Four of Ottawa's leading floral designers are helping residents transform their homes for the festive season, offering inspiration that ranges from minimalist elegance to bold statements. Their work was recently featured in a charitable event that provides a welcome respite from holiday stress, allowing more time for seasonal joys.
Fundraising Success for Hospice Care
The creative displays were part of the 23rd annual Homes For The Holidays Tour, held from November 14 to 16. The event supports Hospice Care Ottawa, a vital community organization. Over its long history, the tour has raised an impressive more than $2.5 million, welcoming over 1,300 visitors this year alone.
"We topped more than $100,000 during the three-day tour," confirmed Taylor Mueller, Director of Fund Development and Communications. Mueller emphasized that the tour also plays a crucial educational role, raising public awareness about the hospice's services, which rely on a combination of provincial funding and local fundraising efforts.
Modern Twist on Christmas Classics
Elizabeth Young, owner of Flowers Talk Tivoli located at 282 Richmond Rd., is known for her adventurous and modern floral style. For her installation at 303 Fairmont Ave., she reimagined traditional holiday colours, introducing soft pink peonies from Alaska and cheerful yellow tulips to create warmth and a contemporary feel.
"You have to shake things up," says Young, whose philosophy balances texture, colour, and a touch of whimsy. A highlight of her design was a set of six mini glass containers held in a black iron frame, displayed on family room shelves. These versatile arrangements can be removed and placed individually on a bookshelf or sunny windowsill.
Young suggests using a mix of elements like pine cones, assorted greenery, magnolia leaves, and delicate yellow ranunculus. These mini tributes to the holidays offer a timeless and sophisticated way to accent any living space.
Elegant Simplicity Makes a Statement
For those preferring a more understated approach, Lynette Deir Mullen, owner of the Stoneblossom Floral Gallery in Orléans, demonstrated the power of simplicity. Her creation featured a unique wreath displayed against the striking backdrop of a black door on a pristine white home in Rockcliffe Park.
This example proves that holiday decor doesn't need to be elaborate to be impactful. A single, well-designed piece in the right setting can create a perfectly dramatic entrance and set the festive tone for the entire home.
The work of these talented Ottawa florists provides a wealth of ideas for local homeowners. From Elizabeth Young's modern, colourful mixes to Lynette Deir Mullen's elegant simplicity, there is inspiration for every taste. Best of all, exploring these concepts supports the incredible work of Hospice Care Ottawa, making the holiday season brighter for the entire community.
