White bridal bouquet - hydrangea and roses

This luxurious bridal bouquet consists of white hydrangea, everest roses, bouvardia, small white cymbidium orchids and freesia. It's soft, textural and scented.

(Ashley and Brandon Photography)

(Ashley and Brandon Photography)

The bride for this bouquet had a small picture frame that she wanted added to the bouquet, and she also wanted to include some of her mother's wedding dress. I ended up cutting the sleeve and luckily the cuff fit perfectly around the stems of the bouquet. Where I cut the sleeve, it left a bit of a ruffle and I finished it with a tie from the dress. I love adding personal touches to bouquets!

Winter flowers - red roses and alstroemeria

I've already got pink rhododendrons blooming in my garden and the snow drops are not far behind. So I thought I better do up one last "winter flower" post. These were done up for a Christmas party at the Old English Inn in December. White and green is always a classy color scheme for flowers, but with the addition of a touch of red, it adds the perfect touch of holiday flavor!

White alstroemeria, red roses, leucodendron, cedar, pine and feathered eucalyptus

Man Men Party - New Years Eve

This past New Years Eve we thought it would be fun to throw a Mad Men party. It was tons of fun! Some key ingredients I think to throwing a successful Mad Men inspired party are as follows:

1) Big city background - this was a hit as it was super fun to take photos in front of! This was taped on the wall and it was made out of black paper and foil for the windows.

2)  An old typewriter and vintage ads all over the place were important decor pieces.

3) Don't forget the jello mold and other 50's and 60's inspired dishes and cocktails. Toothpicks, paper umbrellas, maraschino cherries, plastic swords, and vintage glassware are details that can not be forgotten!

4) And finally, fabulous friends who love to have a good time.

Wishing everyone all the best in 2013!!

Winter boutonniere - Leucodendron

This beautiful winter wedding boutonniere is a very hardy leucodendron flower. Although the flower is available other times of the year I think it's particularly lovely in the winter season. The boutonniere is finished with gold wire. A great way to tie in with gold elsewhere in the wedding.

Winter flowers - white hydrangea and red roses

Keep things simple for your holiday flowers. White hydrangea mixed with the most velvety tea spray roses, leucodendron, cedar and some beautiful feathered eucalyptus creates something textural, seasonal and lovely.

In my home - Kale

Right about this time of year is when we are all really missing beautiful peonies and big round dahlias. There are not many options available right now for big full looking flowers. Right now on my coffee table I have one small bunch of autumn kale. It can last up to two weeks and satisfies the craving for something fluffy!

 

Forcing Paperwhites

They say paperwhites are the easiest bulb to force indoors. They don't need a cooling period like most other bulbs. I am giving it a try this year and so should you. Just pick up a bag of bulbs at your local garden center.

1) Find a glass or ceramic container with no drainage hole.

2) Fill with clean rocks, or gravel.

3) Nestle the bulbs into the rocks so that they are secure.

4) Water the bulbs so that the water just touches the bottom of the bulbs. 

 

Be sure to keep an eye on the water level and fill as necessary. Once your paperwhites are in full bloom keep them in a cool room to extend their life.

This is a great activity to do with your kids! They will have lots of fun watching the stems grow for weeks. Happy planting!