As the year’s end (finally) draws nearer, we usher in the winter solstice with keen anticipation for the season’s many festivities and, of course, its bountiful blooms.
Explore updated possibilities for this winter with our merry mix of flower projects from around the globe. Featuring unique botanicals that indulge in the season’s iconic color palettes, these spectacular creations will stir creativity and ignite holiday spirits through the New Year.
GROUNDED GREENS
Limiting the palette to botanicals in warm, earthy tones—like forest greens and chocolate browns—is a great way to incorporate traditional winter colors in modern-day seasonal decor.
Styling and Photography: Anna Potter, Swallows & Damsons
Botanicals: Chrysanthemums | 'Tiara' roses | Hypericum | Gypsophila | tuberose | foraged ferns | seasonal foliage
HERBACEOUS LAYERS
Winter would not be complete without a decorative wreath. Here, fresh moss and spruce foliage set an idyllic base for layers of Eryngium, Skimmia and dried Heather flowers, adding wonderful texture to complement the wreath's seasonal greenery.
Styling and Photography: Kath Maiden, of the wild
Botanicals: fresh moss | spruce foliage | Eryngium | dried Heather flowers | Skimmia | Eucalyptus | Grevillea
DECEMBER FROST
Inspired by the season’s cold-weather hues, the crisp whites and pale creams of these roses, Anemones and Gypsophila comprise an elegant winter palette.
Styling and Photography: Polina Babina, Da Fiori Design
Botanicals: 'Vendela' roses | 'White Majolica' spray roses | Anemone | Gypsophila | lisianthus | Eucalyptus | seasonal grasses | dry fern leaves
MERRY AND BRIGHT
A mix of bright, candy red and subdued burgundy—combined with warm neutrals—create a quintessentially cheery holiday atmosphere. To add more depth and dimension to a winter arrangement, showcase exotic blooms, such as 'Minerva' Amaryllis.
Styling and Photography: Antonio Valente, Antonio Valente Flowers
Botanicals: 'Minerva' Amaryllis | 'Grand Pastel' Ranunculus | winterberries | preserved beech leaves | pomegranates
SCARLET FEVERED
A wild burst of Chrysanthemums, 'Prunifolia' berries and gray-toned seasonal foliage pays tribute to classic winter reds and greens—providing an updated mix by losing traditional, rich forest greens.
Styling and Photography: Lucy Slater, Johnny Crows Garden
Botanicals: Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia' berries | Eucalyptus | Chrysanthemums | blackened chocolate vine tendrils
WINE TASTING
Winter jewel tones, like ruby reds and amethyst purples, are the standout protagonists of this seasonal color scheme. The saturated hues and contrasting textures of the lilies, Scabiosas and assorted berries further intensify the warmth of the display.
Styling: Talmage McLaurin | Photography: Maxine Helfman
Botanicals: LA lilies | 'Cherry Scoop' Scabiosa | 'Blackberry' Scabiosa | Viburnum
NOSTALGIC TRANSPORT
This cozy, tableside arrangement offers a refined take on conventional holiday colors that transport us back to a nostalgic time. Displayed alongside silver ornaments and Victorian-inspired wallpaper, exquisite blooms in various shades of pinks and reds set a romantic winter scene.
Styling and Photography: Lucy Hunter, The Flower Hunter
Botanicals: 'Quicksand' roses | vintage silk red roses | Ranunculus | carnations | dried, bleached Eucalyptus | lisianthus | Lunaria annua | foraged hedgerow finds
COTTAGE COUNTRY
Rich in texture and colors, this modern wreath features a grapevine base adorned with fresh and dried botanicals. Handfuls of sweet wormwood, strawflowers, Celosia and other wispy flowers add movement and a “countryside feel” to this seasonal arrangement.
Styling and Photography: Heather Cain, Pink Petal Flower Farm
Botanicals: sweet wormwood | Eucalyptus | Ammobium | flax pods | Gomphrena | Celosia | strawflowers | dried grapevines
FEATHERY FORMS
Layered with rows and rows of fantastic texture, this linear wreath uses only foraged botanicals, including dried Miscanthus grass, Solidago, Achillea, ferns and Asters. Think beyond the traditional and don’t be afraid to experiment with different design shapes and flower recipes this season.
Styling and Photography: Marc Sardi
Botanicals: Miscanthus grass | ostrich fern | gray birch | lamb’s quarters | panicled Aster | Canada goldenrod | Achillea | Clematis seed heads
HIGH CONTRASTS
Seasonally-toned Ranunculus, peonies, carnations, Astrantia and lisianthus give the ultimate taste of winter. Arranged alongside soft candlelight, these warm yet wintery blooms decorate intimate holiday tablescapes with ease.
Styling: Christy Hulsey, Colonial House of Flowers | Photography: Nicole Clarey Photography | Floral Partner: Mayesh Wholesale Florist
Botanicals: assorted Ranunculus | carnations | burgundy Scabiosa | Astrantia | Eucalyptus | red Amaranthus | lisianthus | red peonies | white peonies | white lace flower | 'Cafe Latte' garden roses | cotoneaster berries | seasonal foliage
GLAMOUR PUSS
Flowers and foliage in dark, moody colors are winter favorites that never go out of style. To prevent the arrangement from veering too cold, layer in accent flowers in softer hues, like light pinks, peaches or ivories.
Styling and Photography: Anna Potter, Swallows & Damsons
Botanicals: Chrysanthemums | 'Juliet' (Ausjameson) roses | 'Constance' (Austruss) roses | dried Lunaria | foraged ferns | seasonal foliage
SNOWFALL
Voluminous clouds of bright Gypsophila stems complete this ethereal fireplace display. Gyp's naturally airy texture and winter-white blooms are ideal for recreating snowy scenes—even when indoors.
Styling and Photography: TJ McGrath
Botanicals: Gypsophila
