GARDENS
CREATE A FOLIAGE-LADEN TABLE FIT FOR A FESTIVE FEAST WITH THE HELP OF ANNA TAYLOR, OWNER OF ANNA’S FLOWER FARM
Forget the plastic tat this Christmas and give your table an elegant makeover using seasonal foliage. Here, Anna Taylor gives a step-by-step guide to creating centrepieces with a pared back, natural feel complemented by a touch of gold from gilded walnuts. Everything used in these centrepieces is available in December, so wrap up and head out on a foraging adventure in the outdoors to collect your materials, then pour yourself a cup of mulled wine and get to work!
WHAT YOU NEED There are no hard and fast rules, but greenery that works well includes fir, larch and laurel branches, grass seed heads, hellebores leaves, dried honesty, amaryllis and cyclamen flowers. Walnuts coated with gold leaf or spray paint (both can be picked up from craft stores), are a nice addition, as are pine cones and of course, mistletoe. You’ll also need some small glass vases.
STEP ONE Cut your chosen greenery down to 4-6in pieces, stripping everything below the waterline. Not only does this look nicer, it prevents bacteria from growing, meaning it can increase the lifespan of your centrepiece. If properly looked after, the decoration can last weeks – simply water every few days and refresh the flowers weekly to keep it looking its best.
STEP TWO There are no rules when building your centrepiece, but mix shapes, colours and textures by layering the glossy leaves of hellebores with spiky fir, silvery dried honesty and delicate mistletoe; this should make your decoration work as a harmonious whole. Everything’s seasonal and naturally works together, so if you use a variety of shades and leaf types you can’t go wrong.
Join Anna at Anglesey Abbey on 2, 3 and 4 December for mulled wine, mince pies and wreathmaking using foliage from the estate, or at Kettle’s Yard on the 14th for Art & Ideas: A Natural Christmas. This half-day workshop will show you how to make beautiful table decorations using foraged items inspired by the natural pieces in Jim and Helen Ede’s home. At Anna’s own flower farm in Audley End, Door Swag on the 9th will help you create a gorgeous piece for your front door, Noel Magic on the 11th will focus on midwinter tablescapes and include a Christmas lunch, and on the 12th there will be a session dedicated to wreaths. Tickets available at annasflowerfarm.com and via Eventbrite. FEELING INSPIRED?
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