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:
Florist wire or a sturdy wire frame
Pruners or scissors
Foraged goods; rowan berries and green branches
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.
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.
DIY Elegant birds nest for Easter
Add some decorative quail eggs along with natural looking chocolate eggs for a beautiful finish.
Creating a birds nest with a few simple woodland material - a touch of elegance to your Easter festivities
Welcome to the world of natural and elegant Easter decorations. Easter is only a week away and for the first time, I have been more inspired to decorate for this holiday. Easter is a time of renewal and celebration, and what better way to honour this season than by bringing the beauty of the outdoors into your home? I personally like to decorate with muted colours with timeless beauty. I try to explore how to create beautiful decorations using materials gathered from nature, such as willow branches, handmade bird's nests, naturally dyed eggs, and arrangements of seasonal flowers like snowdrops, meleagris and seasonal cut flowers.
With a few simple techniques and a touch of creativity, you can transform natural elements into stunning decorations that will add a touch of elegance to your Easter festivities. Whether you're looking to adorn your Easter table, create a festive centerpiece, or simply add a touch of seasonal charm to your home, these DIY decorations are sure to delight both you and your guests. I made a few of these birds nests as we created a little easter egg hunt for our son in the woods, where we hid little treats in the nests. I also think the nest looks beautiful in the house as decorations while also making a lovely gift to give someone. filled with chocolate eggs.
4 steps in the following pictures to get started:
Creating a decorative bird's nest for Easter using materials gathered from the woodland can be a fun and creative project. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Materials Needed:
Young twigs (gathered from the woodland)
Hay or straw
Pampas grass (optional)
Floral wire (optional)
Easter eggs or chocolate eggs
Scissors
Step 1: Gather Materials
Collect young twigs, hay or straw, and pampas grass from the woodland. Ensure that the twigs are flexible enough to be shaped into a nest.
Step 2: Prepare Twigs
Inspect the twigs to remove any excess leaves or branches. Choose the most flexible and durable twigs, such as those from young birch trees, for easier manipulation.
Step 3: Create the Outer Ring
Start by forming the outer ring of the nest. Take a handful of twigs and intertwine them together, similar to how you would create a wreath. Shape them into a circle of the desired size for your nest.
Step 4: Secure with Wire (Optional)
If needed, use floral wire to secure the twigs in place. Wrap the wire around sections of the twigs to hold them together firmly. This step is optional but can provide added stability to the nest.
Step 5: Build the Base
Repeat the process to create a base for the nest. This base should be slightly smaller in diameter than the outer ring. Intertwine the twigs together, forming a circle.
Step 6: Add Hay or Straw
Place a ball of hay or straw in the center of the nest. This will serve as the nesting material for your decorative birds.
Step 7: Incorporate Pampas Grass (Optional)
For added decoration, tuck a few pieces of pampas grass into the center of the nest. This will give the nest a natural and rustic appearance.
Step 8: Decorate
Once the nest is complete, decorate it with Easter eggs or chocolate eggs. You can place the eggs inside the nest or scatter them around the outer edge for an Easter egg hunt.
Step 9: Display
Find a suitable location to display your decorative bird's nest. You can place it on a table as a centerpiece or let it sit back in a bookshelf. It will add a festive touch to your Easter celebrations. You can re-use it yearly in an easter egg hunt and create beautiful memories with loved ones.
Two simple Fresh appetisers & Spring setting
Despite we are only in February, I couldn’t help myself and pot a few spring arrangements to bring a degree of loveliness into the house. I potted some ivy and deep purple crocus into my main french cast iron vase and individual crocus into separate little pots. I personally think spilling plants like ivy, always add a wild carefree feeling to the arrangement. The latter pots being so small, the tiny crocus bulbs are the perfect size for these. I also added a little bit of moss on the edges for a more natural finish. I couldn’t help and buy a few pots of herbs; some lemon thyme and rosemary and a fresh bouquet of tulips, as they are back in season. Usually after the Christmas season is over, I have an urge to cleanse the house, declutter and make everything light and airy. Immediately after the festive season, I am ready for Spring to arrive that is very wishful thinking, since I live in Finland. I’m happy, days are longer and lighter now which makes me crave for more fresh types of foods. Two easy and simple appetisers that I made last week were endive leaves in caesar salad dressing & slow roasted tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella. Both extremely simple and elegant.
Two simple appetisers : Endive leaves in casear salad dressing & slow roasted tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella
Endive leaves in caesar salad dressing
Endive leaves are a lovely yet simple way to elevate your casual salad giving it that crisp and bitter taste. The creamy garlic infused caesar salad dressing softens the flavour leaving a refined and interesting aftertaste. This takes a few minutes to make and adds a little spring to the house, despite us being only in February.
Ingredients
1/2 garlic cloves (depending on how much garlic you like)
2 anchovies in oil
small handful (15g) of grated parmesan
5 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
Finely grate the garlic, then mash in the anchovies – you can also do this with the edge of a knife on a chopping board. Spoon into a bowl and finely grate in the parmesan, then stir in the mayonnaise and dijon and a little bit of lemon juice. For this recipe, I also toasted a bunch of almond flakes on a dry pan for a bit of extra crunch. Garnish with lots of black pepper.
Slow roasted tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella
Another wonderfully simple appetiser is a good quality buffalo mozzarella (or burrata, which is even better) paried with oven roasted tomatoes.
Ingridents (serves 2)
4-5 tomatoes sliced into quarters
2 whole buffalo mozzarellas
Olive oil/salt/pepper/thyme
Preheat oven to 150˚C.
Line an oven tray with baking paper and spread tomatoes out on it.
Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and sugar (optional). Add a few herbs on top like thyme or rosemary
Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until slightly shrivelled.
Serve when slightly warm with an entire ball of mozzarella. Drizzle extra oil on top, a sprinkling of salt and pepper and a few twigs of thyme.
Easy DIY Christmas Garland
DIY Foraged Christmas Garland Tutorial with Chicken Wire Base
Materials Needed:
Chicken wire
Wire cutters
Protective gloves
Foraged branches (evergreen, pine, cedar, holly, eucalyptus, etc.)
Pruners or scissors
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
