Rowan Berry Wreath

How about these antique candle holders? They are my newest find from our Italy trip to Puglia. 

This beautiful Rowan Berry Wreath is a celebration of nature’s bounty, carefully foraged from the wild during the crisp days of November. The vibrant red berries, framed by their delicate autumn leaves, make for a stunning and natural decoration that brings warmth and color to the home as the seasons shift. Rowan berries, known for their striking appearance, have long been cherished for both their beauty and their practical uses. Beyond adorning wreaths, these berries can be transformed into delicious homemade goods like jam and tea, offering a delightful taste of the season. Whether displayed on your door or hung inside, this wreath serves as a reminder of nature’s generosity, adding both festive charm and a touch of rustic elegance to your November decor. I feel this wreath is a natural stepping stone to start thinking about the festive season.

I collected fallen twigs from trees to make the base of the wreath. The key is use bendable twigs that easily form a circle. I bend them around into a circle and tie them together with florist wire. You can make this as thick or thin as you wish. 

Wreath base

You need bendable young branches or thick florist wire to create the base. If you can forage young branches that bend easily, collect a bunch and bend them into a circle. Secure the circle with florist wire that is twisted around the branches so it stays in place.

If you do not have branches- you can simple twist thick florist wire into a circle and repeat this process a few times so it create strength into the base.

Materials Needed:

1. Florist wire or a sturdy wire frame

2. Pruners or scissors

3. Foraged goods; rowan berries and green branches

green branches from an evergreen bush from our garden

Make the Wreath

Step 1: Gather Your Materials Collect a variety of foraged goods from your garden, local park, or nearby woods. Look for items like evergreen branches, twigs, pinecones, dried flowers, and berries. Ensure they are in good condition and free of pests. This wreath needs twigs for the base, rowan berries and green branches.

Step 2: Prepare the Base: If you're using a wire frame, shape it into a circle or any desired wreath shape. If you don't have a wire frame, you can create a base by bending a sturdy wire into a circular shape. Ensure the base is strong enough to hold the weight of the foraged materials. You can also make the base from bendable twigs, like I did.

make small bouquets that are attached to the base

wrap the bouquet with florist wire around the base. repeat process

Step 3: Create Small Bouquets- Take small bunches of foraged goods, in this case a rowan berry twig and some grenery. Arrange them in a way that looks pleasing to you. They can either be wild or more structured. Hold the bundle together that will then be attached the base.

Step 4: Secure with Florist Wire- Use florist wire to tightly bind the ends of the bouquet. Wrap the wire around the stems a few times and twist the ends together to secure the bundle.

Step 5: Attach to the Base- Place the secured bouquet on the wire frame and use additional florist wire to attach it securely. Wrap the wire around the stems and the base, ensuring it's tight and stable.

Step 6: Repeat the Process- Continue creating small bouquets and attaching them to the base. Overlap each bouquet with the previous one to ensure full coverage and a lush appearance. Vary the types of foraged goods to add texture and interest to your wreath. You can be creative here, by making the bouquet wild and effortless or create a more full and manicured look.

Step 7: Fill Gaps As you work- fill in any gaps or sparse areas by adding smaller pieces of greenery or other foraged items. This will give your wreath a more polished and cohesive look.

Easy DIY Christmas Garland

DIY Foraged Christmas Garland Tutorial with Chicken Wire Base

Materials Needed:

1. Chicken wire

2. Wire cutters

3. Protective gloves

4. Foraged branches (evergreen, pine, cedar, holly, eucalyptus, etc.)

5. Pruners or scissors

6. Water spray bottle

   Step 1: Gather Materials: Collect all the materials you'll need for your foraged Christmas garland.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wire Base: using wire cutters, cut a length of chicken wire according to the desired size of your garland. Form it into a long cylinder, connecting the ends to create a continuous shape. Make sure to wear protective gloves to avoid any scratches from the wire.

Step 3: Shape the Garland Base: manipulate the chicken wire cylinder into the desired shape, whether it's a traditional swag, a circular wreath, or a straight garland. The chicken wire will hold the branches securely in place. I slightly crunched the wire together to make the wire holes smaller.

Step 4: Trim any excess chicken wire and place the cylinder wire on top of your shelf. I also placed some parchment paper underneath the wire to protect from any scratches.

Step 5: Prepare Foraged Branches: trim the foraged branches to manageable lengths using pruners or scissors. Create bundles of branches with varied textures and colors for a visually appealing garland or simply use wild untrimmed branches as I did.

Step 6: Insert Branches into Chicken Wire: starting at the center of the wire base, poke the trimmed ends of the foraged branches into the holes of the chicken wire. Insert them at various angles to create a full and textured look. Continue adding branches along the length of the garland.

Step 7: Overlap and Mix Textures: overlap the branches to conceal the chicken wire and create a seamless appearance. Mix different types of branches to add variety and interest to your garland. Ensure that the branches are inserted securely to prevent them from falling out.

Step 8: Add Decorative Touches If desired: Add ribbons, dried clementine, baubles or any decorative items you prefer. I tried adding baby’s breath and long thin green ribbons but came to the conclusion that I liked the look more without any excess decorations.

Step 9: Spray with Water: lightly mist your foraged garland with water using a spray bottle. This helps to keep the branches hydrated and fresh, extending the lifespan of your creation. Ensure not to soak it; a gentle misting is sufficient.

I added some eucalyptus to the garland from a left over bouquet of flowers

French-Style Potting with Inspired Flowers

Elevate Your Christmas Decor: French-Style Potting with Inspired Flowers

As the festive season approaches, it's time to infuse your home with the spirit of Christmas, and what better way to do so than with a touch of French elegance and timeless flowers? Picture this: Hellebores, Hyacinths, and delicate ornaments, potted in exquisite French-style cast iron and terracotta pots, creating a scene that effortlessly combines sophistication with simplicity. To add an extra touch of magic, imagine the gentle drape of beard lichen delicately adorning these floral arrangements, transforming your home into a winter wonderland.

Hellebores: The Winter Jewels

Known as the Christmas Rose, Hellebores are the stars of the winter garden. These enchanting flowers, available in various shades ranging from creamy whites to deep purples, are resilient and add a touch of elegance to any setting. Potting them in French-style containers enhances their charm, providing a classic and refined look. Consider placing these pots strategically around your home, perhaps on a mantle or as a centerpiece for your Christmas table.

Hyacinths: A Fragrant Symphony

Hyacinths bring not only vibrant colors but also a delightful fragrance to your holiday decor. These bulbs, when potted in French-style containers, create a visual symphony that harmonizes with the festive spirit. Opt for a mix of colors – from the traditional Christmas reds to soothing whites – and let their intoxicating scent permeate your home. Placing them in cast iron or terracotta pots adds an extra layer of sophistication, making them a visual and olfactory delight.

French-Style Pots: A Timeless Touch

French-style cast iron and terracotta pots are synonymous with understated luxury. Their ornate detailing and classic shapes complement the simplicity of Christmas flowers, creating a look that is both opulent and unpretentious. Consider varying sizes and shapes to add visual interest to your arrangements. These pots not only serve as vessels for your Christmas blooms but also become statement pieces that elevate your holiday decor. Terracotta and aged pots, with their timeless appeal, effortlessly weave a narrative of history and tradition into any space. Crafted from natural clay, terracotta pots exude warmth and authenticity, their earthy tones creating a rustic yet elegant ambiance. Aged pots, weathered by time, carry the marks of seasons past, telling a story of enduring beauty. Whether adorning a garden or gracing an interior setting, these vessels add character and a sense of heritage, their weathered surfaces inviting a connection to the past while infusing a touch of enduring charm into the present. Each crack and patina tells a tale, making them not just containers but vessels of time itself.

Beard Lichen: Nature’s Garnish

To add a whimsical touch to your floral arrangements, consider incorporating beard lichen. This delicate, hanging moss adds texture and an ethereal quality to your displays. Gently draping it around the potted flowers evokes a sense of winter magic, creating a scene reminiscent of a French countryside Christmas. Additionally, you could use green moss around pots that also leaves a beautiful finish. I used lichen as it grows in our spruce trees in our property.

Table Setting Extravaganza

Extend the charm of your Christmas floral arrangements to your table setting. Place potted Hellebores and Hyacinths in the center of the table in a curated arrangement of French-style pots. Intertwine beard lichen between the pots, creating a cohesive and enchanting tableau that will be the talk of your festive gatherings.

In conclusion, this Christmas season, embrace the art of French-inspired floral arrangements. Potting Hellebores and Hyacinths in French-style cast iron and terracotta pots, adorned with beard lichen, brings an unparalleled level of elegance to your holiday decor. Transform your home into a haven of festive beauty, where every corner tells a story of refined simplicity and timeless charm.

Old antique pots make beautiful hyacinth vases

Ordered this antique cast iron pot from France (Etsy) as well

just ordered these beautiful cast iron pots from France (from Etsy)

glass vases are delicate

DIY candle holder

DIY Candle holder

Make your own candle holer by adding soil to a small planting pot. Then add a candle stick to it. Add mroe soil on top and then a last layer of moss or beard lichen. The lichen secures the candle in tightly and makes a beautiful handle holder for a dinner table.

old brass cooler with a hellbeboris

Christmas Coffee

While my morning routine usually revolves around a straightforward, quality cappuccino sans any sweetness, the holiday season beckons for a touch of festive flair. Enter the Maple Latte – a delightful departure from my usual, perfect for those occasional sweet-tooth cravings or as a midday indulgence. Seizing a moment while my husband tended to our little one, I crafted a simple wreath, immersing myself in Christmas tunes and savoring the exquisite combination of this smooth coffee infused with the warmth of maple. As cardamom takes center stage during this Scandinavian-inspired season, its aromatic embrace adds an extra layer of seasonal delight to the cup.

Amusingly, I stumbled upon the twigs for my impromptu wreath during a morning walk with Siena, our playful companion who happened to be nibbling on them. Recognizing their durability and flexibility, I couldn't resist gathering a few to bring home. Crafting the wreath was a breeze – a gentle bend into a circle, and the ends secured with floral wire. Foraged pine twigs and delicate white berries from the forest found their place on the wreath, effortlessly attached with more floral wire. It's truly as uncomplicated as it sounds. These petite wreaths, adorned atop gifts or adorning corners of our home, effortlessly bring a touch of nature indoors. In my opinion, wreaths stand as the epitome of Christmas decor – a touch of evergreen that is simply indispensable during the holiday season.

Maple Cardamom latte (serves 2)

• 1 1/2 cups cashew milk (or any milk of choice)

• pinch of ground cardamom

• 1 Tablespoon almond butter

• pinch of vanilla paste (or extract)

• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

• 2 good quality espresso

• toasted almond flakes

• pinch of cinnamon for topping

Directions

In a saucepan combine the milk, cardamom, almond butter, vanilla and maple syrup. Bring to a high simmer over medium heat. Transfer the milk to a blender and blitz until smooth and frothy. Top the milk on top of your espresso. Garnish with toasted almond flakes and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Minimalistic Spruce Wreath

I wish I could portray smell through writing at the moment… as it lingers of fresh pine and buttery sag in the kitchen. As I sat here making the wire base for the wreaths, I’m drinking warm glögi and indulging in figs, my favourite December fruit. These plump figs have been simply cooked in butter and fresh sage topped with toasted pine seeds with a touch of salt. Luxurious and elegant, just like these understated spruce wreaths. Even though the kitchen is an utter mess after making these wreaths, it really is worth it at the end of the day as they spread so much festive joy in the easiest way. Here is a simple tutorial for a minimalistic spruce wreath.

Last week, I picked up lots of excess spruce branches when we were chopping down our Christmas tree and wanted to take advantage of the beautiful branches. As I do every year, I made wreaths this time purely from traditional and a mixture of silver pine. You can essentially make wreaths from any material, such as natural evergreens, straw, pinecones, and eucalyptus. Since our forests are filled with blueberry and lingonberry branches, they also make a durable material for wreaths.

Wreaths are made to celebrate the cycles of nature to showcase the beauty of the current season. I don’t know is it because of the tradition of making wreaths than comes from my mother, or is it so that I love being crafty with my hands and always find beauty in the simplest of floral arrangements. A minimal Nordic style wreath is an elegant addition to Christmas decorations; it looks stunning on the front door and windows or even incorporated into a table setting. There is so much more meaning when you creative something yourself as you have to put much more effort into it than simply just buying something readymade.

figs with sage and pine nuts

Spruce twig with wire in the end that is twisted onto the base

glögi

Creating a Minimalistic Spruce Wreath: Simple Steps

Materials Needed:

1. Thick florist wire (for the base)

2. Fresh spruce branches

3. Floral wire (thin and flexible)

4. Scissors or wire cutters

Steps:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Cut a length of thick florist wire to your desired size for the wreath. This will be the foundation.

2. Secure the First Spruce Branch:

   • Take a long spruce branch and align it with the base wire.

   • Use floral wire to tightly secure one end of the spruce branch to the base wire. Ensure it's snug.

3. Wrap and Seal:

   • Begin wrapping the spruce branch around the base wire, forming a loop or coil.

   • As you reach the end of the branch, secure the other end to the base wire using floral wire. This seals the first loop.

4. Repeat the Process:

   • Continue adding spruce branches, wrapping and securing each one to the base wire with floral wire.

   • Overlap the branches to create a full and uniform wreath.

5. Optional: Create Spruce Bouquets:

   • Bundle a small bouquet of spruce branches together.

   • Secure the end of the bouquet with floral wire, creating a compact bunch.

   • Attach these bouquets to the base wire by wrapping the wire around both the bouquet and the base wire.

6. Continue Building:

   • Keep adding spruce branches or bouquets until the entire base wire is covered.

   • Adjust the branches to achieve a balanced and minimalistic look.

7. Finishing Touch:

   • Trim any excess wire with scissors or wire cutters to tidy up loose ends.

8. Hang and Enjoy:

   • Your minimalistic spruce wreath is ready to adorn your space. Hang it on your door or wall and embrace the simple, natural beauty it brings.

This straightforward DIY project allows you to create an elegant spruce wreath with ease. Enjoy your minimalist masterpiece!

Rosemary Wreath & Fall Golden Milk

As October gracefully bids adieu, a cascade of vibrant leaves flutters down from the trees, heralding the imminent arrival of winter. Today, a gentle Friday rain outside my window serves as a prelude to Sunday's official transition to winter time. In sync with the changing seasons, I've transformed my garden, swapping out summer blooms for the warm hues of autumn and winter. Alas, this shift required bidding farewell to my towering rosemary tree, yielding an abundance of fragrant branches. I wanted to share an easy rosemary wreath tutorial and a golden milk recipe.

With a surplus of rosemary, I embarked on a creative venture — freezing some, gifting others to my parents, and fashioning a collection of charming wreaths. These botanical creations, adorned with the essence of rosemary, hold the promise of infusing my kitchen with festive aromas when brought indoors during the Christmas season.

Anticipating November's arrival, I sought to complement my autumnal ambiance with a comforting cup of golden milk. While the concept isn't novel, my twist involves a hint of black pepper and the subtle inclusion of bay leaves, imparting a delightful punch to this sweet elixir. Meanwhile, for those inspired to craft a rosemary wreath, the process is elegantly simple – winding the flexible branches around a sturdy base with floral wire, a festive DIY project detailed in my blog.

As the stores gradually unveil their Christmas embellishments, the air is ripe with the promise of festive cheer. Soon, we'll be immersed in the magic of the season, guided by the fragrance of rosemary wreaths and the warm embrace of golden milk.

Autumnal Golden milk

• 1 cup oat milk

• 1 pinch cinnamon

• 1 pinch black pepper

• 1-2 bay leaves

• A few slices of fresh ginger

• 1 pinch cardamom

• 1 pinch turmeric

• 1 teaspoon honey for sweetening (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a small saucepan and gently heat over a stove for a good 15-20 minutes.

Creating a Rosemary Wreath: A Simple Guide

Materials Needed:

1. Thick florist wire (for the base)

2. Fresh rosemary branches

3. Floral wire (thin and flexible)

4. Scissors or wire cutters

Steps:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Cut a length of thick florist wire to your desired size for the wreath. This will be the foundation.

2. Secure the First Rosemary Branch:

   • Take a long rosemary branch and align it with the base wire.

   • Use floral wire to tightly secure one end of the rosemary branch to the base wire. Make sure it's snug.

3. Wrap and Seal:

   • Start wrapping the rosemary branch around the base wire, creating a coil.

   • As you reach the end of the first branch, use floral wire to secure the other end to the base wire. This seals the first loop.

4. Repeat the Process:

   • Take another rosemary branch and repeat the wrapping process.

   • Secure both ends with floral wire to the base wire.

5. Continue Building:

   • Keep adding rosemary branches, wrapping and securing them with floral wire until the entire base wire is covered.

   • Ensure each new branch overlaps the previous one, creating a lush and full wreath.

6. Finishing Touch:

   • Once you've covered the entire base, use scissors or wire cutters to trim any excess wire and tidy up loose ends.

7. Secure the Last Branch:

   • Ensure the last rosemary branch is tightly secured to the base wire to complete the wreath.

8. Hang and Enjoy:

   • Your rosemary wreath is ready! Hang it on your door, wall, or anywhere you desire. The fragrance of rosemary will add a delightful touch to your space.

Remember, rosemary is flexible, so feel free to bend and adjust the branches as needed during the process. Enjoy your charming and aromatic DIY rosemary wreath!

Simple Fig Toast & Tablescape Inspo

Nestled within the embrace of a cozy cocoon while the world outside glistens under a pristine blanket of snow, our home exudes an enchanting ambiance infused with the lingering aroma of fresh pine, courtesy of our resplendent Christmas tree. With the holiday drawing near, a profound inspiration blossoms, inspired by the allure of deep, opulent colors that weave a captivating spell across our surroundings. As we transition into the realm of culinary indulgence, savoring a simple fig toast emerges as an artful and sophisticated means of elevating our morning routine. The natural sweetness of figs, delicately harmonizing with the perfectly toasted slice, yields a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly marries simplicity with refined taste. This intersection of sensory delights transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, where the magic of the season converges with the joy of palate-pleasing elegance.

The tree, standing proudly in the heart of the living room, evokes a sense of enchantment, infusing the atmosphere with a delightful festive spirit. My musings on the impending Christmas Day table setting lean towards an artistic creation—an envisaged tablescape crafted from the verdant embrace of pine and eucalyptus, punctuated by the delicate presence of hyacinths and the soft glow of scattered candles. The vision, still taking shape, hints at the allure of thick ribbons and cherished antique plates, promising a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary.

In our festive abode, figs emerge as indispensable treasures, transforming our holiday culinary canvas into a celebration of opulence. These succulent jewels, versatile in their ability to elevate both savory and sweet dishes, become the epitome of Christmas indulgence. A mere whisper of luxury unfurls in the simplicity of a cream cheese toast adorned with velvety orange marmalade and crowned with slices of figs—a morning or evening delicacy that materializes in mere seconds. As a final touch, a sprig of fresh thyme, plucked from our herb haven, imparts an herbaceous essence to this gastronomic masterpiece. The alchemy lies in the generous union of cream cheese and jam, harmoniously dancing with the figs to orchestrate a symphony of flavors. With the fig-adorned feast savored, the scene transitions seamlessly into a cozy evening, adorned with the fragrant task of arranging hyacinths in dainty pots and the tender ritual of bathing our little one. The ambiance is further enhanced by the commencement of my husband's Christmas holidays, promising an intimate and tranquil evening within the warmth of our festive haven.

Simple Fig Toast

• Cream Cheese

• Orange marmalade

• Fresh Figs

• Thyme twig

when your hyacinths become too tall in the bulb, snip them into vases

lovely deep coloured festive flowers

Christmas Eve Table Decor

Embarking on the enchanting journey of Christmas decoration, I sought to capture the timeless allure of the season by adorning my surroundings with the natural splendor of evergreen elements. Infused with a subtle Nordic charm and a touch of French country elegance, my Christmas table became a canvas of festive joy.

Mindful Christmas Decorating

In the art of mindful Christmas decorating, the pursuit is not merely aesthetic but a deliberate journey into the soul of the season. Eschewing the allure of commercial extravagance, the emphasis is on crafting an atmosphere that transcends trends, embracing a timeless and elegant allure. Candles, gracefully flickering like echoes of bygone traditions, take center stage, casting a soft, intimate glow that transcends materialistic shimmer. Foraged greens, gathered with a gentle touch from nature's bounty, intertwine with the spirit of the outdoors, infusing the space with an organic harmony. The flower arrangements, not ostentatious but thoughtfully curated, mirror the understated beauty of the season. Each element, from the flickering flames to the verdant accents, converges in a symphony of simplicity and grace—an homage to the essence of Christmas that resonates far beyond fleeting trends, embodying a mindful celebration of warmth, connection, and the enduring magic of the holiday spirit.

various cured fish

Vendace roe- a Finnish delicacy served with sour cream, dill and red onion

The delightful festivities unfolded as Christmas Eve drew near, ushering in moments of warmth and togetherness. In the company of my husband and Lucas, the morning was gracefully marked by shared joys—savoring rice porridge, harmonizing with Christmas melodies, and relishing the joy of unwrapping gifts. Notably, the eve doubled as a celebration of Siena's third birthday, a joyous occasion that we commemorated beneath the twinkling lights of our adorned tree, basking in the glow of shared laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Our holiday celebrations extended beyond the confines of our home, with Christmas Eve dinner at my husband's family and a subsequent gathering of loved ones for Christmas dinner. Yet, it was the day spent hosting my own family that held a special place in my heart, as I reveled in the joy of curating cherished memories as the gracious host.

Turning my attention to the Christmas table, I envisioned a tapestry of natural beauty. Pine branches formed a verdant garland at the center, interwoven with delicate eucalyptus twigs. Danish slim candles from Ester and Erik, in enchanting beige and olive green hues, cast a soft, intimate glow. A fusion of Tina K. plates as a base, adorned with eclectic French plates collected over the years, added a touch of personalized charm. Olive green linen napkins from H&M replaced the conventional white, imparting a gentle elegance, while hyacinth flowers delicately punctuated the tableau.

To commence our festive feasting, we crafted delectable Cointreau-based cocktails that proved to be an instant hit. The culinary symphony unfolded with white fish tartare canapés, followed by succulent scallops and a tantalizing shrimp Skagen dish. Our culinary journey continued with the traditional fish tableau, featuring an array of roe, cured fish, salads, and foie gras. For the pièce de résistance, we eschewed the conventional ham in favor of a sumptuous goose confit paired with parmesan potatoes, elevating the dining experience to a crescendo of flavor.

The atmosphere, characterized by its intimate charm, was further heightened by the exquisite weather—a stunning backdrop to our festive gathering. In sharing these glimpses of my Christmas celebration, I extend an invitation to revel in the magic of the season, where each element is meticulously curated to evoke joy, warmth, and lasting memories.

canapes with micro herbs & white fish tartare