When the amazing and kindhearted Angela wanted to work together again for her holiday photo sessions, I immediately asked what day and time should I be there. It’s such a rewarding and pleasant experience when working with creatives who “get” one another and each other’s style and aesthetic — things flow organically. And an organic, nature forward design was what we were both envisioning before we even sat down to plan the details.
I naturally gravitate towards more foraged winter holiday decor. Decor that celebrates the lushness of evergreens, branches and mother nature’s magical slumber; and intertwine with collections of heirlooms, ribbons and handmade pieces. And that is the inspiration for this holiday backdrop.
T H E D E T A I L S
Instead of a design that was distinctly Christmas with twinkling lights, trees and wreaths — we created an enchanting scene that evoked the beauty of an overgrown holiday season. As if taken from a moment in a cozy cabin with a crackling fireplace decorated with branches, cedar and pine picked from the charming view outside. Not only did we want this piece to feel organic, we wanted the construction of it to be just as sustainable and resourceful.
The structure was created in a way that could easily be placed in full pieces, able to support itself with only zip-ties to secure it all together {oh and could be transported}. Almost every element was pruned and dried from my garden, and it greatly warms my heart looking back at how each element came together.
The main piece in this branch structure is a mature grape vine cut a few years ago. It had such a gorgeous one-of-a-kind shape that I just had to keep it, and it has given life to a few beautiful creations since. Next came Kiwi Branches, also saved from a seasonal prune knowing very well one day they would create magic. With various lengths, thicknesses and whimsical curves — these are what gave our structure height and shape.
Our next addition were the evergreens. I will honestly say that I used one small faux garland, a piece I had for years of Ruscus because I wanted to create a base that delicately flowed across. It’s something cedar doesn’t naturally do. And because the vision was to make this feel as airy and delicate at possible, I needed to make sure I wasn’t adding too much weight, especially when building the foundation. The Cedar and Winter Savory was also cut from the garden, and since they’re smaller stems, were nestled within the branches cascading down and across the top of the fireplace. With a secure base of branches that were essentially positioned in a puzzle-like way with zip-ties, the stems we added in were able to stay in place.
Towards the fireplace’s edge, where our “garland” thins out, I nestled in floral chicken wire folded and shaped into an oval. Since I tapered off the volume of greens toward this end of the garland, this would securely hold our final stems.
Our color palette was grounded in nature greens and browns, with a slight hint of dusty antique blue which is an underrated color to use this time of year. It’s a soft and soothing hue that perfectly reflects the season. I had picked so many Zinnias this year that had dried beautifully and I felt they would add just the right touch of color and texture. Organically I placed stems in light pinks, purple and deep reds — just enough for a pop and dimension.
The one detail I knew I wanted to use before even creating anything, were these dried Parsley Stems that evolved into the prettiest golden hue and most magical curves with flower heads that resembled stars. It’s perhaps these that have me drawn to gilded stars this holiday season. And thus is what inspired the star garland I handmade. No holiday display is complete without a touch of handmade whimsy made from a few things we already have at home. Adding handmade treasures allows any holiday style to feel more personal and unique.
And finally our blue came from tinted Craspedia stems placed at varying heights, and crushed velvet ribbon draping from antique bells that were just the touch of Christmas.
It was so heartfelt, and incredibly touching watching different families step in front of this scene, making it their own and creating special moments. Angela beautifully captured these memories for them — and this intentionally designed holiday fireplace, simply a small part of it all…
B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S
A few behind-the-scenes moments captured while setting up. Since our time was very limited to setup, it was essential this structured be almost completely assembled before hand with only the final more delicate touches to placed on the day. So I created two pieces that would then easily fit within one another and secured. Smart and strategic logistics and mechanics make setting up any styled piece less stressful, especially when time is short.
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