Holiday Centerpieces

I HAVE TO ADMIT I’m a little reticent to reveal my interest in making fresh holiday centerpieces. It is one of the hobbies I've enjoyed for many years.

My third wife used to call me metro sexual. I think it was meant to be in a loving way, but maybe not? I have some gentleness in my make-up, and Google thinks I’m a female based on my search histories. If you believe algorithms are spot on, and AI won’t perpetuate biases, think again. Apparently, they focus on my garden and recipe searches more heavily than my clicks for shapely women.

Go figure?

I needed to clear the air about my cognitive dissonance since a harmonious state is my preference and I work toward that. What was considered “manly” has taken a tectonic shift over my lifetime. It is still in perpetual motion with little regard as to where it will land. Maybe that is good.

OK. I got that off my chest. Thank you.

I began making centerpieces as gifts for family and friends thirty years ago. I had pine trees and firs throughout my up north property, plus pinecones, holly shrubs, and red bark dogwood - most all the building blocks a person needs and, of course, a pair of sharp bypass shears.

Wet florist foam is the necessary component for arranging fresh evergreen cuttings.(https://www.michaels.com/) I also bought little plastic containers this year at Dollar Tree (lets hope they don't leak). They serve the purpose of holding the florist foam blocks that are so easy to fabricate (large knife) to fit snugly in the container. The foam and container act as the anchor for all the fresh cuttings. You just stick the cut branch end in the damp, wet foam (I added two cups of water) and arrange everything to your heart’s content.

In my photo, you’ll also see pinecones (scented), red bulbs, and ceramic berries. Whatever is of interest. Just avoid being tacky.

So, there you have it. I’m in perfect harmony.

Happy Holidays.

ps. Add a cup of water every week and your centerpiece should last for months.