Preparing For The Festive Season - How to get organised & A festive floral arrangement

[@NicolasFairford]

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for your patience in waiting for this week's episode. I have had the most stressful time trying to upload it since Friday as I really don't enjoy keeping people waiting. Finally it is here and I hope you will enjoy it! Thanks once again for your kindness and understanding x x

[@yukovalentina4162]

Don t worry we love you so much!

[@trevordixon1427]

Thanks...bestest wishes for now and the season before us .

[@beyourownforceofnature7291]

“It is worth the wait, believe me!”♥️

[@socalgirl1680]

Pls don’t get stressed out - technical issues are to be expected sometimes. We all appreciate you ! 🥰

[@eileencoburn8631]

Dear nicholas,please dont put yourself under pressure.your videos are like a comforting embrace,drinking hot chocolate.you are such a perfectionist.entertaining to see.the best i could manage would be more rustic.i did like your previous blonde highlights,lovely pics of you on instragam.you always look great,but more importantly.youre brave,kind and gentle.you have cheered me on a bit of a lonely sunday.x

[@Kexgoija]

Always a class act. Great Comfort. Thanks .

[@normaquintero3598]

Please give us a tour of Edinburgh during Xmas. Thank you.

[@yesbutno3422]

You must show us the Christmas lights in Edinburgh once they're on 🎄

[@cynthiaknott1802]

Definitely! Even if he just walks and narrates with music in the background! It would be lovely and might be a nice break for him!!!

[@rubycorman469]

Great idea ! That would be wonderful 💕💕💕

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

Yes. It will be very pretty scenery: Christmas with light on.

[@ArcherOO78]

Agree ! 🎄

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

Beautiful houses and river at the beginning of the video. We would like to see more of the beautiful landscape . Thank you.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

That’s the Dean Village. Because of the dramatic, hilly geography of central Edinburgh, you get this unspoiled spot which is like an ancient craggy Scottish village nestling in a crevice far beneath the bridges and the Georgian city. It’s a little Brigadoon, walkable in minutes from Princes Street.

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

@@tommoncrieff1154 thanks. You should have your own channel because you know a lot.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

@@ThuLe-eh1xe That’s a nice thing to say, thank you. My grandparents and parents were all from Edinburgh, all long gone now. My mother was born a few streets from where Nicolas lives and my grandmother lived there into my childhood, so although I don’t live there myself, I know the area and its history.

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

@@tommoncrieff1154 where do you live now? Still in London or in USA? I live in USA. Still, i wish that your dreams will be fulfilled. Have a nice day.

[@darlenechandler2403]

@@tommoncrieff1154 Thank you for that information. I have never been to Edinburgh, but always London, but think I should make a trip. Love the architecture.

[@joyceburnett1633]

The reason(s) that I love Nicolas Fairford videos include the fact that I can relax and observe and learn. Unlike 2 other very popular lifestyle influencers here in the USA in the areas of nature, home and food, Nicolas Fairford does not require exacting adherence to whatever he is presenting. Especially, I love that he will unapologetic about putting aside kitchen appliances and using manual preparation when electrics are not really necessary. Decorating by reupholstering, repainting, etc. himself particularly resonates with me because I prefer doing as well and using professionals only when necessary. Most importantly, Nicolas Fairford reminds us to also live a balanced, healthy life....and looks like he does exactly that! Thank you, Nicolas Fairford, for being a wholesome resource for me and many others!

[@bubbleslee8724]

Very much admire how respectful you are of your dog, Sophie I believe, by unleashing her in your walks when available. A wonderful gesture that mankind needs to heed. Our animal friends need our love & compassion. St. Basil pray with us for our animal friends! 🐶

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I so agree. When it is safe to do so, I always give my shih tzus their autonomy.

[@donna7338]

When making a floral arrangement, it's better to start with the taller flowers in the center and then work outward toward the sides with the shorter flowers. When cutting the stems, cut on the diagonal so there's a larger internal cut area exposed to drink up the plant food. Use warm water in the beginning and when changing the water. Warm water will help open the pores of the cut area of the stems to revitalize the blooms. It's like splashing warm water on your face to open the pores rather than cold water which does the opposite. When I do this, the arrangements (depending on the flowers) can last over two weeks. Your home is lovely. I like the "mouse" color you chose. Very elegant.

[@michaelpatterson5811]

That's interesting, Donna - it makes sense to start at the top & work down, with a floral arrangement. Everything in balance that way. Not so sure about the warm water though - a plant (cold-bodied) is not like your face (warm blooded). Because of osmosis (basically, evaporation of water from the leaf surface) a cut flower will grow limp without water. The water is sucked up to the leaf surface - so it's not dependent on the stem cut, down in the water. I cannot think that warm water will do anything but damage the plant's cells - it's certainly not what happens in nature. The cut edge of the stalk will naturally fail first (because it's not getting fed anything nutricious, only water); so cutting the rotting stalk back will help. Therefore, when you are arranging, start with the longest stalks possible.

[@brendadrew834]

Greetings again Nicolas from Yankee New England~ love your beautiful ornaments you have! Since I'm 73 years old and have decorated our Christmas trees for over 45 years, I found over time that it's very hard to get rid of lovely ornaments that one collects, they end up being like old friends one hasn't seen for a year! I had three boxes of ornaments and got it down to one, by sharing old ornaments still in good shape with my children and grandchildren or friends. But, I add new ones I like as well. "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold"..old Girl Scout song! Also having been a fashion illustrator in NYC and a floral designer, I would say that not are you talented and gifted at interior design, you're also a great floral designer as well! Thanks for sharing another lovely day with us and I love how Edinburgh looks, like something out of a magical storybook in those opening views! Much love, peace and namaste~

[@billpickard7848]

Happy Sunday Nicolas and to all☺️

[@sylvaaghassarian1001]

Hello Nicolas! It’s so nice watching your programs, your kindness in showing and explaining every single thing brings beautiful sensations in our small family! Our lovely and affectionately thoughts to you and your unique Sophie! GOD Bless you Forever!👍🙏

[@danielemilegeorges7373]

Très belle composition florale. Merci Nicolas.

[@petalparker5]

The way the sun hits the wall behind you and the artwork is just lovely.

[@suzannes5244]

Always a joy watching your presentations. Always look forward to them. Beautiful beautiful Beautiful Always.

[@roxanneelsey6266]

The stems you thought may be lilacs are from a butterfly bush. I grow that plant in my yard. Your arrangement was beautiful!

[@sharong8511]

The plant is called Buddleia davidii. Aka butterfly bush, summer lilac or orange eye. It’s lovely.

[@donnapecoraro3126]

I commented that as well before I saw your comment. I would not have thought to use them in an arrangement but I shall now!

[@Leafygreen123]

Yes, those are definitely dried flowers from a “butterfly bush”. Gorgeous centerpiece!

[@marilynthomson9564]

Oh Nicholas, your videos are the highlight of my week! You are so talented and you create the most beautiful pieces of art in your home. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@suecox2308]

Your videos remind me that beauty can be found in quiet places and in doing something you enjoy. I'm sorry about the technology issues--if it helps, the result has provided some peace and harmony for us.

[@loissutton8226]

Nicolas I said it before and I'll say it again. You need your own television show. You have so much content. I could make a list and it would definitely go over a year.

[@melissag.1335]

Love your style and personally love when you record your voice over the videos as compared to during. Its so relaxing and festive! Your voice and explanations helps me not get overwhelmed with decorating.

[@maureeneverson383]

I think it’s actually buddleja, lilac is usually out late spring time.

[@Sparklesuz]

yes~ butterfly bush. Lilacs are gone by now :) Beautiful arrangement ~!

[@marypelliott]

Yes, not lilac!

[@jessicasturm9703]

Thank you Nicholas for another beautiful video. The walk through your neighbourhood was so breathtaking. Perhaps you will show us more at a later date. Your floral arrangement was stunningly beautiful. I like your idea of using chicken wire to hold everything in place. Cheers from Toronto.

[@trinitystarclararose7118]

Just beautiful Nicholas. Thanks for the tips and do have a lovely weekend and week two.🌈💕🇨🇦

[@shawkitty2524]

You always pick the BEST background music!

[@carolking6355]

Never give away old decorations. Some of of mine are over 70 years old. I used to buy a few each year. As the tree grew larger that was lovely. My husband died a year ago but I will pass these on to family. I can’t celebrate Christmas any more but the beautiful old decorations will continue. If you bash the stems of roses just an inch at the ends they do last a lot longer and a couple of disprins in the water also helps. Love your blogs 🥰

[@kimlingassam8662]

Hi Nicolas. Love your opening video as usual . Just love watching both you and Sophie taking a stroll among the greenery . Love the Bird Decoration which represents one of your family member who has passed. It's so important that we make time around the Christmas Holidays to remember our loved ones who have departed. Your Christmas decorations tips are great as usual. Love from Trinidad and Tobago

[@cherylcentenioblessedvirgi3241]

Preparing for the Holidays is essential. Organization is always key. Thank you for sharing.

[@taitweigel64]

Soothing music, your soothing voice, and lovely floral arrangement....a perfect vlog.

[@theresiawijaya5465]

A very beautifully arranged centre piece! I love the texture and colours!

[@cc-wy4bs]

Yur town is beautiful/ clean/ quiet/ and charming!!!!. What a wonderful atmosphere you live in💥🌟🦋

[@tinasuarez117]

The cabbages are Beautiful as they make the arrangement divine 🥰

[@michellepereira2328]

The scenery in your town is just beautiful. It’s a great place to take a dog for a walk.

[@suzanne5651]

Beautiful! So glad to have a video this weekend - I do look forward to them! 😊

[@MUM2Erlangen]

Thank you for the wonderful flower arrangement. I think the flower is buddleia or butterfly bush. I wish you a wonderful time preparing for Christmas.

[@dao43]

Hello from California and as always we cannot wait to see your videos! Love your holiday design!

[@jeanash9502]

Hello from Ottawa Canada love your utube videos

[@markg3025]

Who knew that Edinburgh is so scenic and romantic. I find your vlogs so soothing

[@elizabethpodesta9554]

Nicolas i so enjoyed your video it was great to watch look forward to seeing more before Xmas so nice to see a young chap appreciate the finer things in life take care 😀💖

[@louisetregomorgan4907]

Absolutely gorgeous intro , and your home is coming along beautifully Nicholas. It nice to talk and show us how you prepare your decorations two weeks in advance it's a great tip . But your flower arrangement was absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing, caring and being you. 💛☃️

[@snowball4810]

Darling, you should consider becoming a interior decorator! Your home is to die for, thank you for showing us around your beautiful home.

[@0JReynolds]

I’m so happy you were able to post a video. Everything is so lovely 😘~ Janet

[@elizabethcarlo964]

Hi Nicolas, got worried when I didn’t see your post. ……glad everything is ok. ….Beautiful center piece! Love to see the kind and lovely person you are. The ornament that you will place in your tree as a memory of a dear loved family member. That says a lot about who you are, beautiful inside and out! Sending love and hugs .

[@emmar3035]

I simply adore you and Sophie. Wishing you all the best this holiday season, and many beautiful blessings for you and your new beau.

[@chefevilee9566]

What a special tradition for your family pertaining to your sister! That is just so lovely.

[@marilynbunte5376]

So happy to be with you this morning!

[@anuraagbanerjee4033]

It must be so beautiful in Edinburgh with all the Christmas decorations. This video was amazing!

[@mariak3103]

Hello Nicolas! I love your flower arrangement! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Simply beautiful.

[@BratBustersParenting]

Beautiful floral arrangement.

[@akayrk]

omg i have found peace and heaven here literally within 2 second into the video

[@elizabethmaysonet7725]

I'm glad to see you today praying for you sweetie. Lovely view. Love the colors and content. Take care God bless you more.

[@sabrina36963]

Très jolie composition florale , les couleurs ...la forme globale ...tout était parfait ; bravo Nicolas et merci pour le partage . Cordialement . Bethsabée

[@juleereeves]

Lovely arrangement. Your videos are worth waiting for.I weeks retail for years and now that I am off on Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving, that is when I turn the house into Christmas. No Black Friday says mess.Feels a blessing to be able to stay in and decorate and maybe get out for a nice dinner after decorating all day. Please show us your village in it's Christmas finery. We love seeing all the places you go. Hugs from Texas.

[@kaywallace6139]

Lovely walk-about town. Pretty flowers.

[@brendaholliday6866]

Nicolas, I absolutely loved your floral arrangement, it should have been in a floral magazine. Have a fantastic week. Hugs to Sophie. Take care 🥂

[@lyndabond1443]

This was worth the wait and I for one definitely understand how hard you try to make everything perfect. I adored the little green frog ornaments in the shop ! I’m always amazed at how creative and thoughtful your ideas are. The arrangement was gorgeous and the look of happiness on your face while doing it made my day. Thank you for another wonderful video Nicolas 😊

[@mskulagal]

When I lived in London I so enjoyed shopping for Christmas decorations at John Lewis and Harrods. The shops were decked out with all kinds of baubles and the colors were amazing! I miss London but I will enjoy watching you celebrate in Edinburgh. Mandy from Tucson🌵

[@M15Guys]

Fabulous video - well worth the wait - the floral arrangement is a triumph xx

[@d.j.rosscarpediem921]

Tradition in my family is to put the tree up on the last Sunday of the month of November and then to keep it up till the day after New Year. It is such a special time of the year that we as a family made this decision years ago to celebrate the month of December and the beginning of the New Year with the Christmas tree and lights. It is also quite an effort to get the tree up and decorated - thus the idea to rather celebrate the whole month of December. I was in Edinburg a few years back and the Christmas decorations and lights in the City was magnificent! Please share it with us when it goes up?

[@jerrilynernsting903]

Enjoy youur holiday

[@rachaelweidner5665]

LOVED the walk through your ADORABLE little town! And, the flower arrangement and your table setting is just beautiful! I can't wait to see how your house comes alive throughout the holidays!

[@staycurious644]

Thank you for showing us how you arrange your rosebud for the festive season Nicolas 😉

[@aimeemcbride7676]

Your videos make me so happy! Keep up the great work! Sending love from the Lone Star State!

[@dollydog1903]

Love your sofa table... elegant and understated... your signature style.

[@sadatt5056]

What a calming video!

[@elenahdezftv]

Dear Nicholas, I’ve come to enjoy your videos so much! It is really soothing and comforting listening to you and watching your incredibly beautiful videos. I thank you for being there. You are like an angel, because of the kindness and honesty you bring. Thank you so much for your recommendations and ideas. I have remembered that I have no star for my tree 😄. I wish you the happiest and loveliest of Christmas, and I hope that you keep on enjoying everything you do in life, and that you keep sharing it with the rest of us. Wish you well xx 💫❄️🧚🏼🧚🏼‍♀️👼🏻🎄🎄✨💫

[@vickynay9863]

Great episode! What a brilliant idea to use chicken wire like a flower frog! Stealing!!

[@nathalienurse3336]

Beautiful flower arrangement. But then again anything you put your hand to, becomes stunning!………….🤗🇨🇦

[@fkd1963]

Who could not like this? Bah humbug!

[@cindypraytor1491]

I love going to the thrift stores and find vintage stuff so much fun 🤩

[@rosel1884]

Absolutely beautiful. 🌹🌸💐🌻🌼🌺🌷🍓

[@-DA3]

Nicolas - you are an inspiration and are quite breathtaking.

[@martamartin8947]

I love you Nicholas , thank you for sharing.Greetings from NY.🤗❤️🙏🥰

[@dartlanddunbar5842]

I so enjoy your videos! They are an island of peace and tranquility!

[@hectorbrown656]

( Maureen ) Thank you Nicolas , your videos are always so beautiful .

[@claudiaa.6378]

Si beautiful flower arrangement 🥰

[@lindamargolies7759]

Beautiful… lovely gift for someone special 🌺🌸

[@thebritishbookworm]

I love the sentimental decorations. Each year I buy one tree ornament to document the year and it's lovely looking back at them each year and remembering where and when I bought them. Can't wait to see your tree!

[@sylviekins]

I do the same! I started in 1985, and like looking back over previous Christmases, and also choosing something to add each year.❤️

[@Rossismagic]

Beautiful as always Nicolas. You are a man after my own heart ❤️. Thank you!

[@Rufustboone]

Thank you Nicholas for your support on inexpensive items, you are fabulous! Xo

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Absolutely beautiful ! Thank you...

[@sharonmarie3090]

I am always so happy to watch your latest updates!! I am putting up my tree today, took a quick break, and here you are!! I just wish you were here in Kentucky to give me some pointers to make my home as cozy and inviting as yours!! My ornaments are a picture of my life. Everywhere I go, I look for one, put it away and when Christmas comes, I relive all those memories!

[@cc-wy4bs]

Nicholas,, absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement on your dining room table!!!!😁🦋

[@jilljoemolly]

Thank you, Nicolas, for another lovely video. I look forward to them each week. ❤️

[@agds91078]

No need to thank us for waiting patiently for this weeks video because great things are worth the wait! ❤️

[@pantextvertalingen]

Dear Nicolas, You have such an elegant taste! You make this world beautiful! I love your channel! Have a great week as well! Best wishes!

[@bridgetbeckert8655]

I love the ornaments, especially that long crystal beauty!!

[@emil1109]

beautiful!!!!!!!!

[@mikemclane8821]

You did it again Nicolas! Great video as usual! I wipe the dust off of my ornaments and spray on a fresh coast of lacquer which refreshes them as well as protects. Just an old trick that the restorers taught me.

[@brendasanderson2793]

I love watching every thing you do and admire you for loving beautiful things in life

[@tomvalveede6808]

Hello Nicholas! I'm so glad that you decided to hold on to your Christmas tree ornaments from past years. They will all grow to more Special with each year that you use them. I totally agree with your idea of having a Christmas tree with many ornaments! I have been given so many and each year l buy More and the result is a tree that is Encrusted with ornaments, 9" tall it came pre- lir with 2000 clear lights, but l grew up with multi-color lights so l've added another 1,000 new multi-color lights. People who visit are always amazed when they see it. I used a bolt of gold mesh, wired ribbon instead of tinsel garland. Love the Beautiful floral arrangement. My Mother was a florist and she would make beautiful arrangements. 2 or 3 drops of bleach will help to keep the water from going bad. It's a bit of effort, but to make the flowers last, they should be given a fresh cut about every 3rd or 4th day. Also, try to not touch the flower petals as this will cause them to bruise and turn brown. I'm looking forward to more tips and ideas for keeping Christmas! Do you send out Christmas cards? My list is smaller now, l had about 150 l would send and now l'm down to 115. I love to receive them and l hand them on red velvet ribbons on a double doorway. I also have a Nativity that l began collecting when l was 7 years old. Thank you so much you have so much Natural talent and are a Joy to watch! Hope you will make your favorite Christmas cookies and treats, with recipes! Your friend in Kansas City, Tom 😃🍀🌻🍁🦃🌟♥️🍁🎉🇺🇸

[@sylviekins]

Your tree sounds really amazing!

[@tomvalveede6808]

@@sylviekins I would give annual Christmas parties and one of my favorite comments from a guest was "I love coming here to see your beautiful Christmas tree. It's the only thing that can make me feel the wonder and joy as l did when I was a little girl! Thank you so much!"

[@tomvalveede6808]

@@sylviekins Thank you for the compliment! 🎀🎄🎅🌟☃️🎄🎀🎅🌟☃️🎄🎀

[@rebeccafrancis8227]

I think the lilacs are really butterfly bush flowers. You have created a beautiful arrangement!! Looking forward to your Christmas decor!

[@hilkkahirvonen4831]

Lovely as usual 💕

[@judithropata2269]

Hi Nicolas - thank you for your amazing presentation once again - we finally received it this morning Monday in Queensland - but so much worth the wait - because of your lovely Chrismas theme I now feel inspired to do something - loved the walk with Sophie once again - so lovely to see you - I think you are going to be very busy over the festive season with family & friends - best wishes for a great week.

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Delightful to watch the creation come to life🥰💐

[@cynthiaveglia2245]

Hello Nicolas. Thank you for your vlog. I hope you know how much your videos delight so many. I'm sorry it was stressful. Enjoy you beautiful life and home. It seems like the more videos you do, the more you seem such a natural and comfortable brings your sweet and real life to us. God bless you dear. Sincerely Cynthia

[@ht9763]

Your videos are so inspiring.

[@kathyesargent9088]

You are worth waiting for ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aleandraburckhardt9776]

Happy to see the inner child come out to play this season!!! Do enjoy and have FUN whatever you do. Patience allows us to savor the experience a bit longer. All the Best to you and yours!!!

[@mcfloater1171]

Yea ! Love the new paint color! Best wishes for the holiday and greetings from Las Vegas !!

[@tinaavery4720]

It was worth the wait. I so enjoy your walks through the town. The winter flower arrangement is so lovely , thank you Nicolas for your video.

[@user-pc8dl4cy3i]

Where did you learn all these amazing techniques? You possess genuine class, Nicolas! Pretty exceptional for any age. All the best from Santa Barbara, California. ❤️

[@klarissaclairiton9010]

Happy to see you again.

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Looking forward to seeing your tree decorated! The floral arrangement is so pretty.