Magnolia Front Door for Christmas

Welcome holiday visitors in a big way! Georgia designer Carmen Johnston shows how to be bold with magnolia.|Article: Rebecca Bull Reed

Front Door Planters
Pressed for time but want a big show? Fit a 7-gallon magnolia into a decorative planter, and fill in around the edges with spray-painted magnolia branches and sprigs of seeded eucalyptus. After the holidays, plant the magnolia in the garden. Designed to come together quickly, the look is easy to tailor. Change the plants or colors to suit your taste. Carmen spray-painted cut branches of Southern magnolia foliage in Valspar Gloss Cut Ruby (85015). Can't find seeded eucalyptus? Try Eastern red cedar, juniper, or 'Carolina Sapphire' Arizona cypress. Water your magnolias weekly to keep them looking good all season.

Top the Front Door
Top the door. Cut 1/2-inch-thick foam core board to fit the area above the door. Cover with magnolia leaves, using staples or U-pins to attach. Arrange pinecones in a fan shape, and secure with florist wire. Edge with spray-painted magnolia leaves, and tuck in berries and foliage. Hang badge above door with finishing nails and monofilament.

Adorn the Front Door with a Swag
For the base, use the Original Magnolia Swag (themagnoliacompany.com). Embellish it with seeded eucalyptus, Eastern red cedar, berries, spray-painted magnolia foliage, and sugar pinecones tied on with velvet ribbon.

Printed from:
http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/magnolia-front-door-00417000080630/