262 Principles of Floral Design
Gourds, seed pods, and berries are often used as well.
Accessories may include candles or candlesticks, inkwells,
and other items that were found in colonial households. Many
fl orists refer to a round mass of fl owers as a colonial bouquet.
Williamsburg
By 1700, as some American settlers became more
affl uent, their fl oral designs began to refl ect their new
wealth. Floral designs in the late colonial style, better
known as the Williamsburg design style, were closer in
appearance to European designs of the time. English and
French styles especially were refl ected in the Williamsburg
style. Designs became more complex and sophisticated
and were often triangular or fan-shaped instead of
round. Containers were often imported from Europe. See
Figure 10-18. Today’s Williamsburg designs are interpretive
designs, meaning that they are not necessarily historically
accurate, but may contain plant materials, mechanics, or
containers typical of the 18th century, Figure 10-19.
20th-Century and
Contemporary Designs
Floral design styles developed after 1900 were
commonly known as contemporary designs. However, this
term is now used to mean design styles developed more recently, during the
late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Thinking Green
Soy Candles
Many of today’s
interpretations of the
early colonial style
include candles.
Using soy candles in
recyclable containers
is an environmentally
responsible alternative
to traditional candles.
StacieStauffSmith Photos/Shutterstock.com
Figure 10-18. A close-up photo of present day
Williamsburg holiday decorations reveal a strong
textural combination of materials surrounded
by a collar of shiny magnolia leaves with velvety
brown backs.
Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com
Figure 10-19. Today, during Christmas in Williamsburg, buildings are festooned with garlands
containing fresh fruits. Magnolia leaves, boxwood, holly and even exotic fruits like pineapple are
used extensively.