2023 Holiday Style Guide

'Tis the season to transform our spaces into winter wonderlands, and what better way to do so than by embracing the timeless beauty of nature with fresh greenery accented with pops of bold color? This holiday season, let's dive into the art of decorating with nature's bounty, creating a festive ambiance that is both inviting and visually stunning.

The Power of Pops

Pops of bold red strategically placed throughout your decor add a bit of classic charm to the effect of simple greenery. What can you use? Think about vibrant red velvet or satin ribbons, carefully tied bows, non-traditional and relaxed looking scarves (show below) and clusters of shiny ornaments added to wreaths or in lanterns (shown below). The contrast between the rich red and the lush greenery creates a visually dynamic and eye-catching display, instantly elevating the festive spirit in any room.

Nature’s Elegance

Start by bringing the outdoors in with fresh greenery. Noble fir branches, cedar, and pine not only infuse your home with the invigorating scent of the season but also serve as a canvas for holiday creativity. Drape garlands along stair railings, mantels, and doorways, allowing the vibrant green hues to set the stage for a festive atmosphere.

A well-crafted wreath speaks volumes. Add fresh greenery and festive red accents to your front door. From holly berries to bows, create a warm and inviting welcome.

Traditional Style

Who doesn’t love a little classic plaid for a traditional holiday vibe? Whether it's in the form of throw blankets, pillows, or table runners, plaid introduces a cozy and rustic element to your festive decor. Opt for red and green plaid patterns to seamlessly blend with the fresh greenery and pops of red. Drape plaid blankets over sofas and chairs or use plaid table runners as a backdrop for your holiday dining table. The addition of plaid not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort, making your space feel like a snug winter retreat.

For more inspiration for holiday decorating and to see our wreath making feature, check out BH&G 2023 Christmas Ideas Magazine, on stands now.

Simple & Elegant DIY Delight

Looking to add a personal touch, both simple and elegant, to decorate your home with over the holiday season? The beauty of snowflakes made with greenery and decorative twine is a beautiful way to achieve that look. Decorating with noble fir boughs (or any greenery) is a testament to nature's incredible artistry, with the feathery branches mimicking the intricate patterns of real snowflakes. The addition of decorative twine not only serves a functional purpose, tying the boughs together, but also enhances the overall aesthetic, adding a touch of charm. Adding an old tree branch foraged from our nearby woods to hang the snowflakes from, gives an added rustic effect. This unique creation celebrates the holiday spirit and the timeless allure of nature's beauty.

To acheive this look you’ll need greenery boughs, twine, fishing line, and floral snips. Cut 4 small sections off of the bough, smaller sub branches about 6” long. Arrange them together in a snowflake shape with the bases all facing each other. Using your twine without cutting a length, begin wrapping the twine around the bases, keeping twine light to not allow movement of the branches. Wrap twine in a X pattern to secure properly and tie the twine in a double knot to finish. Use fishing line to tie to the top of the branch you’d like to use as the ‘top’ of your snowflake and cut the fishing line to the length you desire for hanging your snowflake. Optional: all an old branch, shower rod, or other decorative base to hang the snowflakes from.

Greenery Snowflakes work perfectly as a photo backdrop wall in our farm shop

Elevated Ideas

Elevate your holiday decor with a unique DIY twist by using tree toppers as inspired indoor decorations. While typically reserved for adorning porch pots, we took a creative approach by suspending tree toppers from the rafters inside our farm shop and embellished with delicate twinkle lights. The result? A striking design statement that infuses the space with a touch of holiday magic. Picture the awe-inspiring sight of these beautiful trees gracefully hanging from the rafters, their magical sparkle lights casting a breathtaking glow throughout the room. It's a simple yet impactful way to bring the spirit of the season indoors with a touch of whimsy and elegance.

Hosting Friends & Family for the Holidays?

Check out our recipe for our favorite, crowd pleasing, apple galette. We love apple galette, because we always have a bumper crop of apples in the fall from the apple trees in our orchard. We’re always looking for great ways to use them while hosting family and creative recipes throughout the holiday season.

For the Pastry:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced

• 1/3 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 4 Johnathan apples

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon lavender infused honey

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced

Directions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and diced butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle ice water over it. Process until the pastry just starts to come together, typically around 10 seconds. Transfer the dough to a work surface, shape it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic or wax paper. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator.

2. Peel, halve, and core the apples. Slice them crosswise into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Set aside the larger center slices and coarsely chop the remaining slices, ensuring roughly half are chopped. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.

3. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a 12- x 14-inch rectangle, then transfer it to a generously sized baking sheet.

4. Spread the chopped apples over the pastry, leaving a neat 1-inch border. Drizzle the honey over the chopped apples. Arrange the remaining apple slices in concentric circles or slightly overlapping rows on top. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the apples and dot the concoction with diced butter. Gently fold the pastry's edge up and over the apples to craft a pretty 1-inch border.

5. Bake the apple galette for approximately 1 hour or until the pastry boasts a delectable golden brown hue, with a satisfying crispness. Allow the galette to cool on a rack before serving, whether warm or at room temperature. Ice cream on the side is so good, but totally optional.

Tasteful Tablescape

Looking for a quick, but unique centerpiece idea for Thanksgiving? Try decorating pumpkins with dried flowers! These beautiful, bright colors are a fun spin to add something new for your celebration. These beauties will be gracing our table this Thanksgiving, along with new napkins to tie everything together.

To achieve this look, dried flowers are hot glued to the top of the pumpkin. They will last up to a year if the pumpkin isn’t punctured anywhere. We’ll post pics of our table in a couple weeks! Need some inspiration for the best flowers to dry? Read our blog post here, or check out our YouTube video.

Potted Flowering Bulbs

There’s something wonderful about having blooming bulbs in the middle of winter. While everything outside is cold, rainy/snowy, gray and bleh, blooming bulbs such as paperwhite and amaryllis are so lovely to enjoy and bring along the promise of the return of spring.

If you have potted bulbs from year’s past that you’re storing, bring them out, give them a little water and get them going again for the holiday season. If kept in a cool/dry place, they should have enough energy to product blooms again this year.

As the holiday season approaches in 2023, we hope we’ve given you a few ideas for how to decorate your homes with warmth and festive cheer. Gather inspiration, let your imagination run wild, and make this 2023 holiday season truly unforgettable. Happy decorating & hosting for the season!

XX Jenn and Adam

Last Harvest of the Season

As the warm embrace of summer gives way to the crisp, golden hues of autumn, there's something undeniably magical about the transition. It's a time when nature sheds its vibrant greens for a more subdued palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, and the world seems to transform before our very eyes. It's also the perfect season for one of our favorite traditions: the last harvest of the year. On this particular autumn day, we gather to celebrate the final bounty of the season, including dahlias, celosia, and several varieties of other dry-able flowers, which will be hung up in the barn to dry for our upcoming wreath-making classes.

A Perfect Fall Day

The scene is set on a perfect fall day – the sun casts a warm, golden glow over the landscape, and the leaves are changing, painting a breathtaking picture of nature's artwork. The air carries a distinct crispness that only autumn can provide, and there's a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. It's a day when time seems to slow down, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the season.

The Last Harvest

In the fields that stretch before us, the last of the summer blooms are mingling with the vibrant colors of autumn. Dahlias, with their intricate petals and vivid hues, are among the stars of the show. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic round forms to the spiky, cactus-like varieties. With hues ranging from deep burgundy to golden yellow, they are a true testament to nature's artistry. Shown below are several of our varieties, with the main ones being dahlia, Chewy.

Celosia, with its distinctive flame-like appearance, adds a unique touch to the harvest. These plumes of red, orange, and yellow resemble the flickering flames of a bonfire, making them an ideal addition to our fall collection.

Celebrating the Season

As we gather for this last harvest, we're not just collecting flowers; we're celebrating the season. We're savoring the changing leaves, the pumpkin decorations, and the unmistakable atmosphere of fall. We're finding joy in the act of creating and in the company of friends and fellow nature enthusiasts.

In a world that often rushes by, it's moments like these that remind us of the beauty in slowing down, connecting with the world around us, and using our creativity to transform nature's bounty into art. It's a reminder that each season has its unique charm, and by embracing it fully, we can find inspiration and fulfillment.

XX Jenn and Adam

Unwind and Relax: Lavender Essential Oil Perfume Roll-Ons

In the fast-paced, sometimes overstimulating world we live in, finding moments of peace, tranquility and relaxation can be a challenge. Enter lavender essential oil, a natural aromatic remedy known for its ability to calm the mind and soothe the soul. In this blog post, we'll explore how our lavender essential oil perfume roll-ons can become your portable relaxation companion, offering serenity, peace, and the wonderful fragrance of lavender whenever you need it.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil Perfume Roll-On:

Stress Reduction: Lavender essential oil is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. A simple application of a lavender-infused perfume roll-on can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tension, promoting a sense of calmness.

Improved Sleep Quality: Lavender is well-known for its sleep-inducing effects. Applying the lavender essential oil roll-on to your pulse points before bedtime can help create a relaxing bedtime ritual, improving the quality of your sleep.

Enhanced Mood and Well-being: The pleasant aroma of lavender essential oil has mood-lifting capabilities. A quick roll of the perfume on your wrists can boost your spirits, making it an ideal on-the-go aromatherapy solution.

Aid for Headaches and Migraines: Lavender essential oil may help alleviate headaches and migraines. Gently applying the roll-on to your temples and massaging it in can provide a soothing sensation and potentially ease discomfort.

Mindful Relaxation Anytime, Anywhere: The convenience of a roll-on bottle makes it easy to carry lavender essential oil with you wherever you go. Whether you're at work, traveling, or simply out and about, a gentle swipe of the perfume roll-on can offer a moment of relaxation amidst a hectic day.

Natural Aromatherapy for Meditation: Lavender's calming scent makes it an excellent choice for enhancing your meditation practice. Apply the roll-on to your wrists or neck before meditating to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Use the power of lavender essential oil and experience a little piece of tranquility wherever life takes you. A lavender-infused perfume roll-on is more than just a pleasant scent—it's a calming fragrance that can elevate your mood, ease stress, and offer relaxation at any moment. Carry the calming essence of lavender with you and enjoy the peaceful benefits it brings to your daily life.

Everlasting Love! The 10 Best Dried Flowers for Your Home

In the world of interior design and home decor, dried flowers have made a triumphant comeback. These timeless beauties not only add a touch of nature to your living space but also offer a unique charm that fresh flowers can't provide. Dried flowers are versatile, low-maintenance, and have a long shelf life, making them a fantastic choice for any home. Today, we'll explore the 10 best dried flowers that will effortlessly elevate the aesthetics of your living spaces.

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and vibrant purple hues, is a classic choice for dried flower arrangements. Its calming aroma can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an excellent addition to bedrooms or relaxation spaces.

Amaranth

Amaranth is a striking dried flower known for its unique, flame-shaped blossoms that come in vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple. This dramatic flower symbolizes immortality and unfading love, making it a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. Amaranth adds a touch of exotic beauty and can be used to create eye-catching focal points in your decor.

Celosia

Celosia, also known as the "cockscomb" due to its distinctive shape, is a captivating dried flower that resembles vibrant, velvety crests. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including rich reds, deep purples, and vivid oranges. Celosia's bold and whimsical appearance makes it an excellent choice for adding a playful, artistic touch to your dried flower arrangements, making them stand out in any room.

Gomphrena

Gomphrena, often referred to as "Globe Amaranth" or "Bachelor's Button," is a charming and long-lasting dried flower. These petite, spherical blooms come in a range of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Gomphrena is celebrated for its resilience and ability to maintain its shape and color when dried, making it an excellent choice for crafting wreaths, garlands, and everlasting floral arrangements. We used these beauties to create a gorgeous dried flower wall, shown below.

Statice

Statice flowers come in a range of colors and are known for their longevity. They make for excellent dried flowers because they retain their vibrant hues and add a pop of color to your home decor.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers bring warmth and a touch of rustic charm to your interior. Their sunny disposition remains intact even after they are dried, making them a delightful addition to your home.

Marigolds

Marigolds are beloved for their cheerful, sunny disposition and their ability to thrive in various climates. While they are most commonly associated with gardens and landscapes, these vibrant flowers can also be beautifully preserved as dried blooms. Drying marigolds allows you to capture their intense shades of orange and yellow, ensuring they maintain their striking appearance throughout the year.

Strawflower

Strawflowers, with their paper-thin petals and vivid, everlasting colors, are a delightful choice for dried flower arrangements. These flowers come in an array of hues, including shades of pink, white, yellow, and red. One of the unique features of strawflowers is their ability to retain their vibrant color and shape when dried, making them a sought-after addition to wreaths, bouquets, and crafts.

Strawflowers are often used in floral arrangements to add texture and a pop of color. Their petals are sturdy and papery, giving them a timeless quality that can be enjoyed for years. Incorporating strawflowers into your decor brings a touch of whimsy and a burst of color, making them an excellent choice for both traditional and contemporary interior styles.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod, with its bright yellow plumes of tiny flowers, is a symbol of abundance and positivity. While often found in gardens and meadows, goldenrod can also be preserved as dried flowers to add a touch of sunshine to your home. These feathery blossoms can be dried and used in various ways, from floral arrangements to wreaths.

The cheerful color of goldenrod is perfect for creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere in any room. Whether displayed on its own or combined with other dried flowers, goldenrod infuses your decor with the warmth and optimism of a sunny day. Its resilience and timeless appeal make it a fantastic choice for adding a touch of nature's beauty to your living spaces, year-round.

Larkspur

Larkspur offers tall, dramatic spikes of color that add a touch of drama to any dried flower arrangement. They come in a range of shades, making it easy to find the perfect match for your decor.

From the calming scent of lavender to the vibrant, colorful charm of larkspur, these ten best dried flowers offer a wide range of options to suit any style and preference. Whether displayed in bouquets, wreaths, or shadow boxes, dried flowers are a wonderful addition to any living space, bringing a sense of natural beauty that lasts indefinitely.

XX Jenn and Adam

Using Flowers to Create Botanical Based Dyes

The Charms of Botanical Dyeing

Botanical dyeing takes us back to simpler times, using the colors nature provides. It's like a plant-based paint palette that can turn ordinary tea towels into works of art. By using flowers, we can create a rainbow of shades that are both unique and eco-friendly.

Picking the Right Flowers

One of the exciting parts of botanical dyeing is selecting the flowers to work with. Different flowers yield different colors, offering a playful twist to the process.

Marigold: These sunny blooms create warm yellows and oranges, reminiscent of a golden sunrise.

Lavender: If calming pastels are your preference, lavender flowers are perfect for gentle purples and grays.

Coreopsis: With their vibrant petals, coreopsis flowers bring about shades of cheerful yellows and deep oranges.

Cosmos: Bright Lights or Sulphur cosmos as the best for dyeing, but we’ve found that we love the colors created by some of the darker cosmos. They make a lovely purple or blue color.

Dahlias: Provide a variation of shades, but the darker colors make the prettiest colors.

Indigo: For rich blues, indigo leaves hold the secret, providing a touch of deep ocean hues.

The Color Journey

Before diving into the dyeing process, the fabric needs a bit of prep. This involves cleaning and treating them to make sure they absorb the colors well. Once fabric has been prepped, you leave it damp, but not wet and add your flowers for dyeing. We use the bundle dyeing process for making our prints, which involved scattering flowers on the fabric, rolling the fabric up, then using a steam process to release the dye from the flowers.

After the fabrics have steamed for an hour, remove and open the fabric. The colors from the dye process are immediately visible. Gently remove all flowers from the fabric, then give your fabric a little rinse and hang to dry.

Botanical dyeing isn't just about changing colors; it's about connecting with nature and embracing its diversity. Each fabric created with botanical dye carries a piece of the flower farm's charm, telling a story of petals, leaves, and the colors they gift us. So, next time you use one of these tea towels, remember the journey it has taken – from the flower farm to your kitchen, with a touch of nature's magic in between.

XX Jenn and Adam