Christmas Wrapping & Florals
Rich, Jewel-Toned Colours inspired by Paris
Once you have a lovely urn, pot or basket, you can create all kinds of center pieces in a few steps. If you access to foraging, I highly recommended bringing parts of the forest, garden or even fallen material from trees found in parks into a floral arrangement as it adds a beautiful degree of wildness. For this arrangment, I bought a ‘skimmia’ potted plant from the store and used some ivy from my balcony pots. The rest of the material has been found from the woods. I also used moss, that creates a lovely base layer and covers up all empty parts from the urn. Because this urn is so big, I used actual rocks underneath to fill up the space and lay the moss on top. Then I just poked, very randomly some twigs into the moss. I added juniper twigs that are covered with berries and some blueberry and lingonberry twigs. In the end I added a few long threads of ivy that I pulled from the balcony pots as this adds a lovely flow and casualness to the arrangement.
This year I just love the ‘skimmia’ flower as a main Christmas flower, even though I often love hyacinths and hellabores. However, this year the deep burgundy colour spoked to me, I think I was invoked in Paris and find deep rich colours, even lots of pattern and texture very inspirational. I found deep purple, almost aubergine coloured candles that I thought would look quite interesting on a brass candle holder on a Christmas table. This same deep colour palette is shown in the way I’m wrapping gifts this year, lots of thick ribbons, a little foliage added (like pine cones and florals) added on top. I feel like Parisian Christmas decorations evoked the elegance of a Fabergé egg. When you think about those stunning, intricate ornaments, you’re seeing a fusion of opulence and delicate artistry. The rich colours, sophisticated patterns, and the way ribbons and textures intertwine are part of what makes them so captivating.
Linen clothes can also be used as an organic way to wrap up gifts
Rich, Jewel-Toned Colours
Fabergé eggs are famous for their use of deep, luxurious colors — think rich emerald greens, ruby reds, sapphire blues, and golds. To evoke this in your holiday decorations, start with a color palette that mirrors these precious tones. Combine classic reds and golds with unexpected pops of deep purple, teal, or even charcoal gray. The mix of these jewel tones will feel both festive and elegant. Parisian window displays showed an array of textures and patterns that work in harmony. From the sheen of velvet ribbons to the lustre of glass ornaments, it’s all about adding depth and interest. Consider combining patterns like:
Damask or brocade textures on ribbons or table runners.
Intricate lace or metallic-thread details in garlands or tree skirts.
Glass or ceramic ornaments in shapes like flowers, snowflakes, or even vintage-style baubles, to add that intricate, delicate feel.
The key is layering these elements so each one contributes to the overall richness without overwhelming the senses. Ribbons are essential in creating a sense of sophistication and festivity. Look for luxurious materials like silk, satin, or velvet in gold, deep red, or forest green. You can use them to:
Tie elegant bows on wreaths, garlands, or tree branches.
Create cascading ribbons that flow down a mantelpiece or chandelier.
Wrap around candle holders or vases to add an extra touch of glamour.
Don’t be afraid to combine several types of ribbons (e.g., a velvet ribbon with a metallic gold thread) to create texture and dimension.
Gilded Details and Metallic Accents
A touch of gold or silver can elevate the most humble decoration into something luxurious. Parisian Christmas windows often feature gilded elements, from gold leaf accents on ornaments to shining silver tinsel. You can use:
Gold leaf details on candles, small vases, or frames.
Metallic spray-painted branches or pinecones for a modern twist on classic decorations.
Gold-painted ribbons or even decorative gold beads hanging from garlands.
Parisian windows are known for their glowing warmth. You can achieve this by using a combination of fairy lights or candlelight to create a soft, golden ambiance. Consider:
Soft fairy lights woven through garlands or draped on the tree.
Candles in elegant holders, like mercury glass or crystal, to provide a flickering, warm light.
Luminous glass ornaments that reflect and refract the light in the most magical way.
Much like a Fabergé egg, every element in Parisian displays is meticulously arranged. Think about the balance and flow of your decorations:
Centralize a statement piece (perhaps an intricate wreath, a centerpiece, or a large, opulent ornament) and then surround it with smaller pieces that complement the overall theme.
Cluster ornaments in odd numbers for a more dynamic and visually interesting display.
Use height variations (e.g., tall candlesticks, tiered displays, or ornaments of different sizes) to create movement and interest.
Incorporating fresh or faux florals adds an organic yet luxurious feel to your arrangements. Parisian displays often use a lot of natural material that is very organic:
Burgundy or deep red poinsettias, combined with soft silver or gold leaves.
Sprigs of holly, mistletoe, or ivy intertwined with ribbons or garlands.
Rose gold or frosted pinecones mixed with evergreen sprigs.
By combining these elements — rich colors, elegant patterns, luxurious materials, and delicate finishing touches — you’ll be able to create holiday arrangements that have the same lavish, intricate beauty as a Fabergé egg. It’s all about balance: each piece should feel intentional, contributing to an overall sense of opulence, harmony, and joy.
Read more about Christmas decorating from here
French Style Christmas Florals
Here you can see a lovely pot of skimmia in Paris
