Transforming a California Craftsman Home with Moody Florals for a Jewel-Tone Christmas
Every great floral design begins with listening. Before a single stem is placed or a ribbon is tied, we take time to understand the people, the space, and the story that will guide the final vision. At Fern Cottage Florals, our design philosophy centers on thoughtful storytelling: using color, texture, and movement to create florals that feel deeply personal and truly bespoke.
This holiday season, that approach shaped our work for one of Redlands’ most beloved traditions: the YMCA Holiday Home Tour, an event that has supported the YMCA’s Legal Aid and Scholarship programs for 58 years. These programs uplift and empower hundreds of local community members each year, making it an honor for us to contribute in our own small, floral way.
Bringing Holiday Magic to the Doll Home
As one of the featured florists on this year’s tour, we had the privilege of bringing Christmas cheer to the Doll Home, a breathtaking 1909 two-story Craftsman owned by Suzanne and Jake Doll, the talented duo behind Uncorked on State. From the moment we stepped inside their California craftsman home, surrounded by rich wood details and their eclectic collection of jewel-toned glassware, we knew color had to be at the heart of the design.
Deep sapphires, rich amethysts, sultry berries, vibrant emeralds; these colors already existed in the space through their dinnerware and glassware. Even the home’s exterior offered its own palette: a beautiful blue-green tone contrasted by burgundy trim. It was a natural invitation to lean fully into a regal jewel-tone Christmas aesthetic using moody florals. We used burgundy and blue flowers like David Austin Darcey roses, anemones and thistle.
To accent this palette, we selected textural holiday elements - velvet bows, brass candleholders, magenta and navy tapers, and moody seasonal blooms - to wrap the home in warmth, depth, and festive charm.
From Mood Board to Reality
Before creating anything, we began with the big picture. Our goal was to craft a cohesive color story that complemented the home, felt intentional, and shaped the atmosphere for all who would step through the doorway during the tour.
During our design consultation, Suzanne shared a collection of her vibrant glassware in shades of plum, raspberry, and sapphire. These pieces became the anchor of our jewel-tone vision, inspiring our floral palette and the decorative details that would bring the story to life. With this shared direction, our mood board transitioned from concept to reality.
Designing the Jewel-Tone Floral Tablescape
The heart of the home’s holiday décor began with the dining table - an extraordinary piece once used as an antique door, now transformed into a stunning table with wrought-iron legs. Its intricate wood carvings were far too special to cover with a tablecloth, so we embraced them.
We created garden-inspired long and low arrangements that echoed the natural curvature of the carved wood. This approach not only preserved clear sight lines for conversation but also allowed the florals to feel like they were growing right from the table itself.
To add movement and guide the eye across the tablescape, we layered magenta and navy candlesticks in varying heights, placed in warm brass holders adorned with velvet and satin bows. The result was a whimsical, elegant display that showcased the jewel tones in both the florals and the homeowners’ beautiful glassware.
Draping a Fresh Garland for the Craftsman Mantel
The original Craftsman home fireplace was another focal point Suzanne and Jake hoped to highlight. We created a fresh Christmas garland using mixed greens; cedar and pine as the foundation; and added layers of florals, dried hydrangeas, pepper berries, pine cones, dried citrus, and soft velvet bows.
To get the perfect symmetrical drape across a mantel, we used one of our favorite florist tricks:
How to Split & Drape Garland for Evenness
- Find the Center: Locate the middle of your garland.
- Cut at the Center: Split it into two halves.
- Hang From the Middle Point: Attach both garland halves to a single hook or nail in the center of the mantel. This creates a balanced, cascading effect.
- Fluff & Fill: Pull branches apart to add fullness and hide the attachment point.
- Add Layers: Incorporate florals, citrus, berries, and ribbon to enhance texture and color.
This method allows the garland to drape naturally and abundantly; a perfect match for the home’s warm, welcoming holiday aesthetic.
Designing With Longevity in Mind: Decor You Can Reuse Year After Year
One of our favorite parts of creating bespoke holiday florals is finding ways to extend their life long after the season ends. For this home, we intentionally incorporated decorative elements within the fresh Christmas garland that could be repurposed and enjoyed for years to come.
The velvet and satin bows, for example, were chosen not only for their jewel-tone richness but also for their durability. After the garland comes down, these bows can be tucked into your holiday decor bin and reused next season; whether tied onto gifts, added to wreaths, or displayed as velvet bows on Christmas tree branches for a timeless, elegant touch.
We couldn’t resist adding dried oranges and limes to the garland… a wink to Redlands’ citrusy roots and its historic orange groves. Once removed from the display, they can easily be strung with twine, ribbon or floral wire and hung on the Christmas tree, added to garlands, or used to embellish holiday gifts.
The dried hydrangeas were chosen with equal intention. We selected varieties in soft blue and green tones that harmonize with the home’s color palette, making them perfect décor pieces year-round. We left the stems slightly longer so the homeowners could repurpose them in a vase; either on the foyer table, the mantle, or anywhere they want to add a touch of texture and color throughout the seasons.
These thoughtful details ensure the design lives on, offering beauty, practicality, and sustainability well beyond the holiday home tour.
The Beauty of Custom, Story-Driven Design
This project was a vivid reminder of why we love bespoke floral design. When florals are guided by personal elements - the character of a home, the style of its owners, the heirlooms and textures already living in the space - the results feel meaningful, immersive, and entirely unique.
Our work at the Doll Home wasn’t just about decorating for Christmas. It was about weaving together a story of color, craftsmanship, personality, and history - one that welcomed visitors into a holiday atmosphere as warm and vibrant as the community purpose behind the YMCA Holiday Home Tour itself.
Bring the Magic Home
If this jewel-tone holiday home has inspired your own festive vision, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply want to add a touch of seasonal magic to your space, our handcrafted holiday arrangements are designed with the same thoughtful storytelling and bespoke artistry featured in this year’s tour.
Order your holiday flower arrangement today and let Fern Cottage Florals help you celebrate the season beautifully.
