Leaves curl pretty quickly when out of water. Even in water, they have some issues, but use of appropriate floral preservatives techniques, such as a citric acid dip (Floralife Quick Dip) help. Use of an anti-dessicant spray (Wilt-Pruf) may help. They do eventually uncurl somewhat as they age further, but at that point they are turning olive green/brownish. Overall, probably not the best choice for floral use. But you certainly could experiment with it a see how it works. Species, variety, and overall health, age, and condition, as well as environment of the display area all will probably affect the results. Maybe just use it in relatively small quantities at first and see if it works for you, so that you can pluck it out easily if need be.

We're always away for the holidays so I like to keep decorations to a minimum. Since we downsized to a downtown condo last year, our decorations are limited to kitchen/dining/living areas. No holiday decor for master and guest bedrooms or bathrooms. I personally like small items so I limited the decor to a charlie brown tree with some ostrich feathers that I thought I was going to discard (but found new use for them), and some spherical ornaments in a bowl and coffee table. random balls: I like the LED glass spheres because they look like the Amazon biospheres a couple blocks from the condo, so I might keep them on the coffee table after the holidays. :)

Facts According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), 26 U.S. states have laws recognizing interior designers. Some of these states require individuals to be licensed to work as interior designers. Although interior design laws and licensing requirements vary throughout the U.S., those individuals who hold the title of registered, certified or licensed interior designer have met the minimum requirements to offer their interior design services in their state. States Requiring Licensure The states that require interior designers to become licensed are known as practice law states. States including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Nevada have established agencies that enforce licensing requirements for individuals working as interior designers and regulate the practice of interior design along with the use of designated titles for these professionals. Although all these states require interior designers to obtain a license, individuals who conduct their work under the direct supervision of a licensed interior designer or only work with residential clients may be exempt in some states. Basic Licensing Requirements Each practice law state has different education and experience requirements for licensure, but all these states require interior designers to pass the exam given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). To take the NCIDQ exam, applicants must have at least six years of combined interior design work experience and college-level education. Although the NCIDQ offers applicants several ways to meet these requirements, the council does not approve applicants who have not completed one of the six available eligibility routes.

Oh dear. I too have one of those ceramic trees, and I have the perfect spot for it. Alas it was made by my ex-SIL and I have such unpleasant feelings and memories of her, I can't put it out without being reminded. It's so odd...I get along with mostly everyone, but she just sets me on edge with such unpleasant feelings. I know the zen in me says to put it out and explore and be with those feelings, but I just can't...I want decorations to bring me joy. We'll be decorating this weekend and will do pretty much the same as every year. My old wreath on the front window needs replacing, which I've ordered but have yet to receive. Hopefully soon. The angel is a counted cross stitch done by my SIL who had the most incredible patience for tiny stitches. She also did incredible beading. Here are some close ups: Photo a neighbor took of our barn that made the cover of the local paper when we had one...