An Xmas Tale

    We had heirloom Christmas ornaments that were already old when I was a child. One of them had “Merry Xmas” printed on it. Every year when my mother hung it she would say, disapprovingly, “They’re taking the Christ out of Christmas”. What we didn’t realize is that “X” is the Greek letter Chi and was not a disrespectful way to refer to the infant born in Bethlehem, as the New Testament was written in Greek.

Actually, the tree we decorated with lights and the candles we lit were more pagan in origin. These symbols, and others, like the Yule log, are corollaries of the winter solstice, the day of the year with the least sunlight. Still, the trappings of Christmas evoke a warmth and ambience totally appropriate to our celebration of the nativity. With a Dickensian attitude, we open our home to friends to share good will. For us, this always includes much baking, as the picture below attests.

We made a tableau of pastries and Christmas arrangements
based on a wintery palette that is still warm and
inviting to our guests.

This unique composition, with its
icicle-like tendrils and dormant
metallic leaves, uses red
berries for a touch of color. It
is a fantastical element of a
winter wonderland.

Here  light scintillates from the
arrangement's icy surfaces.
Amid the color and gaiety, it
appears it could melt.

Beth has crafted holiday decorations that uniquely manifest the season. There is the traditional nod to evergreens, but much of the logic behind her designs derives from a dormant landscape of ice and snow.

This poinsettia is modern in conception, with the
form being more compelling than the color. Here it is garnished
with seasonal elements that don't outshine its
subdued hue.

A composition of summer past: the
branches, leaves and seed pods no
longer verdant. Then a stick of cinnamon
to denote the pleasures we still
experience at this time of year.

This is Bob's favorite piece -- very abstract and non-chromatic.
Deco-ish in style? The icy forms play with light. It is sculptural
and needs no seasonal embellishment.

Here is the piece shown above, with seasonal garnish.
It is really just an ornament that stands on its own.

     

We have been sharing our personal approach to holiday decoration. Some of these pieces have been sold. Others are available to interested parties. Flower Design wishes our friends a warm and joyous holiday season. See you next year.        

Treats for Santa

A whimsical pine cone sundae.