This year’s fall trend celebrates the beauty of nature at any stage of life.
From flowers to grasses, from cloches to place settings, learn how to style your home with the beauty of dried plants.
Flowers never cease to amaze.
Whether newly bloomed and bursting with vibrant color or dried to an elegant subdued tone, they are specimens to behold. And this fall, they should be specimens to display, decorate with and adorn a variety of small special things.
Grass Menagerie
The world of dried flowers is a wildly diverse one. From left to right: Phalaris, Pampas Grass (Cortadenia), Protea, Oat stalk, Octagon flower, bleached Tasel (Dipsacus fullonum/ Fern), Sorghum, Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) and Bunny Tail (Lagurus).
A Rainbow of Color
Whether tinted before they dry or naturally colorful all on their own, you’ll be surprised at how many shades you can find in the dried flower section. From left to right: Oat flower (Avena), Canary Grass (Phalaris), Octagon flower, Flax (Gras), Eucalyptus, Horsetail reed (Arundo), Elephant Grass (Donax), Protea, Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), bleached Ruscus, Starflower (Scarbiosa stellata), Bunny Tail (Lagurus), Flax (Alsi gras), Billy Balls (Craspedia), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Silver Dollar (Lunaria), Fern.
Perfect Your Presentation
There’s no better way—my favorite way—to amp up your gift wrap and packaging than by adding a bit of natural beauty to your present.
Works of Art
Place an arrangement of dried flowers under a cloche for a nod to the traditional art form popular during the Victorian era. If you don’t have a cloche, a pretty jar with a lid will do. A single sprig is an easy way to create a stunning display. Or if you’re feeling crafty, play with a mix of specimens, using a vintage flower frog to artfully arrange a sculptural design.
Personal Posy
A few small springs of dried Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata), Bunny Tail (Lagurus) and Octagon flowers make the perfect bundle for a place card.
Wow-Worthy Wall Art
Looking for something a little showier? This large wooden hoop is perfect for a half-wreath design that highlights the beauty of the form itself. Use colorful varieties like tinted Eucalyptus, Bunny Tail (Lagurus), Canary Grass (Phalaris) and Flax (Alsi gras).
Dry It or Buy It
If you want learn how to decorate with dried plants, you can either buy dried flowers and grasses, or you can dry them yourself. Simply hang them upside down on a rack or rod for a few weeks. Be sure to give them time to fully dry, and avoid any spots in the house that might harbor humidity, as that can cause the plants to mold before they dry. Afloral is our favorite source to buy dry flowers, thanks to the variety they offer. You can also check out your local craft store like Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Joanne Fabrics in a pinch.
Ring Tone
Create a pretty wreath with dried flowers on a wire form. They are so lightweight you can hang them anywhere. And if you stick to a monochromatic color palette, you’re virtually guaranteed a fabulous fringe every time.
Seasonal Spotlight
Since so much of fall flora involves tall grasses, reeds and branches, using them for your centerpiece is an easy way to create a grand, eye-catching arrangement that takes little effort. Let the grasses do all the work!
How to Dye Dried Flowers
You can use fabric dye, such as Rit Dye, and follow a dying process similar to cloth. Prepare a hot water bath and add dye and salt, following the dye manufacturer’s directions. Carefully dip your dried flowers into the bath, experimenting with different soaking times to test the vibrancy of your color. For a more subtle shade, let the water cool. Hang your dyed flowers to dry or lay them flat on a wire rack.
If you enjoyed learning how to decorate with dried plants, you may also enjoy learning how to make a DIY Cement Pumpkin Bowl. Or, if you’re getting ready for fall entertaining, read on for Festive Fall Cocktails and Pumpkin Desserts for Fall Festivities. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!
