Memories of Christmas
Christmas flowers. The intoxicating scent of eucalyptus and pine, the thrill of a sneaky snog under the sweetest of mistletoe and the warm glow from a red poinsettia. They’re as much part of this season as the purple Quality Street. They’ll be in the subconscious memories that we strive to create for ourselves, our kids, our friends and family.
Some of my most treasured childhood memories are of Christmas time. A fake tree wildly decorated in all the baubles, 4 different colours of tinsel strung from each corner of the ceiling and Christmas cards from 3 different classes of school friends standing on every available surface. There was a never ending supply of Quality Street, a fruit bowl of the sweetest tasting satsumas but best of all was the smell of roasted chestnuts that my Dad would cook in the oven. It was noisy and wild, filled with presents, friends and family – grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins galore. We simply loved it and the memories are ones I will cherish always.
Amongst the shimmer and shine, the excitement and noise however, my favourite decorations, were the sweet, velvet white doves. They hung on a slim gold twine on the tree in such a gentle way that I was utterly mesmerised by them. I recall that I would get up early and tiptoe downstairs to sit and stare at them before the rest of the house woke up. Clearly this calm, neutrals girl, content in her own company, was shaped early doors.
Christmas Flowers
Fast forward the years, inspired by those petite snowy white birds, our Christmas flower offering this year is a bouquet of stylish Gossypium. Bringing pared back style to the festive season, this is a master stroke in easy elegance and cool decorating. Known as cotton wool balls year round, right now, I feel snowballs are more apt. Tall and elegant, the wood stems vary between oak and walnut shades. These contrast beautifully with the soft white balls of cotton which bring a crisp, fresh element. And the best thing about them, they last for years. Finally, if you prefer to add some traditional colour, pair with fresh eucalyptus and/or berries nearer to the big day. For some glamour add metallic sprayed foliage or twigs.
Below are some ideas of how to style this cool, chic stem. It really does pack a mighty punch in terms of wow factor but won’t make a big dent in the Christmas budget. Priced at £19 for 5 stems and can be sent nationwide.
Adds real impact in a large vase
Make memories to last a lifetime. Head over to our shop https://www.irisandblue.com/shop/christmas-flower-gossypium-cotton-snowballs/ to place your order quick. This is a limited edition and we’ll be closing in early December.
Perfect in bud vases dotted along the length of the festive table
For more on this lovely flower, see this post from 356 days of flowers…https://365daysofflowers.com/flowers/gossypium.
And, in pursuit of generational traditions I was delighted to find these ceramic doves tree decorations, from The White Company which I may have treated myself to. Maybe I’ll find some early morning peace this year, and tiptoe downstairs, to just sit and gaze at them once again.
https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Ceramic-Doves–Set-of-4/p/A01918?swatch=White
Wishing all of our clients, friends and family a gorgeous Holiday season.
xx