'Working ahead saves a lot of stress'

Floral designer Hanneke Frankema knows better than anyone how busy the run-up period to Christmas can be for florists. You had better be well prepared for Christmas. It is very handy to make a large number of bases in the quiet hours, for example in the summer. Make it so that all you have to do is add a few fresh flowers - although dried flowers are still fine too. If something sells you can then quickly grab a new ground from the stock, hop a single fresh flower in and sell it again.'

'So when making the arrangements for this edition of DPK, I looked closely at fun solutions for beautiful bases for winter and Christmas that can be prepared easily and quickly. Like tea light holders that you can pimp and trendy circles with lots of dried and repaired materials. Also, the appeal of a group of arrangements in different sizes (and prices) is great. Mass is checkout.

'Working ahead saves many overtime hours and a lot of stress during busy days. And, substrates are also super fun to make - I think!'

'This time we must 'seize' in full'

Florist Alex Aalders runs a flower store in Assen. 'I grew up with a father who was into 'gardens', so flowers came my way at an early age. In terms of inspiration I get a lot from creative colleagues, I like to visit trade events, and look at trade magazines, but also architecture, fashion and vacations, bring inspiration. A regular comment I hear is that there are too big and too expensive arrangements in trade magazines - but I always think, you have to get inspiration from them, don't want to copy them.'

'Due to circumstances, Christmas doesn't mean that much to me privately. But, for the store it is of course a super creative and especially colorful time. This is a time we have to 'grab' in full - but on Christmas Eve I'm going to cocoon again.'

'It's hard to say which trends emerge, actually sustainability should be a trend, but yes, this time you sell a lot the wax amaryllis and colored branches. Personally I like Simplicity as a trend - simple in terms of layout and color, on the other hand I can also appreciate something super furry.'

'In every creation I put a piece of myself '

Florist Charlotte Bartholomé is always looking for new materials, shapes, colors and trends. She is passionate about her craft and exudes creativity and enthusiasm. She finds her greatest inspiration in nature. 'Yet for Christmas, I am tempted by traditional values. Christmas speaks in red-green colors and has its own language of shapes: stars, wreaths, little trees. Also Christmas greenery and typical Christmas decorations like Christmas balls, glitter, pine cones, Ilex berries you have to add to your end-of-year creations every year! The colors red, green and gold also guarantee atmosphere and coziness.'

'The great thing about a job as a florist is that you can make people happy. Flowers bring happiness, joy and atmosphere. During the end-of-year period, there is a large selection of greenery and decorative materials, as well as special winter flowers. There are also many different things to do: create bouquets for the store, decorate shop windows, decorate winter weddings, provide table decorations, decorate parties and events. In each creation I can express my creativity and put a piece of myself into it.

Immortal summer

Sometimes the past suddenly catches up with us. That might also be the case with dried flowers. For some time now, they have been popular again. Why, really? Their nostalgic nature? Their low-maintenance nature. Or their durability?

'Nature always tells the best story'

At the Interflora World Cup competition in Manchester, German candidate Nicolaus Peters took the world title. His work is characterized by beautiful details and a refined approach. Who is he and what are his motivations. We spoke to the new world floral art champion Nicolaus Peters two days after his victory. 'I still can't believe I won. It only penetrates me very slowly. It is an incredible achievement, I am overwhelmed but also so incredibly proud!'

'World Cup participation was a fairly spontaneous action'

Floral designer Melissa Smedes after winning the selection round may represent the Netherlands at the Fleurop Interflora World Cup on September 7, 8 and 9 in Manchester, England. Who is Melissa, what inspires her and how will she approach the competition as one of the youngest participants. A conversation with this ambitious florist on the eve of the competition.