I'm going to toss some pruners in the van so that when I see a nice berry bush on the side of the road, I'm gonna cut some! I want to make a nice natural arrangement in a HUGH pot for the front walkway. I've already identified some likely candidates!
I tried to preserve some magnolia leaves once. I wanted to make one of those fan shaped arrangements for over my front door with magnolia leaves and fresh fruit. It would last a while here because it's cold.
I haven't tried to preserve magnolia leaves. Wife bought some dried ones a number of years back at a craft show, so we use those. We have a wreath form with spikes for fruit. Citrus usually lasts pretty well (we're not using it this year).
You need to come down and see Williamsburg at Christmas.
I have a nandina bush out back. But the birds keep eating all the berries.