DI residents 'lunch and learn' about holiday decorating
The stunning scenery of the Crow’s Nest on Daniel Island served as the backdrop for a sold-out holiday decorating demonstration on November 7. The event was presented by the Daniel Island Property Owners Association as part of their “Lunchbox Learning” series.
Twenty-two lucky ladies enjoyed a light lunch provided by Mt. Pleasant eatery, Verde, while learning to design amazing arrangements and tantalizing tabletops for the holidays.
Kaitlyn Garrison, a lead designer at Out of Hand/Out of the Garden, demonstrated how to make perfect holiday centerpieces and place settings to transform a table from bland to beautiful. Garrison advised the participants to “consider color, texture, size, and overall weight” in the design of floral arrangements. When creating a holiday tabletop, Garrison emphasized the importance of choosing what works for you. Adding personal touches to the table designs can set the tone for your overall holiday decorating. Combining items you already have on hand with purchased products creates a uniquely personal design.
Garrison presented some out-of-the-box ideas to create truly unique centerpieces. Attendee Maryann Vastunas-Roe found many of Garrison’s suggestions compelling.
“She did a fabulous job,” noted Vastunas-Roe. “Her ideas were so interesting, like using kale and collard greens to make it southern.”
Garrison also showed guests how to seamlessly incorporate items from the grocery store such as persimmons and squash to create eye-catching designs.
Another decorating tip involves including elements from nature to bring the outdoors in. The lush landscape of Daniel Island offers locals unlimited decorating opportunities on their own home turf, said Garrison.
“Go out in your backyard,” she continued. “…Spanish Moss can actually make a great accent, especially with its silvery tone.”
When bringing the outside in Garrison offered some important pointers.
“If you use the Spanish Moss make sure you clean it by putting it in the microwave for a few seconds to kill any bugs,” she said. “If you use pine cones, wash them in water to remove the dirt and bugs. You can paint the tips gold or silver to add a little extra color. ”
Additionally, Garrison gave guests useful tips to simplify their designs. Daniel Island resident Diana Bell liked the idea of using chicken wire instead of oasis foam.
“The chicken wire makes it easier for some flowers to stand, and the chicken wire is not visible,” explained Bell.
Another helpful hint for the busy holiday season is to recycle centerpieces.
“Use more greenery and things that are longer lasting like dried products,” added Garrison. “Take a few of the florals out, pop in some new things and it will make a totally different arrangement.”
Garrison recommends creating centerpieces a day or two ahead of time, but warned people not to put florals in the refrigerator.
“The temperature in your fridge for your food is too cold, keep them in water instead.”
Although this was the last lunchbox presentation for the year, more events are already in the works. Information on all Daniel Island POA programs can be found on their website, www.dicommunity.org.