Coming together this Christmas will perhaps be more intimate and meaningful than ever before. Whether gathering with another household or congregating for the celebrations via Skype, sharing your space gives the perfect excuse to add something extra special.

Being a florist and flower farmer based in Cornwall, I created the floral arrangements for Unique Homestays' recent photoshoot to launch their exclusive new shoot location Coswarth. All of the flowers are directly harvested from my field in the Cornish countryside to ensure everything is fresh, seasonal, and of the highest quality. As well as creating floral arrangements for weddings, events, parties and special gifts, decorations for this time of year are also my passion. Here, I share my favourite floral ideas to add a touch of Christmas magic to your home. 

Styled with Cox & Cox dinnerware, glasses, cutlery and garland, Nkuku candelbra and t-lights, Rockett St George cocktail glasses, Folc wine and the dartmoor shepherd.

 

Table Garlands

You will need;

  • Rope to fit your desired garland size
  • Binding wire
  • Scissors
  • Florals of your choice: evergreen foliage, dried flowers and fruit, seedheads and grasses

Starting with my favourite, this is an amazing centrepiece and will make any dining room table feel extra special. Firstly think about the length and width of your table, and plan a garland to fit. Also consider whether you’d like the garland to hang over the sides of your table; I personally love this look.

Once you have cut your rope to size, start by creating small bunches of flowers, foliage and whatever else you have gathered. Start layering the rope with these bunches and attaching them each to the rope with florist binding wire. Make sure to think about what to use in your floral arrangements as they will be inside for up to four weeks so look to incorporate evergreen foliage, dried flowers and fruit. Think about bringing structure to your arrangements by using things like seed heads; they not only look great but also last forever. Consider grasses if you are wanting to add some texture.

Styled with Cox & Cox dinnerware, glasses, cutlery and garland, Rockett St George cocktail glasses, and Jo & Co home tealights and cushions, Folc wine and the dartmoor shepherd.

 

Place settings

You will need;

  • Twine or ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Florals of your choice: foliage and flowers

You can have a big impact when you focus on the smaller details and place settings do just that. Instantly adding interest to each setting, these are sure to wow your loved ones. Try to keep things small and create a miniature bunch for each person. Limit yourself to four or five individual floral stems and tie with rustic brown twine or ribbon. 

Styled with Cox & Cox dinnerware, glasses and cutlery.

 

Wreaths

 

You will need;

  • Willow to fit your desired wreath size
  • Binding wire
  • Scissors
  • Florals of your choice: evergreen foliage, dried flowers and fruit, seedheads and grasses

A classic staple this time of year and one that creates a festive welcome to your home. There are many pre-bought ways to create a wreath circle but I prefer to make my own with willow. Use binding wire to joint the willow in a circle, then attach anything you choose to this. I suggest making sure that you have some evergreen foliage, a touch of colour, something structural and texture. For a different spin on the classic wreath, incorporate Old Man's Beard in your arrangements. Dried flowers can also be purchased but if you plan ahead, a warm radiator will work wonders.

Styled with Cox & Cox glasses and decanter, Nkuku t-light, Rockett St George Wreath, Folc wine and the dartmoor shepherd

 

Hanging arrangements

You will need;

  • Binding wire 
  • Scissors
  • Florals of your choice: evergreen foliage, flowers and grasses

If you are lucky enough to have a chandelier or a pendant light hanging over your table think about using this as a structure for a floral arrangement. Start with a base of evergreen foliage to cover, then use florist binding wire to carefully and discreetly attach your flowers. A tip when deciding what to add to your hanging arrangement is to choose something that looks very natural hanging down, but remember not to go overboard; less is more and you want to avoid the arrangement getting in the way.

Styled with Cox & Cox dinnerware, glasses and cutlery, Jo & Co home tealights and the dartmoor shepherd.

 

Find Gemma on her website, Instagram and Facebook.