I'm dreaming of a white Christmas! Well, it looks like it's going to be another Christmas without snow for all of us here in the Toronto area. So I've decided to decorate my digs in winter white and create my own winter wonderland for the holiday season using silver and white accents, icy crystal and glass bits and bobs, yards of twinkly lights and lots of fluffy fake snow. My inspiration comes from the exquisite floral designs of Lisa Collins, owner of Sweet Woodruff, and the decor of  Tuliptree and Saga and FVK Design. Their snowy white arrangements and tree decorations were a highlight for me at last year's Homes For the Holidays House Tour in Markham and Unionville, Ontario. I know you'll love Collins' winter-white creations, too! [caption id="attachment_1130" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Florist Lisa Collins tied together small bundles of fresh white roses and seeded eucalyptus to decorate this tree. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   1. Winter-white tree decorations Lisa Collins of Sweet Woodruff decorated the tree above in fresh white roses, freesia, seeded eucalyptus and clear glass ornaments, and set it all a-twinkle with clear white mini lights. Simple and elegant! Tip: Insert fresh floral stems into floral water tubes (which are available at craft stores and florists) and then tuck the tubes into the tree's branches or the floral arrangements to conceal them. [caption id="attachment_1131" align="aligncenter" width="196"] Collins decorated a natural Christmas tree with fragrant white roses, freesia and eucalyptus.
Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   2. Winter-white centrepiece with fresh florals Below: Fuffy clouds of white hydrangeas, fragrant roses, green hypericum berries, pinecones and cedar branches have all been arranged in white pots and then set on fresh-cut sections of birch logs cut to various heights. Tip: Cover wood surfaces like tables and mantels with a sheet of plastic wrap before placing fresh floral arrangements on top of them to protect them from the moisture and sap from twigs and branches. [caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="430"] Hydrangea and rose centrepieces by Lisa Collins. Photo by Laura Mills.[/caption]   3. Set the table with nature-inspired elegance Below: I love how white instantly adds luxe and glamour anytime, anywhere. A white colour scheme is fresh, clean, simple and dramatic – and it always commands attention. Pinecones, fallen birch branches and evergreen sprigs can all be found right in your own backyard or at your local nursery. Buy your favourite florals and make your own arrangements of ornaments in minutes! They'll look fabulous with your best china and crystal, setting a stunning holiday table. Tip: If your hydrangeas have wilted in their arrangements after a day or two, don't throw them out! You can revive hydrangeas to last for several more days! Remove the flowers from the arrangement, make a fresh diagonal cut at the bottom of their stems and submerge them completely in a sink full of cool water for at least two hours or overnight. Use something heavy like a can of soup to keep the flowers fully submerged. I promise they'll perk back up! [caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="419"] Fresh white table linens, shimmering glassware and silver-rimmed china dress up the holiday table. Photo by Laura Mills.[/caption]   4. Winter-white mantelscapes Below: A winter-white scene inspires a mantelscape composed of tied bundles of white roses, green hypericum berries and green hydrangeas in silver mercury glass vases on a bed of fresh cedar branches and pinecones. Clear glass stemmed votives twinkle in the centre. Don't you love the lack of symmetry?! [caption id="attachment_1137" align="aligncenter" width="368"] White with contrasting green looks fresh and natural.  "Madawaska Church" by Keith Cornell.     Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]     5. Winter-white touches Below: It's the little festive touches that give our homes the holiday spirit. Collins creates simple wintery arrangements using pretty glass and white decorative accessories from Tuliptree and Saga. [caption id="attachment_1138" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Frosted glass votives encircle a large pinecone on a glass cake pedestal. "Parfaitement Eveille" (skaters) by Robert Roy. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Love this simple idea! [caption id="attachment_1139" align="aligncenter" width="368"] Large pinecones set in white ceramic urns create instant decor. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Just a little reminder that the brighter days of spring are just around the corner.... [caption id="attachment_1140" align="aligncenter" width="277"] White tulips, seeded eucalyptus and pinecones are placed in a white urn. Gorgeous! Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Visit the websites of these creative designers for year-round inspiration. Interiors by FVK Design and Tuliptree and Saga in Markham, Ont. Florals by Sweet Woodruff in Toronto. Art from Tangerine Gecko Art Gallery in Markham, Ont. Add a comment below letting me know which of Collins' ideas are your favourites. Follow me on Twitter.