'Materials that are pure are always my preference'

Master florist Diny Blom has had her Blomatelier in the heart of Gouda for 33 years. As the daughter of growers and florists, she grew up on the edge of the forests of the Southern Veluwe. 'Nature always appeals to the imagination and is always a source of inspiration. I still remember the large barrel with Icelandic moss in the corridor of the nursery – and my father's secret of adding some salt to it for a clear color. But also the trunks and
pine cones that came from the forest.'

‘Materials that are pure are always my preference. My
nursery-friends in Boskoop also have great Pinus species in addition to beautiful Cryptomeria. They also keep old roots for me. And the Ilex grower keeps the crooked and bent branches especially for me. I always drive away from there super happy with beautiful materials!’

‘The trend I see is a growing appreciation for nature and simplicity, with soft colors such as powder pink, gold, ivory, green and white, but also red, orange, bright pink.’

'Anything that exudes warmth and coziness'

In September, Chantal Post won gold at the Belgian Championships. ‘It was quite a tough competition. As an assistant to Stefan van Berlo, I had already participated in the European Championships in Poland, which in terms of style is really comparable to the Belgian Championships: challenging, exciting and full of positive stress.’

'The best thing about such a competition is the entire creative process - from the creation of the idea to the complete elaboration. I have learned a lot from my own experiments and from the coaching I have enjoyed in preparation. Exchanging ideas and experiences with internationally renowned florists is incredibly enriching, giving you a new and broader vision of the flower world. A chance to enrich my own style, develop myself further and delve even deeper into floral design - which now gives me even more passion for my profession!'

‘Christmas means time for the family. It is cold and dark outside, and then it is important to bring warmth and cosiness into the house. Christmas is also a time of traditions – which have only become more important after Covid. Red and green are more 'in' than ever. And also gold, copper and natural materials:
Everything that radiates warmth and cosiness.’

'A little exoticism should not be missing'

In September, Sören Van Laer won the inaugural Belgian Championship, entitling him to be called First Florist of Belgium. ‘It is a great honor to be the first to bear the title of First Florist of Belgium. This title is a true recognition of our profession as a florist. To be a good florist, you must not only master the floral techniques, you must also be creative, well-organized, and possess business acumen.
Together with my partner Aymeric Chaouche and supported by the team, we have worked hard to achieve this title. I am proud of my team. Together, we will continue to promote Belgium on the map in terms of floral art.’

In the run-up to Christmas, Atelier Sören Van Laer
steadfastly organizes a Christmas Open Door. 'Celebrating and festive decorating is in our DNA. We love purely natural materials such as pine branches, pine cones, pine needles, and berries. Classic shapes such as wreaths and stars belong to the Christmas tradition, but I also like to experiment with other shapes. Glitter and lights add a festive character to these creations. A little exoticism should not be missing either. Special
orchids or other exotic flowers and materials provide this.’

'Always keep your eyes open'

Floral designer Hanneke Frankema likes to make her own bases and, if possible, use them several times. ‘Christmas comes back every year, certain materials give – by using them just a little differently – a nice twist to the
Christmas arrangements. For this Christmas special of DPK, I have created many commercial ideas.’

'My motto is: Always keep your eyes open. That's how I found some metal trays with a mirror in a shop. By removing the mirror, decorative gold-colored rings remained. With a frame of pokes underneath, it created an ideal base for bouquets. But this base can also be beautifully placed on a dish with loose flowers incorporated in between.'

‘Every year you come across bags full of pine cones. They are often used as cheap fillers in Christmas pieces, but I have now incorporated them into a wreath shape. That gives a robust appearance that combines beautifully with other natural materials. It is useful to think about surfaces that you can make well in advance and to which only a few fresh materials need to be added before they enter the store.’

'Also, beautiful details, which are relatively cheap and quick to create, can make the difference. Think of incorporating matching Christmas baubles or handmade stars of aluminum wire. I also really like simple solutions such as Kalanchoe leaves that complete the whole thing. And yes, so always keep your eyes open.'

Luxury in harmony with nature

In the theme of 'Luxury in harmony with nature', connectedness with nature plays a leading role. The arrangers have often opted for traditional techniques and natural materials. The look is one of grandeur and exclusivity; festive yet understated, serene yet cozy and warm.

Winter Challenge

To move from the colorful fall to winter is a different mindset for many people. Not that the colors completely disappear from the landscape, but it's all a bit more subtle and monochromatic. For florists, especially those who want to work more sustainably, that can be a challenge. Getting into the shell of nature, the bare branches with larch or pine cones, the evergreen greenery, mosses and dried tendrils - it takes some adjusting.