Queen Price Garden Club decorates tree

The Queen Price Garden Club met for its monthly meeting at the Jordan Plant Farm at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. Carolyn Browder was hostess and served delicious refreshments of tea sandwiches, chips, holiday cookies, nuts and soft drinks.

President Elizabeth Tipps introduced the program which included a design demonstration and a talk about the poinsettia. These experts from the Jordan Plant Farm delighted the members with their presentations.

For the design demonstration the speaker illustrated techniques in decorating a Christmas tree. She emphasized the importance of beginning with a focal point, either the top and/or another place on the tree and developing from there. She said that the top of the tree can never have too much decoration. Next, ribbon garlands might be placed. Next, add ornaments of a couple different shapes directly to the branches (avoid hanging them), and repeat the pattern over the entire tree. During her 28 years of experience, the presenter found that working in a triangle shape is most successful. The final step in decorating the tree is to “pull it all together.” The presenter also demonstrated some tips for creating a wreath and mentioned to avoid placing the ornaments in a circle and to fluff it to look good from all sides. The ribbon can be anywhere on the wreath; she prefers the top.

The talk about the poinsettia included history of why the plant is popular at Christmas and how to keep it looking fresh for the entire holiday season She suggested watering it by placing a few ice cubes on the soil a couple times a week and making certain the plant has some light and is never in an area where the temperature is below 55 degrees.

Following the program, President Elizabeth Tipps called the business meeting to order. The club collect was recited. Roll call was answered by nine members. The minutes of the October meeting were approved as read. In the absence of the treasurer, President Tipps gave the financial report. She read thank you notes from Opportunities, Inc., Camp Tyler Foundation, and Rusk State Hospital.

Business focused on the Annual Christmas Home Tour to be held on Dec. 11. Reports were given on the ticket sales for the tour and prize drawings, newspaper publicity, and other arrangements. Members were urged to sell tickets enthusiastically.

The next meeting is the Christmas Dinner to be held at the London Museum at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. Members were reminded to bring a wrapped toy for the Good Samaritan and an ornament for the annual Christmas gift exchange.

The meeting was adjourned and members toured Jordan’s Christmas Village to admire the displays and shop.

Members in attendance were Maybell Andrews, Pepper Bethea, Carolyn Browder, Jessie Mae Burks, Joan Everett, Margaret Higgs, Colleen Randel, and Elizabeth Tipps.