60 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023
HOSTING WITH
FLORALS
BY RACHELLE WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH GANDY
F
lourishing with flowers has long been a go-to to brighten the everyday. A
pop of dahlias on the entryway table or zinnias next to the bathroom sink
is a simple way to weave a bit of beauty into everyday life.
But what about when the occasion calls for something a bit more grand?
When welcoming guests into your home, adding touches of florals can
elevate any room. As the holidays approach, perhaps this is your chance to
go above and beyond with an arrangement. Offering something more than
stems tossed into a vase can be a crescendo in the melody of your holiday
season. Whether foraged, purchased, or arranged professionally, florals will
set you apart.
In an effort to learn from the best, we called in the experts. Challenging
four local florists with a different seasonal theme and location in the
home, they decked the halls — literally — and showcased the influence that
greenery can have in setting a tone. Using Erin Lake's beautiful historic
(and Preservation Award-winning) home in the Vineville neighborhood as
the starting point, the florists pulled inspiration from Macon's history and
included native plants. Allow their arrangements and tips to inspire you.
Whether you wish to try it yourself or prefer to call one of them for help,
their talents and experiences with florals are here to help you level up.
