Fresh and festive holiday arrangements

Magic on a mantel
Bignell did away with the idea of garland and created this colourful mantelpiece. Starting with a designer tray and a block of soaked Oasis foam, she used traditional holiday greenery—white pine, cedar and eucalyptus—and grouped fresh florals, like hydrangea, pink roses and fancy carnations throughout to create little focal points.

Crowning the piece are tapers set in the Oasis in plastic holders.

Bignell suggests using wire or another material to secure your creation to the mantel as it could be top heavy. Then all you have to do is take a little watering can or bottle to the Oasis every four or five days to keep your creation hydrated.

Group shot
Clear, glass cylinders—try shot glasses or Moroccan tea glasses—are filled with the SnowReal, orchids or roses with a little touch of greenery. These little gems can be displayed anywhere, like in vignettes on a mantel or side table, or as a place setting.

“I love to do things in clusters—in threes or fives—to make more of a statement,” says Bignell.

Read more in Decorating and Seasonal Decorating