Nature's Bouquet's Christmas flower arranging tips

For many of us, decorating our homes is one of the joys of Christmas.  

At this time of year, florist Elizabeth Ferenczy of Nature’s Bouquet in Norwich loves to bring the outdoors in, and you’ll find her busy making evergreen arrangements. 

Although our gardens may appear to be more or less in hibernation at the moment, there is still an abundance of items you can use to brighten up your home.  

“I especially love making fresh foliage wreaths, with a selection of British foliage and dried oranges, various fir cones and cinnamon sticks. With or without a bow they look amazing on any door,” says Elizabeth. 

Growing up in Norfolk, where she enjoyed the countryside and walks with her father, inspired Elizabeth to become a florist. 

“As a child I loved being outside and helping my father in the family garden,” she says. 

“Being outside and seeing what nature gives us, some learning, reading, and some practical courses has been my route into floristry.  

Elizabeth tries to use British flowers and, thanks to her friend, Helen, who has lent her some space, has a small cutting garden. 

“This gives me the joy of growing seasonal flowers, and cutting fresh foliage. I incorporate these with other British-grown flowers and foliage. It’s the way I love to work - seasonal and caring for our environment,” she says. 

“The starting point to any arrangement for me is seeing what is available in season, the colours, textures and scent.” 

Elizabeth’s favourite flowers include sweet peas. 

“These are one of the first flowers I remember growing with my father,” she says. “They’re such a gorgeous-smelling cut flower, come in many amazing colours and have interesting tendrils." 

In spring she loves working with ranunculus. 

“Such a beauty for arranging,” she says, “with colours ranging from delicate pastel shades to vibrant hues. They open their many petals into exquisite blousy ruffles. I love working with these flowers.” 

For autumn colour she enjoys working with dahlias and smoke bush, purple-black foliage with small, fluff textural seed heads.  

And at this time of year, she makes arrangements featuring the plentiful evergreen foliage which is available.  

“Holly and ivy, with their berries, rosemary and varied fir varieties all give an array of colours from deep greens to blue tones, which are excellent for arrangements this time of year and as a backdrop to winter and Christmas flowers,” she says. 

A simple Christmas table arrangement  

“Smaller table arrangements are fun and you can involve children and family members in foraging for foliage and fir cones – it's a lovely outside activity,” says Elizabeth. 

You will need:  

Various small containers that you may already have in your home. “Glass, ceramic or metal containers or little jam jars will be perfect for making small arrangements,” says Elizabeth. You can also find vintage glassware at charity shops. 

A selection of foliage. “Either from your own garden or a friend’s,” she says. 

Flowers to enhance the arrangement in colours that complement and enhance the foliage.  

A few items to add different textures and colours. “Adding a few dried orange segments cones, dried seed heads or pheasant feathers will create the perfect arrangement for your home,” says Elizabeth. 

For inspiration, in these arrangements Elizabeth used: 

Holly 

Dried poppy seed heads  

Dried lavender  

Olive 

Eucalyptus  

Roses - “still blooming in the mild November weather,” Elizabeth points out. 

Old man’s beard - “the fluffy one!” 

Trachelospermum jasminoides: “A gorgeous warm colour and evergreen - perfect through the winter.” 

Cotoneaster - for the berries  

Rosehip  

Added extras  

Wired, dried orange slices  

Pheasant feathers 

Dried mini pumpkin  

Cinnamon sticks 

A little moss, raked from a lawn, for the bowl 

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram @naturesbouquetnorwich