How to Transform Dried Flowers and Branches Into a Showstopping Arrangement

This simple, natural arrangement works especially well in a small space or above a dinner table. If you don't want to nail another hook into your wall, take down a painting or mirror and hang this in its place.

thanksgiving bough
Photo: JOHNNY MILER

Dried flowers coupled with bare branches create an eye-catching arrangement. We're partial to eucalyptus branches and Echinops flowers. Use a complementary-colored ribbon to tie the whole dried floral display together.

What You'll Need

Materials

  • Four sturdy branches, such as eucalyptus (Belle Fleur Preserved Fresh Eucalyptus Branches)
  • Floral wire
  • Dried branches and stalks, such as millet
  • Velvet ribbon
  • Floral shears
  • Hot glue gun
  • Colored decorative twine

Instructions

  1. thanksgiving bough how-to

    Lay sturdy branches on a work surface, in the general shape you want your bough to take. (We started with a wide X.) Secure with wire.

  2. Add the next-heaviest pieces; secure with more wire. Tie the velvet ribbon to the center of the structure and hang on the wall.

  3. Continue to tuck smaller stalks and twigs between the base branches, trimming them and hot-gluing and wiring them on as needed. (Echinops flowers are great for filling in bare branches—attach them directly with hot glue.)

  4. Gather the smallest plants in bunches and attach them with twine. Continue until you're happy with your arrangement.

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART
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