will help you fashion the holiday
look you want. Jennifer suggests
bringing live greens such as cedar,
pine and boxwood inside to deco-
rate the mantle, and using large
pinecones as an accent. Another
idea is to lay decorative branches
across the mantle interspersed with
candles or ornaments. She advises
not to do this too early; “only one
or two weeks before Christmas to
ensure the greens stay fresh in
your house.”
A simple but dramatic way to
dress up your entryway, she sug-
gests, is to use dwarf or small cut
live trees (Balsam or Fraser fir) in
decorative planters. Add in some
holiday greenery, and mini white
lights for a special effect at night.
Jennifer advises that any outdoor
décor, especially planters, be made
to look more wintery than Christ-
massy so they will last longer, well
into February. Use white birch
and natural colours. “You can add
red or gold accents specifically for
the holidays and then pull those
elements out for the remaining
months.” Centro offers a variety of
workshops throughout November
and December. Working with their
designers you will learn how to
create your own beautiful planter,
indoor or outdoor wreath, birch
vase candle centrepiece and more.
Visit
B U R L I N G T O N D O W N T O W N
H O L I D A Y G U I D E | 2 0 1 4
