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Flowers By Design

How to make holiday gatherings gorgeous with fall florals, featuring expert tips from local florist Suzie Martinez

Floral arrangements bring a sense of comfort and sophistication to holiday décor. The right centerpiece at the Thanksgiving table or a bouquet in your living room can make guests feel cozy and welcomed. Not only that, it’s a great way to add something new to what you traditionally decorate with every year.

Nostalgia combined with celebrating the uniqueness of the current year is an important part of our holiday traditions. Holidays also give us an opportunity to decide, for instance, whether we feel connected to traditional colors and schemes, or whether we need an exciting change. Suzie Martinez of Flowers and Gifts by Suzie (@Suzies_Flowers_And_Gifts) shares how to put together autumn florals for any celebration. Here’s what she suggests:

Tip 1: Decide on your color palate.

Think about your home, style, celebration, and what colors best fit that vibe. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Oranges, reds, and yellows make for a beautiful and traditional fall color scheme, but note the jewel tones in Martinez’s arrangements. Whatever color matches your home and sense of style can be a perfect autumn bouquet.

Tip 2: Choose an inspirational flower.

One way to choose this flower is to think about the mood you want to invoke in your décor. Do you want to highlight the bounty of the harvest season, or the sense of nostalgia and reflection that comes with these family-centered holidays? Choose a flower that represents that emotion for you.

Tip 3: Add texture and depth to highlight your inspirational flower.

Choose plants that help draw your eye to this flower. Contrast light and dark colors in order to spotlight the star of the arrangement. And don’t cut your plants all at one height. Tall plants paired with shorter plants create interest in the piece and bring attention to each element of the arrangement.

Tip 4: Consider trends, but don’t be afraid to do something different and unique!

Martinez says out that “boho” is very trendy right now, with its earthy tones and feathery textures, as is the color gold. Bring those elements into your floral arrangements if you love them, but also don’t be afraid to try something new. Fresh florals are ephemeral, Martinez points out, so you don’t have to commit to them as a permanent part of your décor.