As we enter this new decade much of the country is in a deep freeze. As floral designers we can greet this season in various ways. One approach is to largely ignore winter all together and go on using the same colors and floral materials as we usually do. In my case, this seems like denial and doesn’t
work. I prefer to acknowledge the presence of winter for I feel this helps me to cope with the discomforts and inconveniences of the season. This seems to be a more authentic approach.

I like to use seasonal colors, and whenever possible seasonal florals. For me, this means using a lot of blue, white, and silver. The white reflects the snow and ice of which we’re surely getting our share here in western North Carolina. The blue comes from the color of the sky on a bright, clear, sunny winter day.

I use these color choices throughout my designs in my choice of containers, bows and ribbons, and flowers. These colors can also be reflected in the motifs used on the containers and the ribbons.

As much as I dislike snow, I find that snowflake motifs have their own special appeal. I use these on vases by making snowflake cutouts or stenciling them onto the containers.

After Christmas I went to the craft stores and bought blue and white snowflake ribbon at 70% off. I can use this in January and February. The vases can also be wrapped with snowflake decorated fabrics and paper.

Glitter can also be used during the winter season. This sparkles and adds a luminous touch to floral arrangements. It can be used for dusting pine cones, foliage, and greenery.

For a winter party, decorate the table with blue table runners. Top this with small vases filled with white flowers. Create blue and white everlasting wreaths. Use a grapevine wreath as a base. Select blue and white dried flowers, and add these to the wreath form. Then, wrap blue or white ribbons around the wreath, tying the ends into a bow.

Fill wall pouches with white or blue everlastings. Stencil metal pouches with snowflakes or touches of blue.

All winter floral designs need not be blue and white. Use some warm colors as well. These are energizing. Topiaries made with dried red flowers would work very well.