Silhouetted trees stand against a vivid, colorful sunset sky blending shades of blue, purple, pink, and orange, creating a dramatic and peaceful evening scene.  November slipped away sheepishly and ashamed, ending on a temperate, modest note in hopes her last days would be remembered favorably.  December flexed her muscles early, unabashedly, knowing she would soon deliver winter upon us.  Her bark, unfortunately, can be as bad as her bite.

But December is a fleeting month, due in large part to the Holidays.  It’s as if the laws of space and time are temporarily suspended, and the days speed by with awesome velocity, and before you know it, we have entered a new year.

With that knowledge and experience in hand, try as you must to savor each day and moment.  When it’s all said and done, it’s time that matters most.  Time spent with those you love and hold dear.  Set aside an afternoon to visit an old friend, elderly family member or neighbor.  No gift is as precious as your time, so spend it wisely.  It means so much.

As we begin to deck our halls with festive gaiety, consider adding some holiday flair to your planters and pots.  Natural materials can be easily gathered, sometimes from your own back yard or kitchen, and creativity is key.

Dogwood, Winterberry, Pine, Spruce, Willow, Holly, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, seed heads or pods are all great materials that can be arranged in mere moments for a stunning display.  Any vessel will do – be it an empty pot from summer, a galvanized bucket, or even an old hanging basket.  For added punch, add dried flowers left over from summer or fall – like Hydrangeas, or sliced and dried oranges or apples.  Consider illuminating your arrangement with small, white lights, so your work and creativity can be enjoyed in the evening as well.

A festive winter arrangement featuring evergreen branches, red berries, and tall decorative white, yellow, and red twigs, displayed outdoors in bright sunlight.A decorative planter with green pine branches and tall red and white painted branches, positioned next to a brick wall and a glass door.Two large black planters with evergreen branches and decorative twigs sit next to a brick building in a parking lot, surrounded by pavement and yellow lines.A planter with green pine branches, brown twigs, and several tall, white-painted branches is placed near a brick wall on a concrete surface.

As always, if you haven’t the materials or inclination, let Sweeney’s create a decorative and festive container for you, so you can marvel at its beauty and save your precious time for those who are so deserving.  Call or email Sweeney’s today while supplies are still available!

“A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.”

-John B. Priestly

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney