December 2004

Spruce Up Your Holiday Décor

If you missed Walton EMC's Holiday Programs this year, here's a popular idea Kim McKinney shared with attendees – how to create a candy cane topiary.

Gather all your supplies:

Plastic cylinder                                                        $1 - $2

Rectangular block of wet floral foam (Oasis)                $1

2 1/2 dozen red carnations                                        $8 - $12 per dozen

5 yards holiday ribbon                                               $2 - $3

5 boxes of candy canes (60 candy canes)                  $5
-may vary depending on the size of the cylinder

3 or 4 rubber bands

                                          Approximate cost               $29 - $41

Once you have all your supplies, you're ready to start!

Step One:

Place one or two rubber bands around the cylinder. Then begin placing candy canes around the cylinder and inside the rubber bands. Continue adding candy canes until the entire cylinder is covered and candy canes are secure.

Step Two:

Wet the floral foam. The foam should be no more than one-half inch above the top of the cylinder. You may need to cut the foam to size before adding water. Place the foam inside the cylinder.

Step Three:
Remove all leaves from the carnations. Fluff each carnation before adding to the arrangement. Take eight long-stem carnations and bundle together with a rubber band. Cut the ends of the carnations at a slant until all stems are even.

Step Four:

Take six more carnations and bundle them around the other eight about halfway down from the top with a rubber band. Cut the ends at a slant until all are even.

Step Five:

Place the bundled carnations in the center of the flower foam. Push the stems about an inch deep into the foam. Make sure it's secure.

Step Six:

Fill in the top of the cylinder using the remaining carnations, covering the foam completely. Cut the carnation stems to about three to four inches long. Place the carnations around the top of the cylinder until full.

Step Seven:
Using your holiday ribbon, tie bows around each rubber band. You should have three bows, one at the top, middle and around the cylinder. When you purchase your ribbon, make sure it's opaque, so you can't see the rubber bands. If you use a translucent ribbon, you may need to wrap it twice to hide the rubber bands.

Your candy cane topiary is complete! If you save the base of the topiary, you can use it next year and years to come. You'll save time in the future since the base is already complete.

Spice up your holiday décor and use it as a centerpiece for your dinner table or on the fireplace mantle. It's also a great way to say “Happy Holidays” to friends and family by giving it as a gift. And the best part is…you made it! 

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