Set for the Season
In Arkansas, November offers one of the last opportunities to enjoy the outdoors before the chill of winter sets in for a few months. I took advantage of the mild temperatures to host an evening holiday gathering of close friends—and amazing chefs (more on this on page 13)—under the majestic Big Sister Oak at Moss Mountain Farm. Read on to see how we set the scene for a night of great friends and delicious food! Urns of Plenty
I believe it’s important to set the tone for a dinner party the moment your guests walk through the door. In this case, I guess that means the moment they step into the outdoor “dining room.” Two large urns mark the entrance to the soirée and also greet guests. The wire urns, which have been a part of my personal container collection for many years, are filled with a mix of fresh and artificial greenery. I lined them with sheet moss, and then filled them with cypress and pine clippings harvested from Moss Mountain Farm. Artificial greenery, including elements that resemble rosehips, sweet gum balls, miniature pears, and fall foliage, were then tucked into each container. Then, to add dots of bright red cheer throughout, I clipped long stems from my Proven Winners’ Berry Poppins® winterberry shrub. One of the best things about these berry clippings is that they will last for weeks without shedding their berries. Finally, dried grass plumes add a dramatic flair to the finished product.
Learn more about the Berry Poppins® winterberry shrub!
10 | winter 2015