Contact: Robbie S. Ward
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A Mississippi State floral designer will show trendy ways to decorate for the holidays Friday [Dec. 2] at the university's Chapel of Memories, part of the University Florist's open house.
Called "A Very Mississippi Holiday," the hour-long design presentation at 11 a.m. will show many types of arrangements and designs people can use to decorate their homes for the upcoming Christmas season.
Lynette McDougald, floral management instructor and manager of the University Florist, said many common items found around people's homes make perfect ingredients for decorations that will be the envy of their neighbors.
The program will feature collected materials found in "our yards, gardens, highways, and byways," McDougald said. To name a few, she mentioned sweet gum, magnolia, cotton, privet, and nandina.
"Mississippians tend to discount what's common and around us," McDougald said. "But we can be very trendy without spending any money."
The presentation will include steps on how to condition and prepare materials, along with ideas on how to incorporate fresh cut flowers.
Coinciding with the presentation, the University Florist will hold an open house, also under the theme of "A Very Mississippi Holiday." Many items showcased originated in the state, including McCartys pottery pieces and Wolfe porcelain birds.
Also, the MSU student chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers will have magnolia wreaths, garlands, daffodil bulbs, and poinsettias available, with proceeds going to the organization. The student group will also raffle a McCartys pottery "black-eyed pea."
The University Florist operates from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. The shop will close on Dec. 16 and re-open in January.
For more information, contact the University Florist at 662-325-3585 or http://www.theuniversityflorist.com/.