HOW TO CREATE A FLORAL CHRISTMAS GARLAND WITH POSY LANE

A decorative piece that is seeing a resurgence as of late is the charming Christmas garland. Its simple elegance when draped over a table encapsulates the spirit of ‘eat, drink and be merry’.

Creating your own garland is a sentimental way to decorate your home in festive glee, and isn’t as hard as you think.

We spoke to Riley Maynard, the hands behind Gold Coast floristry business, Posy Lane. She has worked alongside some of Australia’s leading florists and curated a myriad of large and small scale events. Her arrangements resonate with people’s desire for emotive and eloquent floral stories.

Riley has graciously offered her expertise and insight to help you create your own Christmas garland so you can celebrate with your loved ones in bespoke beauty.

Q1. WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN PLANNING A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT?

“Always decide on your colour palette and theme before you begin. Once you have all of your foliage ready to go, make sure that you have a clear workspace and all of your equipment ready.”

Q2. WHAT IS YOUR CHRISTMAS STYLE THIS YEAR, AND WHAT WILL YOUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH TABLE SETTING LOOK LIKE?

“I’m going to be sticking to a beach, coastal theme for my Christmas decor this year. My garlands and arrangements will be minimal and use hearty florals and natives to withstand the heat. Banksia, baby’s breath, and I can never go past some dried flowers.”

Q3. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND THE BEST GREENERY/FLOWERS?

“You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to create a stunning floral arrangement. Coastal shrubs like banksia and wattle can easily be found on the side of the road or down at your local beach.”

“If you live rurally, woodlands and forests are great places to find eucalyptus and pine branches. Keep some clippers in your car and forage what you can! For your florals and more unusual greenery, head to your nearest flower markets or local florist.”

Q4. ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE CREATING THEIR OWN DIY FLORAL GARLANDS?

“Jump on Pinterest, grab some inspiration and have a clear idea in mind before you begin. Try and match with your linens and tablewear and don’t forget to have some fun!”

“There are no rules when it comes to floristry. Imperfections are unique and can often make the arrangement, so don’t be scared to think outside the box.”

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Snippers/scissors
• Green florist wire (available at Spotlight/Bunnings/craft stores)
• Banksia branches 
• Pine branches (we use spruce branches in this example) 
• Baby’s breath branches

STEP ONE

Use your snippers/scissors to chop the banksia and pine branches down into smaller 15cm – 25cm branches. Make sure to have a variety of shorter and longer branches, and keep a few bushier branches for the ends of the garland.

STEP TWO

Arrange the branches in a row, overlapping banksia branches with pine branches. The garland should take up the length of your table, so measure it out accordingly.

STEP THREE

Snip the florist wire into 15-20cm sections. Attach branches to one another by twisting the wire around two branches. Make your way along the laid out garland, attaching branches together with sections of wire. Try to cover up the snipped branch ends with bushy branch ends.

STEP FOUR

Add in some texture by poking some baby’s breath through the wire, along the garland. Want to add some colour? Add a few pinecones or banksia flowers by placing them on the finished garland.