Bittersweet reminds me of my childhood. In the fall, my friends’ families harvested strands of this woody vine, which grew naturally in the woods around our hometown. Their moms snipped bits from the vines, which were covered in dazzling orange berries, and used them to create beautiful fall displays throughout their homes.
Now, I’m doing the same thing in my home. Nope, I’m not clambering through the woods, hunting for the elusive vines, risking a serious case of poison ivy. Instead, I just open a package of fabulous fakes. I found some amazing faux bittersweet at market this year – the best I’ve ever seen – and we have been going to town with it at Nell Hill’s, using it as the base or accent is most of our fall creations.
I’ve approached fall decorating lots of different ways in my home, from creating grand, jaw-dropping displays all over my house, to adding just a tiny touch or two in key spots. This year, my homage to fall at my little lake cottage is more minimalist. Bittersweet is an important actor in the story, with little sprigs worked into my year round displays, giving them a hint of fall. I love how wispy and airy it is, and how you can make strands of the vine peak out ahead of everything else.
In nature, bittersweet grows vertically, up trees or telephone posts, or it sprawls out horizontally, covering bushes or fences. One of the things I like best about the faux bittersweet is that it’s very easy to twist and turn into a natural-looking positions, so you will swear it’s real. But, in two to three years, it will still look amazing, not dry and brittle, like natural bittersweet will do over time.
I’ve filled today’s blog with inspiration photos from Nell Hill’s. Bev, one of our gifted seasonal designers, shows all the possibilities for decorating with bittersweet.
You can cut small sections to put in arrangements. You can place small bittersweet wreaths under your place settings to give your fall table a spark. Or, use a large bittersweet wreath on your door to welcome guests. Insert sprays of bittersweet into floral arrangements. If you need more ideas, or help getting the displays to look like you want, just stop by Nell Hill’s – we’re excited to help you reach bittersweet decorating genius.
Nancy Kabonic says
September 17, 2018 at 2:44 pmI would like to buy some of your fake bittersweet. Is that possible? Thanks, Nancy
Mary Carol Garrity says
September 18, 2018 at 8:28 amNancy, just give us a call and we can definitely send some to you: 816-746-4320.
Janice Waddell says
September 17, 2018 at 7:36 pmMy daughter and I always eagerly anticipate your Fall Open House and I think this years event was my all time favorite. When we came through the front door and I saw the bittersweet, I had to catch my breath. It is spectacular. My dilemma now is how and where to use it! As an aside, I love it that you are at the Open House in person to say hello and greet customers. It was a delightful mother/ daughter outing and we look forward to your Holiday Open House.
Mary Carol Garrity says
September 18, 2018 at 8:28 amJanice, I’m so glad you and your daughter were able to join us!
Linda Cooley says
September 17, 2018 at 8:19 pmI also would like to purchase some of your bittersweet. Do you do mail order?
Mary Carol Garrity says
September 18, 2018 at 8:27 amHi Linda, just give us a call at the store, and we are happy to ship! 816-746-4320.
Jean O'Neil, PhD ecologist says
September 21, 2018 at 4:13 pmYour article is certainly helpful, but I must ask you to include a caution for your readers on using live bittersweet, or even worse, letting it grow to use. Whille the berries are pretty and attractive to birds and other animals, it is a very invasive plant and can choke a full tree.