DECORATING NATURALLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS — PART TWO

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We stumbled across some great holiday decorating ideas in Midwest Living. Here’s one of them─a wonderfully natural way to decorate your fireplace this holiday season. We love the bold contrast of red and green against the light cream-colored fireplace. The clear glass vases filled with red winter berries, branches and floral elements are strong enough for small ornaments. The fresh garland pictured here is a wonderful alternative to evergreens. Bells of Ireland have hollow stalks that allow a string or yarn to be pushed through. The fresh florets last about a day (hey, all good things must come to an end, right?) The adorable flower “presents” are assembled out of blocks of floral foam cut into assorted sizes covered in “Kermit” button mums. After cutting the heads off the button mums (sounds savage), a pearl-headed pin is spiked through the center of each flower to secure it firmly into place. Velvet ribbon is wrapped around each package and topped with a hand-tied bow. Though this project does seem a little labor-intensive─isn’t it the perfect time of year to cocoon, spread your supplies out on the kitchen table, and spend some much-overdue time with your crafty spirit?