Aunie B (left) / Rish Pol (right)
Trim stems at a 45-degree angle under running water early in the morning and strip all leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial buildup
Orchids, anthuriums, chrysanthemums and tuberoses can bring entirely different dimensions to a setting, especially when paired with elements like monstera leaves, trailing amaranthus, delicate ferns or sculptural branches,” says Pawan Gadia, Global CEO and Director at FNP. The vibrant orange and yellow hues of marigolds have long been synonymous with Indian festivities. But festive floral decor need not be limited to these traditional blooms. From fragrant jasmine and delicate tuberoses to colourful seasonal flowers and lush foliage, there are several ways to bring a fresh perspective to festive home styling. This season, explore a mix of colours, textures and fragrances to create arrangements that move beyond the familiar marigold-laden decor and give your home a distinctive festive touch. There is no end to options that you can explore for festive home decor with regard to nature-themed styling. It is moving towards more interesting combinations of form, texture and foliage. Beyond conventional flowers, dried flowers, shola flowers and natural materials such as corn husks, dried grass, wheat stems, branches, and corn leaves offer interesting possibilities for festive décor, tells Aditi. M. Agrawal, co-founder of Nestasia. “Such materials bring in texture, earthy tones and a handcrafted quality that works particularly well when building a festive set-up in contemporary Indian homes. The idea is to work with a few distinctive materials rather than rely only on elaborate decorations. Aarati Neelam, founder & principal designer, Neelera by Aarati Neelam, suggests considering the following flowers and other decorative materials: Tuberoses (Rajnigandha) Jasmine (Mogra) Pink and white lotuses Chrysanthemums (Shevanti) Roses Cymbidium orchids Frangipani (Champa) Banana leaves Palm fronds Sculptural stems Foliage Tactile accents like raw betel nuts, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, dried lotus pods, clusters of green limes, pomegranates Create cascading arrangements: Dress up staircases with cascading florals or experiment with suspended installations at varying heights from chandelier canopies, above bar counters or around mirrors. Rethink the tablescape: Layer flowers and candles into low arrangements, create botanical table runners with banana leaves and foliage, or place floating blooms in glass vessels at varying heights. Add thoughtful details: Tie a sprig of tuberose, eucalyptus or a miniature mogra gajra around linen napkins with raw silk or jute twine for an intimate touch at each place setting. Choose a colour palette: For an understated setting, pair ivory orchids, white anthuriums or tuberoses with sculptural greens, candlelight and brass accents. For a richer festive look, opt for jewel tones such as ruby, wine, fuchsia and plum, complemented by lush foliage. Blush pink and ivory also work well with neutral interiors. Work with your home’s existing aesthetic: Take cues from the colours, materials and finishes in your interiors. White flowers and fresh foliage lend a clean look, while deeper reds and burgundy bring warmth. Brass or silver serveware, table mats and decorative platters can add a festive accent. Identify focal points: Instead of decorating every available surface, concentrate on a few areas such as the entrance, dining table or a statement corner in the living room. Balance fuller arrangements with simpler surroundings, varied heights and negative space. Keep the floral palette considered: Avoid combining too many unrelated blooms or statement elements. Choose one or two hero flowers and complement them with structured foliage. Pairing brass accents with dried flowers, for instance, creates an interesting interplay of natural textures and metallic finishes. Be mindful of fragrance: Avoid placing strongly scented candles alongside fragrant flowers such as tuberoses or mogra, particularly near dining areas, as the combination can overwhelm guests. Let the natural fragrance of the flowers take the lead. (As suggested by Aarati Neelam, Pawan Gadia, and Aditi M Agrawal) Ensure the flowers stay fresh Condition stems early.
“Festive floral décor today is becoming much more layered.
Refresh vase and urli water with cool water (add an ice cube or two an hour before guests arrive) and a pinch of sugar or a drop of mild floral preservative Gently mist arrangements with cool water before the evening gathering begins Keep fresh arrangements away from direct sources of heat or direct drafts from air conditioners or ceiling fans (As told by Aarati Neelam) One of the most exciting developments in floral styling is treating flowers as part of the space rather than simply as decorative additions. Think sculptural floral installations, low tablescapes that flow across a dining table, or asymmetrical compositions that bring movement to a structured setting Pawan Gadia, global CEO & director, flower and gifting retail chain You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.