Last year, Cherry Ong shared some of her plant-based holiday décor (check out the post here), and she’s sharing some more ideas with us now. What do you use from the garden to decorate for the holidays? We’d love to see your ideas and share them on the GPOD!
Here’s what Cherry had to say.
Swags were my main plant craft last year, as I was too late to pick up those fresh and full natural wreaths at Costco. I used some leaves (Thuja ‘Forever Goldie’), flowers (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quickfire’), and berries (Callicarpa bodinieri) from my own little garden.
Swag with beautyberries and thuja leaves. Last year was my first time to use beautyberries for holiday decor, and my friends who received them as gifts said they fared well through the holiday season. As usual, I augmented with some store-bought items.
Close-up of the beautyberry swag
Swag made using dry hydrangea flowers
I also whipped up some containers, mostly of succulents, as holiday gifts in addition to the swags. A good friend sent me his unused sinamay fabric, which came in handy for wrapping these container-garden gifts.
For my holiday table, I decided to switch up my usual coastal theme (admittedly, I was too lazy to switch them out) by offering up my favorite Mangave Moonglow as a centerpiece. I then tucked in some resin starfishes as accents. I figure that since I have so many overwintered houseplants/succulents, I might as well put them to good use instead of buying flowers.
Any leftovers were used for floral arrangements indoors.
In the living area, I decked out a blue coral centerpiece with some mini LEDs and tillandsias. The glass octopus ornament is a cherished gift from my daughter.
It’s not your usual holiday tree, but I think it’s pretty festive for the season.
Another holiday swag
And one last holiday swag hanging from the door
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Comments
Lots of fun and inspiring ideas, Cherry. I'm really quite captivated by the way you've transformed succulents into intriguing living holiday arrangements by adding the festive touches of lights and little ornaments with some shine. Hmm...if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I suspect that after folks in GPOD land see your pictures, you will be well flattered!
Awww, thanks Michaele. It's always a good day to spread cheer, don't you think? Advanced happy thanksgiving to you and Darwin!
Cherry, you've made the swags look easy for anyone who really can't do crafts. I think I will give this a try.
Give 'em a whirl. They're quite budget friendly too!
As always, your color combinations are wonderful - especially that silvery blue bowl for the blue coral. Love your octopus arrangement - looks like an underwater adventure! And your local beautyberry looks fabulous. Mine are already to far gone to cut for arrangements. Another home run for you, Cherry!
Thank you. Hope you have fun decorating for the holidays!
'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...' It was fortunate turn of events that Costco was out of wreaths last year. Your creativity went into overdrive! Your friends must already be anticipating the holiday surprises coming their way from your home to theirs! Have fun!!!
Thanks Sheila. I'm smiling as I type this because of "your glass is half full" comment. No idea what I'm doing this year yet... how about you? Wishing you, Jim, Laurel and the rest of the family a very happy thanksgiving!
Very well done! What is the white seed (?) in the final swag pictures and also with some red berries as an arrangement of leftovers? I am guessing I don't know it because it isn't hardy enough for me, but if it is a plant I could grow, I'll add it to my wish list for next season's purchases.
Thank you. I believe that is cotton (gossypium) - they're long lasting. I hope you are able to grow it in your garden. I read it takes about 45 days before it flowers. Happy Holidays!
Cherry, these Christmas swags are beautifully elegant. You have the artists eye and your colors meld into wonderful creations. (I also enjoyed the charming octopus ornament. Your daughter inherited your discerning taste!)
Thank you and happy holidays Kielian!
Martha Stewart's got nothing on you - your decorations are so creative and elegant! Gorgeous!
Blushing here... thanks.
these are so pretty! Great use of color and form. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you.
You have such an amazing talent for creating beautiful art from nature! Love that swag with the purple berries!
Thank you. We should all grow Callicarpa/Beautyberry! Happy Holidays Sue!
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