A Warm and Welcoming Wreath

Every year at approximately this time, the front door here at 544 Main gets a mini makeover, thanks to Maria Harstone. Each year Maria gathers greenery to create a stylish Christmas greeting in the form of a wreath. If your front door is in need of a little Christmas cheer, there isn’t a warmer way to welcome friends and family than a homemade wreath. Although a wreath is a common Christmas tradition, depending on the shape and materials you choose it can be anything but.

Tips for creating a warm and welcoming wreath:

Consider shapes other than a traditional circle….a square or rectangle perhaps?
Look for lush leaves and fresh boughs. Here in the Okanagan you may have the appropriate greenery growing right in your own back garden. If you have a Cedar hedge, Juniper shrubs, Pine trees, Fir trees, Oregon grape, or my favorites, Boxwood or Laurel, you will definitely be on your way. If you make a vertical slice in the bottom of the braches and let them soak for two hours, you will also extend their freshness.
If your garden isn’t well endowed in the Christmas greens department, put a trip to your local nursery on your list of things to do. At Giardino of Penticton Nursery, you will find an abundance of greens including beautiful Blue Spruce , all ready for you to take home and start creating. If you don’t have time to even think about making your own wreath this year, talk to Charlie and Daniel and they will be happy to custom make it for you. These two green thumbs will also decorate your entire home inside and out with interesting and festive foliage, if that’s what your heart desires.
If you are looking for something unusual such as Magnolia leaves, as I was last year, you can often have a Florist order them in for you. Just be sure to give them enough time.
If you aren’t interested in a green wreath this year, you can make one out of all sorts of other materials. A white feather boa will make a glamorous and dramatic statement just as a solid candy wreath is fun and festive. I once saw a wreath made completely of silver bells (I think it was done by Martha Stewart) and I thought that looked very impressive.
-Embellishing your wreath gives personality. Juniper berries, holly, pinecones, are naturally nice and a beautiful bow will complete the piece. But just like cooking a fabulous meal, you don’t need a lot of ingredience, it is the quality of just a few ingredience that will make all the difference. If all you have is a Boxwood wreath and a bow, use freshly cut Boxwood, as opposed to plastic and a wide (4”), real satin bow, and that is all that is needed.
For supplies, you will need to purchase or make a form in the shape you prefer. You will need a glue gun, wire snips and floral wire. Wire is usually preferred by professionals. To attach the branches to your form using wire, cut the branches in 8” lengths and bind 5-7 branches together to make a little bundle. These bundles can be made up of a variety of greens. Next, wrap each bundle to the form until the form is covered.

With a little imagination and some quality ingredience you will have a warm winter welcome for greeting friends, family and visitors alike.