Almost two years into the pandemic with good news on the horizon, River City residents are ready to celebrate Christmas properly. That means decorating the home and gathering friends and family. Everyone has spent more time at home recently with ample opportunities to dream of exciting new holiday décor. While that may be overwhelming, a little holiday refresh is a must according to veteran floral designers in Memphis. Decking the halls lifts spirits but also honors family traditions and the magic of the season. So many talented local designers work all year long to curate holiday looks for homes.
Garden District owners, Greg Campbell and Erick New, envision natural elegance for their clients, showcasing the best quality product they can source. “Floral design translates well to Christmas,” says New. “We like to show off our flowers in a clean and effortless fashion.” They particularly love cut amaryllis and French tulips this time of year. “And the greens should look like they came from your back yard,” adds Campbell with an affinity for magnolia, nandina, cedar, boxwood and holly as well as winter fruits like pears and citrus woven into garlands. While their eponymous shop has offered the finest greens and florals and inspiration from annual trips abroad for over 20 years, New says during the pandemic they were able to “step back and re-evaluate how we do business.” They launched an online store (GardenDistrictMemphis.com) and “geared the front of the house to grab and go,” says Campbell. They will offer ready-made, holiday-oriented arrangements, garlands, wreaths and bows again this season in addition to custom work.
Independent floral designer Mimsie Crump says the pandemic has changed how she sources décor as well. She works with local vendors to procure the luscious greenery she uses in homes, restaurants and hotels for Christmas, but is not afraid to mix in a few faux pieces to “create structure” on a mantle or banister. “Ribbon is the best way to update a look,” she says, taking inspiration from clients’ homes to create holiday vignettes. She suggests mixing textures and widths of ribbon, but in less formal shapes than traditional bows. To keep it fresh year after year, she looks to use decorations and ornaments in original ways. “There are many ways to say Christmas,” Crump says.
Tricia Hunt, owner of Millstone Nursery, also mixes fresh and faux greenery when decorating homes. She is installing more holiday homes this year than ever before and says, “clients are entertaining at home again and want something that lasts through the season.” Hunt specializes in customized planters and arrangements. She sources beautiful trees from cooler climates and is excited about clients putting up multiple trees this year; “one with keepsake ornaments and another trimmed to complement the home’s décor.”
Like all industries, supply chain issues and staffing have been challenges in the floral design business of late. Deliveries can be delayed, so all designers encourage clients to plan ahead in order to get the very best product. As Christmas seems to come around more quickly every year, Crump advises to “grab what you can locally” to layer with what you have collected over the years. Around the holiday table, a roaring fire or festive tree, the opportunities to embellish with greenery, flowers, candles, polished silver, gleaming crystal, heirloom china and keepsakes are endless. Get inspired; as Campbell and New insist that, “Christmas is the one time you can get away with over the top.”
