4 ways to perk up plain poinsettias

In a Natural Nest

Throughout the year, designer Kathryn Lamb of Rosey & Associates in Hudson, Que., carefully collects most of her materials from the "wild" - industrial parks are favourite foraging spots.

Designer's tip: ln the new year, replace the poinsettia with a pot of primulas, tulips or daffodils, or a clutch of colourful eggs.

You need:

• Poinsettia in 6-in pot
• 10-in plastic saucer
• Grapevines (or omit Step 1, below, and substitute ready-made wreath, with 35.5 to 46 cm/14- to 18-in outside diameter and centre hole that accommodates pot and saucer)
• Approx 12 evergreen branches, 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long
• Approx 12 birch branches, approx 50 cm (19-3/4 in) long
• Pinecones, green sheet moss, Spanish moss or grey lichen, small curls of birchbark, 10 to 20 short stems of dried white flowers (such as statice) and ivy
• Approx 1.40 m ribbon, 16 mm wide, or small bunch of raffia (optional)
• Glue gun, florist's wire, wire cutters, secateurs and scissors

To make:

1. Loosely twist vines into wreath (make wreath a little uneven, rough and rustic) approx 12.5 cm (5 in) thick, with approx 35.5 to 46 cm (14- to 18-in) outside diameter and centre hole that accommodates pot and saucer.

2. Lay wreath flat; twist one end of wire around wreath to fasten, then crisscross several times to form loose mesh over centre hole and fasten off Turn wreath over. Set saucer and pot on mesh.

3. From wire, cut 25.5 cm (10-in) length for each pinecone. Twist wire around pinecone approx 2.5 cm (1-in) up from base, leaving two 10 cm (4-in) ends.

4. With ends, wire pinecones as desired onto wreath top and side. Stuff moss and/or lichen into space around pot, then over rim and soil around base of poinsettia and onto wreath top between pinecones. Arrange bark curls and flowers as desired; glue. Poke ends of branches into soil.

5. If desired, cut ribbon into 3 equal lengths; with each, make 3-loop "bow," wire together at 1 end and wire onto wreath. Alternatively, tie bows of raffia onto wreath as desired.

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