Parkwood Estate: Deck the Halls

 

CED was honoured to take part in the Parkwood Estate’s Holiday decorating event for the second year!  “Deck the Halls”, a special preview evening showcase of Christmas trees designed by local interior designers. This year, we chose the breakfast room which is located in the South- west corner of the historical home beside the dining room.  This lovely room is where the Mclaughlin’s ate their morning meals surrounded by large sun – filled windows under a beautifully painted mural ceiling. 

We took inspiration from the gardens on the property as well as the green house. At one point the greenhouse housed over 400 species of orchids which became our muses for our tree topper this year. We also wanted to capture the vibrancy of the fountain near the teahouse by using a beautiful teal velvet ribbon streaming down on one side of our tree.

 

And of course in true CED fashion, we also adorned our tree with homemade ornaments made with wallpaper and beads! They were a big hit on the preview night and here’s how you can make them at home:

 

What you will need:

10″ x 8.5″ Paper of your choice (We used wallpaper)

Beads

Flexible wire (We determined that galvanized wire works best)

A thick sewing needle (Used to punch holes in the paper)

Needle-nosed pliers and wire cutter

 exacto knife, ruler & cutting mat. 

 

You will need nine strips of paper that are 1/2″ wide  by 10″ long. After cutting the strips use the sewing needle poke three holes in each strip: one in the middle and one near each end (approx. 0.25” away from edge)

With your wire cutter, cut 6.6″ length of wire. Secure one or two beads  to the end of each wire by twisting the wire around the bead at the very end of the wire.

Next, thread the wire through one of the holes that is on the end of the paper strips with the design facing down towards the beads.

Then, thread the wire through the centre hole facing up and  finish by threading the wire through the other end of the paper strip, design facing down.  Do this with each strip of paper until all nine are on the wire and create a spherical shape by curving the paper.

Attach a bead to the top and with your needle nose pliers, create a loop in the wire to secure the bead. Tie a pretty ribbon through the loop you created (cut any excess wire) to hang your ornament.  Then voilà, you have just made a unique ornament! You can even start your own tradition with your loved ones. 

Happy Holidays!

C.

A special thank you to CED’s procurement coordinator, Leah, who made all these beautiful ornaments right before leaving for Rome for a week and put the instructions together for this post!