I don’t know about you, but I’m crazy about Christmastime. Cozying-up to a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate and the smell of fresh greenery really kindles that holiday spirit.
If you’re like me, you love entertaining, especially around the holidays. To decorate your table, simply use a pre-made mantel piece of fresh greenery for a centerpiece. You can use noble fir, western cedar or juniper and add pine cones, glass balls and wood berries to create a cheerful table.
Many people balk at using fresh greenery, but the beauty and fragrance are really worth the effort. A few simple steps in the beginning will ensure that it stays fresh through the holidays. When you’re collecting or buying your greenery, look for pieces that are pliable, have a strong aroma and vivid color. To extend its life by three to five days, give it a deep soak to hydrate all the foliage. To seal in the moisture, spray each piece with an anti-transpirant. This compound is applied to leaves of plants, Christmas trees and cut flowers to keep them from drying out too quickly. Also, keep your greenery away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Another favorite aspect about the holidays is gift-giving. I like to create my own gift wrap, and taking the time to hand-make gift tags lets the recipients know they’re special. It’s an easy and creative way to jazz-up your gifts, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. One of my favorite gift tag ideas is taking pre-cut balsa wood ornaments, applying two coats of chalkboard paint and writing the person’s name in chalk. These are great and can later be hung on the tree.
My favorite gift to give is an orchid. Caring for orchids is so easy, and the blooms will remain long after the holidays have passed. To make them special, I like to wrap them, and that’s where a little creativity comes in. Replace the original stakes with winter twigs. Tie a bow with silver balls and gift tag to a floral stick and insert it into the pot. Be careful not to poke the roots. Add a cinnamon stick to make it smell like Christmas. You’re done!
[P. Allen Smith, host of two public television programs, is an award-winning designer and gardening expert. He is the author of several books, including his Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.]
Photo: Donna Evans