Foraging is a rapidly growing design trend, especially when quarantining at home during a global pandemic. Taking a pair of clippers to your yard or garden has never been more popular. There’s something about the large-scale possibilities of foraged centerpieces that creates beautiful and unexpected results. Even on a small scale, foraging can be a way to connect with nature and bring it indoors.
Today we’re exploring the world of foraged centerpieces, from branches to tropical leaves. No yard, garden or nearby green space? Don’t fret! We’ve included some online shopping options for dried foliage. Because using your computer to forage is definitely OK at a time like this! Nature is healing, so finding ways to celebrate its beauty is undeniably good for the soul. Keep reading, and we think you’ll agree. [dried sago palm leaves from Natural Dried Decor]
Foraged Branches
When it comes to foraging, it’s hard to top the beauty of Athena Calderone’s sculptural finds and arrangements. Let’s call this author, interior designer and entertaining guru a foraging expert! Not only has her instagram feed been filled with inspirational foraging photos (in stunning vases and spaces), she’s been sharing her thoughts and feelings about this challenging time in a way that is honest and inspiring.
Be sure to check out Athena’s Foraging in Nature video, as well as other design tips on her blog Eyeswoon. Above we see the beauty of a leafy branch, but Calderone is quick to point out that dead branches can be just as beautiful, as shown below:
If you’re lucky enough to find a flowering branch, enjoy the blooms and give your foraged find a prominent spot in your home. You can never go wrong with displaying the branch on a pedestal table! [product photography from Bemz]
Something Tropical
If you live in an area where tropical greenery flourishes, you’re very fortunate! Fresh and dried palm leaves are one of today’s top design trends. Plus, tropical greenery has the power to last for weeks, making breezy leaves as practical as they are striking. Below we see cut palm leaves in a photo from The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu, CA:
While we traditionally think of centerpieces as sitting atop a table or shelf, there are many ways to display these foraged focal points. As shown above, they do beautifully in a vase on the floor. Not to mention, they can make your picnic table or poolside towel festive as well. This photo from H&M Home shows how one cut leaf can add another layer of summer style to the mix:
Of course, it’s hard to beat the beauty of tropical greenery on a tabletop, especially when a fresh summer meal is involved. Cut flowers from the garden are always a good idea, and when tropical motifs are a part of the fun, an instant vacation vibe is created. Once again, we see styling from H&M Home.
For extra large foraged leaves, try displaying them against the wall. They add an element of texture, especially when dried. As a bonus, dried leaves can be displayed indefinitely. This product photo featuring items from Yak and Yeti Trader is a stunning display of palms and design goodness:
Fabulous Finds
We end today’s post by highlighting some amazing dried foliage finds. Because shopping for your centerpieces is absolutely OK, especially at a time when many are confined to their homes and yards, where the exact type of greenery they’re hoping to find simply isn’t available. That’s where brands like Terrain come in, offering interesting dried florals like the ones pictured below:
Terrain’s Preserved Palm Frond Bunch features fronds that are dipped in eye-catching colors to add just the right amount of vibrancy. In fact, many of the dried florals available today feature an element of added color, from pastels such as pink to dazzling options like gold. If you’re not limiting your centerpieces to found stems, it never hurts to revel in a little bit of color and bling. But keep in mind that the fancier you get, the less your centerpiece will convey an “I just foraged this from the yard” vibe.
Sometimes you’ve just gotta buy the tropical greenery you long for, especially if beautiful palm fronds aren’t right outside of your door. They may not be yours for the clipping, but they can be yours for the buying, especially if you visit online marketplaces such as Etsy. These dried palm leaves from Bohemian Revival Shop are sold in a pair:
Pampas grass is a hugely popular floral trend, as its height and texture provide endless display possibilities. No wonder so many brides are now choosing pampas grass for their wedding arrangements! This bundle from Etsy shop Mizi’s Silver Eucs shows the fluffy possibilities of this bountiful centerpiece option:
Don’t forget about the crafting possibilities of dried foliage. They’re not just for centerpieces. These dried queen palm leaves from Desert Collective & Co. are sold 20 to a bundle. You can place them in a vase…
…or you can think of innovative ways to get an abundant look with thin, long leaves. We’re totally on board with the wall hanging option! The one below is featured in product photography at Bemz. Swoon!
As you can see, foraged and dried greenery offer the perfect way to get a lot of bang for your design buck. Branches and tropical leaves are long-lasting, and the dried variety can be displayed indefinitely. Bringing nature indoors is crucial at a time when so many of us are spending more time than ever at home. Yet staying home doesn’t have to mean being isolated from the things we love, such as nature’s beauty and the power of a good centerpiece!
You can forage for your greenery in your yard (or on your next nature walk), or you can purchase foliage through convenient methods such as online shopping. We also encourage you to look at “centerpieces” as focal points. Whether you display them on your tabletop, on the wall, or in a statement vase that sits on the floor, they are a special way for you to beautify your interior and make it a true haven. Happy decorating, and thanks for reading.
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