An Apple Crumble Urn Arrangement

I’m calling this an Apple Crumble Urn Arrangement because it’s ingredients remind me of a classic apple crumble! Simple as that.

I’m prepping this week for my November ‘Quickie’ workshop we’re going to be looking at gift wrapping and making winter/Christmas decorations. With each workshop I run I like to set the tone, especially with my monthly workshops. Nature and constant change within the seasons are what ground them and make them so unique. That is always reflected in the decor I choose to go with.

This month we are still in Autumn, the flowers are still flowering and there are still leaves on the trees. Dark evenings start to bring in the magic and sparkle of the festive period. It’s a wonderful time as we can have both flowers and candles and I want to celebrate and emphasise this moment in the year.

For these simple flower arrangements I used what I had to hand. I’ve been feeling a bit ‘off’ this week so took myself for some peace and quiet at the allotment. It’s looking great over there. I snipped some branches of Sloe, Oak and Blackberries to go alongside these incredible branches of mini apples. They were given to me the week previous by a fellow allotmenter and I LOVE them.

To prep the Urn I used two balls of squashed chicken wire and filled the gaps with moss. The branches are lively and needed a fair amount of support. I went with a gentle trailing shape making sure the elements like blackberries were dotted about evenly. It didn’t take long.

To join it, I wanted to create some candle arrangements too. Using a new and already broken mug (sad face) and an old candle holder. I filled them like the urn, with a ball of chicken wire and damp moss. I found great candle holders last year at Sostrene Grene, however I can only find them on Amazon at the moment. Keep an eye out in Christmas departments for this kind of thing. They only ever appear randomly and are worth stocking up on and keeping hold of.

Using the left over branches and wired apples I added the foliage to the edges of the candle. I’m always scared of things catching fire so try to keep the flammable bits away from the flame! To finish and to highlight some of the ideas we’ll be working with. I made and added little metal star, brass bells and velvet bows.

They didn’t take long and it was a great way to feel connected back in with the season. Nature and making are so good for us. I can’t wait to host and  seeing how my lovely Quickie Ladies take these ideas and run with them. It’s going to be so beautiful.

And as I now have Apple Crumble on my mind. I’m sharing our favourite actual Apple Crumble recipe. My Stanley learnt to make this at cooking club and I must say it’s great!  It’s only a rough guide, interpret as you like.

First heat the oven to gas mark 5/180 degrees.

Cut 3 medium/large apples into chunks and pop into a deep sided baking dish, sprinkle with sugar. Then measure 225 grams plain flour, pinch of salt, 130 grams brown sugar, 150 grams unsalted butter into a bowl and rub together. Add to the top of the apples to cover. I cover mine quite loosely, Stanley prefers it quite compacted.

Bake in the oven until golden brown and apples bubbling. I normally check after about 20/25 mins and then every 7 mins until it looks golden.

Serve with custard (warm) and/or ice cream.