Designed by: Melinda Benham, Garden Gate Flowers, 5023 France Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-929-8030, www.garden gateflowers.com.
The concept: "It's natural organic elements mixed with shimmery, understated bling," Benham said.
Materials: Pheasant feathers, magnolia leaves, glittery gold branches, platinum pine cones and a chocolate brown velvet ribbon. Benham also used supplemental evergreens to plump up her wreath.
Design tips: Start by removing the bow and pine cones that came with the wreath, Benham suggested. Add new embellishments by clustering items in groups to strengthen their impact. Use repeated patterns. "It's Design 101," she said.
SEASONAL CORNUCOPIA
Designed by: Heidi Heiland, Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens. Open by appointment. 763-475-4960, www.bloomonmn.com.
The concept: Earthy and organic, reflecting Heiland's interest in "connecting people back to the planet."
Materials: Honeysuckle garland, moss-dipped lotus pods, pomegranates, cedar rose stems, magnolia leaves, seeded eucalyptus and two ribbons -- gold and burgundy.
Design tips: Use the strongest color and biggest elements at the bottom of the wreath, to weight the design, Heiland said. "Pay for a good ribbon." Have a florist tie the bow, or learn to tie one, then store it on a hanger and use it from year to year. If you're using LED holiday lights, choose "warm white," she said. "The first generation of LED lights were more bluish." And, when gluing items to a wreath, use a glue pan rather than a glue gun. "The glue is better, hotter and longer-lasting."
