Wreaths
Wreaths are the height of fashion. And I’m not talking Martha Stewart’s gold pine cone “creations”. Today’s florists are taking cues from fashion (think Anna Sui, Boudicca, McQueen) and movies like Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette to create modern wreaths that are completely in step with trends. Fiona MacKenzie-Jenkin, owner of boutique florist, Black Tulip explains, “Our generation don’t do wreaths, unless they’re in a style that we understand.” She mixes antique brooches with feathers and black ivy. The effect is extraordinary, historical and a bit like a McQueen head-dress. Hip northern florist, Adam Prest meanwhile takes a “cut and paste” approach, mixing net, roses and pompoms. “You really can use anything,” says Prest, clutching chandelier droplets and neon ribbon (which, incidentally he mixes to great effect). Rock photographer Roger Sargent would agree – he came home one night to find girlfriend Kerry had strung Polaroids of Roger’s shoot with Dirty Pretty Things, The Libertines and Babyshambles together into a wreath for their door. Try it! Mini wreaths Making a wreath is superbly easy – for miniature wreaths (which look gorgeous hanging on branches as Christmas Tree decorations ) I created a hoop from a piece of medium weight garden wire and attached ivy, holly, berries and faux cherry blossom using thinner florists’ wire. The ivy and holly (from my garden) are spray painted black (in keeping with the current trend for all things gothic, darling). Larger Wreaths For a larger wreath to use either as a centrepiece or to decorate your door, buy by a piece of Oasis (available from any florist). Run it quickly under the tap so it is damp, but not soaking, then gather tons of foliage, which you can literally “spike” in to the oasis. It’s worth also being a little adventurous with materials Pearl Lowe uses scraps of vintage lace while Joanna Berryman, owner of designer boutique Jezebel, clusters miniature porcelain horses in hers. Garden wire, £2.99, Homebase, (www.homebase.co.uk, 0845 300 1768) Oasis, feathers and florists wire, from a selection at Hobbycraft (0800 027 2387), Cherry blossom, £11 per sprig, Eccentricities 0207 359 5633. Black gloss spray paint, £5.99, 01223 836400; www.plastikote.co.uk) If all that sounds like too much hassle There’s some fab florists that will do the handiwork for you: Black Tulip, based in London is the florist du jour, supplying the top designers, Tate Modern. Owner Fiona MacKenzie-Jenkin worked in event management and fashion preceding floristry, so there’s real drama to her displays and as the shop name suggests, historic references. Expect: uber glam, peacock feathers (a Victorian favourite) and black crystals. (0207 689 0068; www.theblacktulip.co.uk)
Whippetgrey do wonderful metal laser-cut wreaths depicting silhouette of flowers, woodland creatures and lucky charms, in berry and lime, for something really low maintenance . (01494 890400; www.whippetgrey.co.uk) Adam Prest is the North’s hippest florist, designing for footballers wives and all the stately homes. He’ll create anything from modern wreaths bursting with pompoms to chic classics, generally while discussing celebrity outfits pictured in Grazia or Vogue with you. Expect: a wonderfully entertaining experience and real art pieces. (07748595151 adam@adamprest.co.uk) Gisela Graham creates timeless classics and supplies wreaths to Liberty’s Christmas shop. She includes cute reindeer and bird figurines, feathers, beaded berries, jaunty twigs and flame coloured foliage. Expect: Top end traditional (020 7708 4956 www.giselagraham.co.uk Other ideas for the elsewhere in the garden There’s tons you can to do elsewhere to create an enchanting garden, and I’m not talking energy sapping fairy lights (they’re so pre-Gore). “To get shine without lights hang metallic decorations in trees, they reflect moonlight,” says designer Emily ReadettBayley. She makes big stars and metallic letters that are perfect for spelling messages in trees. How impressed would you be to see “Ho! Ho! Ho!” or “Get your dancing shoes on!” flickering in the moonlight leading up to a party? The effect is much more romantic than last year’s fairy-lit blingathon. Another idea worth pursuing is a sculptural “statement” piece. Remember the topiary rabbit in the Big brother garden? I got a little carried away moulding a life size reindeer, from chickenwire and attaching poinsettias — which incidentally are all the rage — did you see Antibodi’s poinsettia print chaise lounge, not to mention Dutch designers Niels van Eijk and Miriam van der Lubbe’s work at the Milan Furniture Fair, daaaahling? Posh Graffiti letters and decoration, from Emily Readett-Bayley (www.emilyreadettbayley.com; 01400 281 563) Poinsettas from DZD (www.dzd.co.uk; 0207 388 7488)