December Magic: Holiday Florals, Festive Tables & Hand-Painted Cheer
December is a month of gathering, reflection, and creating beauty that feels meaningful and beats the stressful season. As the year winds down, I love slowing the pace just enough to savor the details lush florals, thoughtful table settings, and creative moments that bring joy both to give and to keep.
This December, I shared a mix of holiday floral arrangements, elevated tabletop styling, and a watercolor poinsettia greeting card tutorial, all designed to inspire intentional, elegant celebrating at home.
Holiday Faux Floral Arrangements: Timeless, Festive & Effortless
Holiday florals are at the heart of December décor, and this season I leaned into classic silhouettes with a refined twist. Using faux florals allows for rich layering, full greenery, sculptural stems, and pops of seasonal color, without the worry of fading or shedding.
These arrangements were designed to move seamlessly from early December entertaining through New Year’s celebrations. Styled on consoles, dining tables, and entryways, they create an immediate sense of warmth and welcome.
What I love most about faux holiday florals is their versatility: they can feel traditional or modern depending on the vessel, surrounding textures, and how they’re styled making them an investment you’ll enjoy year after year.
I make these and you can buy them for your home, more information HERE
A Festive Tabletop Moment: Swan Napkin Folds
One of my favorite December moments to share was a holiday tabletop featuring elegant swan napkin folds. There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully set table, it tells your guests they were thought of long before they arrived. Watch the video of HOW TO MAKE A SWAN NAPKIN HERE
The swan fold adds a touch of whimsy and refinement without feeling fussy. It’s a small detail, but one that instantly elevates a place setting and sparks conversation. Paired with layered linens and soft holiday tones, the table felt both festive and graceful — perfect for Christmas dinner or a seasonal luncheon.
Design tip: Choose napkins with enough body (linen or cotton blends work beautifully) so the folds hold their shape while still feeling soft and inviting.
Watercolor Poinsettia: Painting Holiday Cheer
December wouldn’t be complete without a creative project, and this month I shared how to paint a poinsettia greeting card in watercolor. Poinsettias are iconic holiday flowers, symbolizing celebration, warmth, and generosity making them ideal subjects for hand-painted cards.
There’s something deeply personal about sending or gifting something handmade. Whether you’re creating cards for loved ones or simply enjoying the quiet ritual of painting, watercolor offers a gentle pause amid the busyness of the season.
This poinsettia project was designed to be approachable, expressive, and joyful a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.
Creating Beauty That Lasts
December is a season of traditions, but it’s also a time to make space for new ones. Whether it’s styling holiday florals that return year after year, setting a table that feels extra special, or painting a card by hand, these moments of beauty become part of the memories we carry forward.
WATCH ME PAINT A POINSETTIA HERE
Directions:
Save and enjoy with friends and family or do it just on your own.
1 - Draw a circle the 6 lines around so you know where your petals go.
2 - Paint a thick middle and pointy leaves
3 - Add a few petals in between the leaves
4 - Paint the leaves, same shape but green.
Flowers have the power to change the atmosphere we are in, they bring joy to people and make them smile.
ART | TABLE TOP | FLORALS
Thank you for sharing this creative year with me. As we step into a new season ahead, I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, creativity, and beautifully set tables.
Paint Flowers LIVE with Ceci Mason Series on You Tube is coming in January!
Hope to see you on my Diga Linda Channel,
xoxo Ceci
