By Pat Birch, floral designer at English Gardens in Clinton Twp. 

Christmas is my favorite time of year at the store.  I’m a floral designer.  It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.  One thing I am NOT is a cook, so I show my family and friends how much I love them by decorating a space they want to come to for holiday celebrations.  (My husband is in charge of the food, the “main attraction”.)  I create the ambiance! 

My feeling about holiday decorating is…there is no wrong way to do it!  Your decorating should reflect the things you love.  At English Gardens, we have everything you need to be successful! 

Crystals & Bling
If you love the look of bling, this first design will inspire you.  Think shiny crystals, sparkling glass and reflected light.  Your table scape can be a winter wonderland by incorporating crisp white and sparkling silver. 

Glass vases with fresh white blooms look clean, simple and dramatic at the same time.  Mix glass cubes and cylinders with jeweled vases to hold white blooms of hydrangeas, roses and lilies.  Your table will be as fragrant as it is elegant. 

Glassware can also hold collections of ornaments.  Take a cue from your silver and white color palate.  Beautiful, one-of-a-kind glass ornaments from Europe or groupings of similar flocked trim lends itself to our winter vibe. 

Battery operated strands of lights tucked in bowls of ornaments or into vases of fresh flowers create light in the design.  Battery operated candles and submersible LED candles in sparkly votive cups with scented candles, create twinkling light and fragrance. 

Decorations can finish the look with a silver or white deer included in your winter scene.  Silver or flocked picks and branches tucked around will add height, length and drama to your finished story of winter wonder. 

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Whimsy
The holidays are a magical time of year!  Create a whimsical display with a riot of color.  This will appeal to the child in all of us.  Colorful novelty lights can run the length of your table with Santa and his elves putting the finishing touches on their gifts. 

Cubes with beautiful ribbon look like packages.  Ting ting and vibrant, glittery pods can be incorporated into a fresh centerpiece of fragrant Christmas boughs that will last into the New Year.   In this theme, anything goes!  Let your imagine run free!

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Traditional Christmas
You can never go wrong with tradition.  And, leaning towards nature, think sustainable, living decor.  Poinsettias are THE plant we think of when we think Christmas.  Tucked into a decorative basket with a burlap bow, they have a rustic yet natural feel.  Place beautiful birch branches and pine cones down the center of your table and nestle into your poinsettias for pops of traditional Christmas red. 

Potpourri in pretty containers can add fragrance to your table.   Lanterns with battery operated, flickering LED lights or candles in decorative lanterns will add light and warmth.  And, if Santa should appear amongst the plants… well, after all… he is the one we’re waiting for. 

Norfolk pines are another living plant inspiring thoughts of Christmas.  Give each of your guests a poinsettia or Norfolk pine home after your party, to carry a living memory of your design with them into the New Year. 

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All of these items can be found at English Gardens.  Come in and see our experts who will assist you in making your selections for creating the perfect holiday for your family!