Martha Speak

We are all familiar with winter and the inconveniences which it can provide. But the snowy season can also afford ample opportunity to add grace with seasonal colors and decor. For example, naturally bare branches covered in ice are easily and beautifully replicated using crystal beads and droplets to produce a sophisticated and luminous tone indoors. The following is a collection of ideas from Martha Stewart's crew at marthastewartweddings.com. Keep in mind however, that the most exciting piece of this may be that the options are limitless no matter the occassion.

Cold Weather Bouquets

The winter-white season is the perfect inspiration for pristine bridal bouquets.  Casablanca lillies can be wired into a plump and ruffled lily ball and intermixed with silver mesh leaves to create a sparkling bundle.  Additionally, anemones make a stunning white-laced bouquet and are elegant enough for a wedding, but classic enough for a holiday soiree.

Holiday Reds Bouquet

Velvety, perfectly-opened amaryllis blossoms and Hypericum berries resembling beads of garnet can be offset by lacy sprigs of arborvitae to create the perfect red arrangement.  Adding sprigs of mistletoe or pine branches will also help to create a warm holiday feel and could be used as a centerpiece or
a less traditional bridal bouquet.

Homemade (Holiday) Wreaths

Blue-gray juniper boughs and deep-green arborvitae will boldly replicate the cool colors of winter; the branches themselves determine the dramatic shape of the bouquet or wreath and can be sculpted to the creators liking.  Be it a swag or wreath that you desire, delicate and graceful snowdrops can be tied onto the branches to resemble tiny blossoms cascading as they would in nature.

Paper Wreaths

This wintry white alternative to the other, maybe more "traditional" wreath is an inexpensive way to decorate most any space.  Using tissue, delicate fabric or lace, this wreath won't wilt or fade and so can be made well ahead of time and reused in the future.  There are also an abundance of fun embellishments that could be added depending on your vision.  From whimsical to seasonal, this option affords many an opportunity for creativity.

Snowflake Confetti

A sprinkling of snowflake confetti at any event will help to set a merry mood.  Using a variety of different paper varieties and colors will also help to add a hint of seasonal "warmth".

Comfort Food Hors d'Oeuvres

A good way to warm up when the snowflakes fly (if you need an excuse) is with a dose of warm comfort food.  Even macaroni and cheese can become elegant when served in dainty ramekins.  This can also become a good way to get unaquainted guests chatting.

Fabric Flower Placecards

During the winter when fresh flowers are a bit harder to come by, fabric flowers are a resourceful and wilt-proof alternative.  They are also a great way for your guests to identify assigned seats and can be sported as corsages and boutonnieres later on.

There are countless options for your special event.  From the extravagant to the understated, the possibilities are virtually limitless.  And just because it appears that your favorite summer staple is unavailable during the colder months, that does not mean that it can not be replicated with a frosty twist.  For more ideas and inspiration, check out marthastewartweddings.com, or as per usual, give us a ring...