Nothing welcomes the season of goodwill quite like wreathes hanging from the doors of dwellings, halls bedecked with boughs of holly and a phalanx of noble firs standing to attention. However, the arrival of the holiday season doesn’t mean that festoons of a floral nature must be abandoned. On the contrary, OVO Garden’s florist Mandy To believes that bouquets bring more than just beauty to the Christmas table, bearing a festive charm all their own.

Mandy suggests thinking outside of the box when it comes to fresh decorations for your home. Fresh greens have been used to add a festive flourish for centuries – and what was good enough for the ancient Egyptians and Romans is good enough for us – but why not dress them up with some fragrant flowers?

The scents and sensory allure of bouquets elevate the beauty of your space, Mandy explains. For her contemporary arrangements, she selected sprigs of cotton candy-esque Bombax ceiba (cotton tree) because of its snow-like appearance; pinecones, a sophisticated signature of the season; eucalyptus for its soothing smell; and, for the finishing touch, silver bells to add some sparkle to both the bouquet and your abode. Mix and match colours and flowers, adds Mandy. Bright bouquets can inspire ideas and bring a fresh new look to any home.

Image by Flickr user liz west

Other flowers guaranteed to add some extra Christmas cheer range from the classic (poinsettia, we’re looking at you) to the unconventional (try velvet-soft burgundy roses for an opulent twist on regulation red). Combinations of aromatic evergreens – pine, cedar, eucalyptus, balsam and juniper – will infuse your home with unmistakable festive scents, as well.

If you’re bedecking your home, keep in mind Mandy’s top tips for keeping your blooms and greenery fresh throughout the festive season:

• Cut any stems at 45 degrees so that more water can be absorbed
• Treat all cuttings with an anti-dessicant spray to help them retain moisture
• Keep out of direct sunlight, away from any sources of heat and mist daily

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