With Thanksgiving come and gone, it’s not too soon to think of holiday decorating (for those of you who, like us, wait until the very last minute to get your tree up!) Each year, we try to choose a theme that we carry from the front door throughout the house… whether it be a color (silver, apple green, purple, why not pink!) or a trend (rustic, Hollywood or The Nutcracker).

Our Red Period
We recently read in The Wall Street Journal that the inexpensive carnation is back in style (after all, even if the recession is officially over, we’ve implemented austerity measures) and our creative juices started flowing.

What in Carnation?
When last week we heard from Eddie Ross, lifestyle expert extraordinaire, that he actually loves these humble flowers, especially when massed, “their ruffled edges form[ing] a beautiful texture that looks lush and rich,” we knew we had to explore a carnation Christmas.

Lush and Lovely by Eddie Ross
We’re in good company. Carolyne Roehm celebrates carnations in centerpieces…

Carolyne's Carnation Centerpiece
and Martha Stewart makes wonderful wreaths.

A Beautiful Carnation Creation
We think they would make pretty garlands and kissing balls, too.

Garlands Galore!

Pretty Pink Pomanders
Just a thought…
Photos from yours truly, The Wall Street Journal, Eddie Ross, Carolyne Roehm, Martha Stewart, Heavenly Blooms and Wedding Flowers
11 Comments
Pretty! I love using one blossom to create with! I think en masse they always make such a statement. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Love you to post on how you budget your gift giving for the holiday.
pve
Such gorgeous inspiration for the hilolidays! Loved seeing you both in Rye and thank you (!) for putting us in such great company!
Xo
E + J
Sold! It’s official, I’m in love with the carnation!
xx
Fun idea – LOVE Eddie’s gigantic lush and lovely. Am not quite ready to start my decorating – still in catch up mode!!
I have always loved carnations and think they get a bad rap. But that wreath is gorgeous!
Love all these images. I really love carnations too. They look so pretty when tightly arranged. Hope you all are having a great holiday weekend.
Goodness!! Everywhere I turn today, the focal point is pink, lol!! I just posted about pink holiday themes today too 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, my dear friend.
How utterly chic!!! The carnation is officially a cool flower! Loving those kissing balls!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
I must say I’m turning the corner on loving carnations, if they are presented in such lovely ways are you demostrated. Loving all the examples!
wow. you really make carnations look delightful and stunning and rich. I wonder where the bad rap came from? My grandpa brings my grandma 3 carnations every friday from the grocery store for Shabbat. That always makes me smile.
There was a time when I first started styling that I was specifically told by an art director that I was to NEVER use a carnation in one of my styled arrangements. I’ve been terrified of the flower ever since, but love that it’s coming back in vogue. I love the modernist bent Eddie Ross gave them in white and the garlands are breath-taking. I may do a little carnation experimenting this weekend!