Create a centrepiece with Wallflower Floral Design

Based in the seaside suburb of Sandgate in north Brisbane, Wallflower Floral Design is a whimsical flower and gift store, and the creative by-product of founder and florist, Renae Handy. 
We invited Renae into the studio for our festive campaign, The Joy of Home, to create a fresh flower table centrepiece and wreath for the Holiday season.  
Renae shares with us her tips on how to style a floral centrepiece this festive season.

 

What is in season for floral styling and centrepieces this festive season?   

The festive season brings a range of florals that like the heat. Christmas bush is a popular one, wax flower, Christmas Lillie’s, Zinnias, and Dahlias. Hydrangea also comes into season just in time for Christmas, it always looks incredible on a luxurious Christmas table! 

What are your tips for creating a centrepiece at home? 
If you are hosting, it’s always nice to start with your garden. Have a wonder around your garden and see what speaks to you, it might be some interesting leaves, some little flowers or even some fruit that’s budding. In this centre piece I added green cherry tomatoes as they have a nice shape and bring a point of interest to the arrangement.  

What types of vases and vessels do you recommend for centrepiece styling on a dining table? 
Bud vases have been very popular this year and it’s a budget friendly option if you’re after a little colour pop on your table without taking up too much space. Finding and repurposing vessels like grandma’s Crystal or your favourite old jam jar with a cute ribbon is also an environmentally friendly and personal way to style flowers in your home!  

What are your tips for keeping florals fresh for longer at home? 
 

We recommend cutting the stems every two days, washing your vases well and changing the water. We also add a tiny splash of bleach which kills the bacteria in the water.  

What trends are you seeing this year for festive centrepiece dining table styling? 
 

Floral mounds or clouds have been popular for table styling which is what I created here. They require no vase and are arranged using 2 or 3 flower varieties on masse. They create impact and a focal interest for the table scene. We’re also still loving the bow trend! Adding cute, recycled ribbons to everything from a stem in an arrangement, to your Christmas wreath makes everything feel more fun and festive!

 

What is the difference between a focal and filler flower? 
 

Focal flowers are the stars of the show! They’re usually larger blooms that have more of a presence in an arrangement. Filler flowers are what we use to make arrangements feel finished and full! They’re usually smaller less expensive flowers and with simpler shapes - and they help us create structure and fill in the negative space in arrangements.  

What foliage and flowers did you use to create the festive wreath? 
I used red amaranth which is the hanging flower, pine foliage and wax flower which are all in season for December and looks stunning above the Maeve Buffet - Natural. 

What is the difference between styling on different shape tables (round or rectangle)? 
 

For a round table like the Avalon 4 Seater Dining Table - Natural table I will usually suggest going for a gorgeous all round statement piece - I love creating in a large urn or vintage vase with an abundance of lush Christmas foliage and hydrangea for a classic Christmas feel! Alternatively, a wreath with candles in the middle can look cosy and sweet for a round table. For long tables I like to create elongated arrangements that are more floral dense and low. These arrangements can feel more modern and elegant as they have more of a defined and refined shape and sculptural form. It also makes it easier for guests to chat across the table!  

Do you recommend any specific colour palettes or flower varieties for a modern vs. traditional festive theme? 
Festive colour palettes are always going to be reds but you could use a deeper burgundy tone to make it feel luxurious or a fun bright orange or pink to create something different. There’s no rules, it’s all about what you like! More traditional would be a red, green and white but nowadays we are seeing reds with pinks which makes it fun but still festive for the summer season!

 

Are you looking for more inspiration? Take your festive tablescape to the next level and learn How to fold a Napkin Bow.
If you are Brisbane based and wanting to get hands on, check out the Wallflower Christmas workshops this December.