your own seasonal centerpieces.

Looking for a unique, personal and inexpensive hostess gift for those holiday parties? A fresh seasonal arrangement created from natural materials will be a much appreciated decorative piece for the hostess to display on her beverage or buffet table. Creating a seasonal centerpiece is easy.

• A decorative container (we have lots to choose from)
• “Oasis” or other wet floral foam
• A sharp pair of pruning shears
• Evergreen branches
• Pine cones and thin wire to attach them
• Natural or artificial berries

Start with a decorative container as your base. An opaque or solid colored container is better than a clear one as it will conceal your floral foam.

Acquire a variety of evergreen branches of assorted textures and forms. These could include long needled evergreens (e.g. White Pine), short needled evergreens (e.g. Fir), soft scale-like evergreens (e.g. Arborvitae) and broadleaf evergreens such as Boxwood. Look for interesting twigs as well; the colored stems of Red Twig Dogwood are ideal. Pinecones work nicely as an accent element.

A little touch of red is critical to the success of the arrangement. Achieve this with natural berried branches like Winterberry, or purchase bunches of artificial berries.

1. Cut “Oasis” or similar wet floral foam to fit the container (foam should be thoroughly soaked before cutting). The foam should fit snugly in the container and protrude slightly over the top so that you can place horizontal stems at the base of your arrangement.
2. Use one variety of greens (we usually use Fraser Fir) to create a basic framework. Insert the stems firmly into the foam, arranged evenly throughout and angling downward at the base to soften the edge of the container.
3. Add a second and third variety of greens to create color and textural contrast.
4. Add cut stems or twigs, if desired.
5. Wire pinecones individually or in groups of three and place them evenly throughout.
6. Add clusters of red berries (natural or artificial).

You’re done…. and you probably have enough materials left to make another arrangement or two to share with friends and neighbors!