Edge of a platter Christmas quarter wreath garland

... into whatever size you need. I made mine a just about a quarter wreath curve.

Glue another branch of lemon cypress into the other side also pointing outwards

And glue in a stem to follow the curve of the cypress...

Weave the stems through the cypress so that it makes a natural looking unit...

While leaving the back to look natural and finished.

Design note: this is why I chose to glue the design elements. I do not want any wires to show nor to have to go back to conceal anything. Using a wreath base creates a rustic and all natural back that requires no extra effort.

I am using both a florist kalanchoe and a Christmas kalanchoe for my design.

Kalanchoe flowers are great to use in designs where you are not adding a water source. Cut the succulent flowers directly from the plant to design with. They might look delicate but will last for so long you will start to think it is Christmas magic!

Think of the design as a boutonniere and build it up slowly...

Look at the design from all angles and add flowers low on the wreath and even between the cypress so that the design looks full and blossoming.

It can get a bit sticky to get the tiny, tiny flowers into position so deep between the cypress branches. I show you how I place mine without getting any glue onto the branches in our email of this week. I send out an email each Wednesday morning (Vancouver time) the moment the design is ready for you to view, with a "good to know" tip for you to take notice of something unique about each design... in greater detail so that you can get more out of each weeks inspiration design. The sign up is below this post.

For my design though, I am placing the flowers around the edge of a cake stand. The curve of the cut wreath allows you to design a small garland filled with flowers that takes up almost no space on the platter or cake stand leaving space around it without it touching any food you might want to display.

But make sure the flowers are clearly for display only. They are not edible. Or simply use the rest of the design space for a sparkling winter display.
Book readers, if you want to rather use edible flowers you will need a secret water source to keep them hydrated. Turn to page 303 for a Tutorial for the tiniest possible water source that will not spill even when you move the design. I usually add this to body flowers and it works wonderfully. For more information about my book: The Effortless Floral Craftsman

Taped the rest of the lights down so that it is level on my cake stand with clear tape...

And concealed the lights with some artificial snow.

But I curl my tinsel for a Festive touch.

See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how to curl tinsel.

And I use tiny dew drop crystals for the lightbulbs every here and there... but mostly to keep the tinsel exactly where I want it draped over the design.