The Garden Home Retreat is especially festive in winter because we really deck it out for the holidays. I like to have a new inspiration every year. For instance one year the color theme was orange and chartreuse inspired by clementines and another it was cream and brown from the salt dough ornaments we used to decorate the tree.
Whatever the decorations, fresh cut greenery always serves as the canvas. It wouldn’t be the holidays for me without the scent of evergreens.
When it comes to greenery my favorite is the wreath. The circular shape and symbolism of everlasting life are appealing to me and I use them in a variety of ways beyond hanging on the front door.
Here are three ideas from the Garden Home Retreat you can try at your own garden home.
Using a Wreath as a Table Centerpiece
Set a wreath in the center of a table and embellish with fruit, glass balls, pinecones – anything you have on hand. You can place candles, a bowl of more greenery or a vase in the center of the wreath. Here I’ve used a wreath from my Silver Collection and a silver epergne filled with an arrangement of Noble Fir, pinecones, silver balls, green apples and artichokes.
Personalizing Wreaths for a Gift
Wreaths make wonderful gifts. I like to personalize them to make them unique for the recipient. I buy a wreath already decked out with a bow, berries etc and tie on embellishments with green floral wire. I have a friend who collects nutcrackers so I made her a nutcracker wreath. She can save the wooden figures for decorating next year.
Indoors and Outdoors
I use wreaths both indoors and out. I hang a trio of them on my kitchen windows and on the foot boards of beds. Outside I put them on gates, windows and, of course, the front door.
This Christmas season pick up a few extra wreaths. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll find a use from them in your holiday decorating and gift giving.