Amaryllis lilies are an elegant substitution for the traditional Christmas poinsettia.
The holidays are a time for gift giving, dinners with families and parties. Although the traditional colors of the Christmas holidays are red and green, that doesn't mean you're stuck with decorating in those colors. White, silver and gold are also appropriate. Use colors that compliment your decor with elegant and contemporary holiday decorations. Does this Spark an idea?
Flowers
Flowers are a standby for parties. There's the requisite floral centerpiece on the dining room table and perhaps one in the entryway. The flowers you use gives the party atmosphere an elegant flavor. Belladonna lilies, also called amaryllis lilies, are stunning in a contemporary decor. The flowers are huge, up to 6 inches across when in full bloom. Amaryllis bloom, three to five blossoms on a single 18-inch stem. Often all the blossoms will open at once. They come in red, white, pink and salmon colors. A row of white Belladonna lilies in metallic silver pots across a coffee table is an elegant and contemporary decoration.
Use three red lilies in a basket spray-painted gold and tied with a gold ribbon for another look. Gather bunches of fresh gypsophila, baby's breath, spray with iridescent floral spray and poke them into the tree and wreaths to look like snow.
Crystal and Mirrors
There's not much that's more elegant than crystal. Double the effect by placing the crystal in front of mirrors. Multiply it even further by using candles to glitter and reflect. If you don't have your own stash of crystal, scout garage sales, tag sales and charitable used-good stores. Look for faceted glass, because the facets reflect the light even more. Twine white opalescent garland at the base of the glasses. Carry the crystal effect through the Christmas tree, wreaths and other decorations by using clear glass beads and white iridescent garland.
Fire and Ice
Contemporary and elegant, ice candles get high marks in both categories. Candles softly glimmer through ice. They won't last more than an evening, and you will need to free up some freezer space, but the effect is worth it. If you live in a cold winter area, freeze the candle holders outside.
Fill an empty half-gallon cardboard juice container with distilled water to within an inch of the top. Give it a few stirs to let the air escape and then freeze. When it's party time, take the frozen water out of the freezer for 30 minutes. Fill a glass with hot water and set it on the frozen ice. The ice will melt enough to form an indentation for you to place the candle.
Another method is to fill the juice container halfway with stirred distilled water and freeze. Then place a plastic cup that reaches to the top of the cardboard on top of the ice. Fill the cup with beans to weigh it down. Fill the juice container to within an inch of the top, around the outside of the cup. Freeze. On party night, remove the plastic cup and replace with a candle.
Tags: juice container, Belladonna lilies, distilled water, elegant contemporary, tree wreaths