Do You Decorate with Real or Fake Plants?
When considering the balance between realism and convenience in home and event decorations, the choice between real and artificial plants often comes into play. Each option has its unique advantages and challenges, and many people like me find ourselves leaning toward a mixture of both.
A Personal Preference for Real Plants
Over the years, I've managed to keep only one real plant alive, a testament to the challenges of maintaining greenery indoors. However, my interest in succulents has brought a revival to my plant collection. These low-maintenance plants are endlessly fascinating, and with just a dozen in my home, I can keep up with their basic care requirements. My windowsills are adorned with fresh herbs, and interior spaces are fit with spider plants that prove to be hardy and resilient.
I've even taken up the challenge of caring for an amaryllis that I planted five years ago in front of a south-facing window, splattering it with water occasionally. Its robust blooming every year, despite my haphazard approach, is a rewarding sight. Beyond this, I collect branches and lichens from my property and create eclectic decor pieces by spraying and framing them or placing them in old pottery.
A Necessity at Events
In the context of large-scale events, the use of living plants is a must. For my daughter's 18th birthday and my mother's 70th, I embraced the challenge both times, utilizing real plants for most of the decorations, especially on the main stage. However, the versatility of artificial plants was also harnessed to create an aesthetically pleasing display. I used smaller artificial plants in cute bottles or mini vases, as well as on the entrance tables and around each table for added charm.
These decorations not only elevated the event decor but also invited attendees to bring home these elements as souvenirs. The experience of planning and decorating these events has been truly enjoyable, and I can't wait to take on more such challenges in the future. A snippet from my mother's 70th celebration showcases how twigs and plastic leaves were combined with real baby's breath to create a unique ambiance.
The Mix of Real and Artificial
While I have a personal affinity for real plants, the reality of maintaining a diverse collection of living greenery is demanding. My wife used to take care of the plants, but since she passed, I've been less enthusiastic about it. My apartment now hosts a single small artificial plant as a homage to her care.
The choice between real and artificial plants ultimately depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and the effort you are willing to put into maintaining the living plants. Both options can bring a vibrant and refreshing touch to your home or event spaces, and the most important thing is to find a balance that makes you happy and satisfied.