A Holiday Wish from Tish

Happy creating!

Inspiration in Chaos

People who are in the floral, catering, or really any service-based industry will tell you that the holidays are the hardest. We work to feed, decorate, and take care of our clients so much for the first 23 days of December so that when it comes time for us to tend to our own homes, we are drained and can barely eek out the inspiration or the cheer so essential to this time of year.

Nevertheless, no matter how busy I am, I do look forward to the holidays and the chance to use my own much-loved things as well as new treasures I have discovered to decorate my home. In the days leading up to Christmas, I am able to take some quiet time and really play with color, light, and texture and design things I would have a hard time replicating on a large scale. These designs are meant to be looked upon, savored, and enjoyed over the course of many days of merriment.

For me, it's the few moments of stillness amidst the chaos that I relish most of all - snow falling, candlelight flickering, flowers opening. I hope you all had a marvelous holiday season!

Table set for Christmas morning - narcissus and clementines -

Old-fashioned tree with much-loved ornaments -

Christmas Day - dinner at night -

Snow on the day after Christmas -

From the outside -

And from the inside - I love my window!

Holiday Fever

Hello! It's been a very busy month - a Christmas Boutique, two holiday parties for three hundred (each!), homes to decorate, and countless other holiday events. I cannot begin to estimate how many crates of boxwood, white pine, and winterberry I have used - but it's all been wonderful. I love what I do and I love the opportunity to reimagine Christmas every year yet work within the traditional perimeters of red, green, white, and gold.

Next up: my own Christmas. But let me leave you with some images of the past three weeks.

Look at this fabulous winterberry- and the tulips! (A hint that spring is on its way!)

Fabulous Festooning – Holiday Decorating

Sunday, November 14

1:00-4:00 pm

$200

Turn the ordinary and make it extraordinary as you learn how to take a basic green wreath and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I’ll demonstrate a number of holiday decorating ideas and you will design your own custom wreath from a host of winter greens and natural materials. In addition, you’ll create a stunning centerpiece that will last throughout the holiday season. Let the party begin!

Some of the flowers and greens we will use include amaryllis, David Austin roses, snowberry, chincherinchee, pepperberry, holly, boxwood, magnolia, pinecones, pomegranates, gilded branches and wheat, feathers, and silk ribbons to fashion your wreath and festoon your table.

Workshop is $200 plus tax.

Fee includes all materials and flowers.

Payments accepted via PayPal or personal check.

Workshops are limited to 8 participants and are open to all levels of ability.

Clippers and aprons will be provided and are my gift to you.

Celebratory drink, food, and merriment included!

To sign up or to ask questions, please e-mail tishlongclasses@gmail.com

Where is the studio?

The workshop studio is in the heart of Wayne at 135 Pennsylvania Avenue. Located directly off of South Wayne Avenue, the studio is a short walk from the Regional Rail train station. Ample parking is available as well both at the front of the studio and along the street.

Also, please note that the photographs here are just some examples of color and texture - not strict examples of what participants will create in the workshop.