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HOW TO MAKE A PEONY WREATH



Want to make a peony wreath for spring and summer? Inspired by my friends Kelsea, Loren, and Sara Kate, I set out to create my own peony wreath before my sister came to spend the night at my apartment. What's more welcoming than a fragrant wreath made with everyone's favorite flower? Nothing, that's what. Here's how to make your own: 


1. Gather your materials.
You'll need the following:
- Green chicken wire
- Green floral wire
- Wire cutters
- Wire clothing hanger
- Greenery of your choice (I used a combination of boxwood and plant stems)
- Flower of your choice (I went with hot pink and white peonies)


2. Bend your chicken wire into the shape of your choice. 
Secure with floral wire.


3. Cut a wire clothing hanger and weave the ends into your chicken wire.
Secure with floral wire. If you have a strong hook or nail, you may skip this step.


4. Arrange greenery into your chicken wire.
Longer stems can be woven through the wire. Smaller pieces should be secured with floral wire. This would be especially easy with garland during the holiday season.


5. Place your peonies.
This is the fun part! I wound up using one and a half dozen blooms but you can adjust depending on your color scheme, whether you prefer an organic or structured look, etc. Secure with floral wire as necessary.


6. Hang and enjoy.
I almost wish I made this with artificial flowers so it would last forever but the smell is too good to resist. These wreaths would be perfect decor for a party or a wedding and definitely make a thoughtful touch for house guests. If you decide to make one, tag me on Instagram (@mackenziehoran #designdarling) so I can check it out! 




WEEKEND WARDROBE

hat  //  sunglasses  //  bracelet  //  anchor dress  //  bag  //  bow sandals (also available as wedges!)

This weekend Will and I are off to Princeton reunions. I've never been (and feel a little out of place as a Bucknell grad...) but I'll get to hang with a bunch of our friends and spend some time in the sunshine so no complaints here. I'm obsessed with this darling little anchor dress and I can't wait to get my hands on these bow sandals — just need to decide whether I'd get more use out of the flats or the wedge version. Any opinions? 

I'm sad to be missing the big polo match this weekend but it's crazy how quickly my summer is filling up with seasonal festivities: baseball games, jaunts to Nantucket, wedding weekends... In my opinion t's the most wonderful time of the year! And not just because I have a summer birthday ;) Have a great weekend and before you go, tell me: what's one thing you're looking forward to this summer?


10 UNDER $100


Ten fashion and home finds for less than $100. Have you scored any good deals recently?