I have had many requests asking if I could share how to create something informal for a kitchen counter or entranceway. The current farmhouse trend has such a wonderful loose informal nature and feel that to be honest suits any décor. This combination of ‘forever’ standard magnolias blooms, a few sprigs of magnolia foliage, long lengths of white dogwood mixed in with a few pieces of grey toned eucalyptus and clustered gum nuts offers up that rustic look beautifully. To take the design to another level, I love them placed into an old white washed milk or cream can. My can started life as a galvanised tin which I gave a quick lick of white wash followed by a bit of dirt brown paint around the rim, handles and the ridged sides. I had full intention of waxing, but love the farmhouse warn look as it is!

You will need to gather:

• Rustic can, bucket, tin of your choice. The one I used is 18” high with a base width of 8” & opening of 4”. This narrow neck although small, is perfect for holding everything nicely in place.
• 2 pieces of magnolia foliage
• 3 stems of white dogwood flowering branches
• 1 or 2 pieces of grey eucalyptus
• 3 stems of white standard or large magnolia blooms
• 3 or 4 stems of gum nut berries