In my internet search for beautiful
Christmas wreaths, I was surprised
to find very few I fancied...
maybe due to the fact almost any dang
wreath looks decent from a distance
(like for curb appeal), but up close,
um, not so much.
So while I cringed posting pics of my
wild Frasier Firs with their unruly-lovely,
(Ha!) they didn't seem half bad in their
naturally tousled state relative to
a bunch of unsightly ones out there.
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| Hello Lovely Studio |
Ever wonder about the origin of displaying a wreath?
Here's what the NY Times says:
"Ancient pagan people, endowing trees with spirit, sheltered the branches of life-preserving evergreens through the frozen winter. Early Romans gave gifts of green branches at New Year's, bestowing the wish for health and vigor upon friends and family. Eventually, the branches were shaped into wreaths, symbols of joy and victory in classical times.
The evergreen wreath - its circular shape an emblem not only of perfection and unity but also of the warm, enduring sun - later became a Christian symbol for Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death. It is believed that the holly wreath, with its sharp, pointed leaves, first represented the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross, the little red berries symbolizing drops of blood. Later wreaths were formed from a variety of pines and firs, with evergreens embodying eternal life.
Hung on the door or a window, the wreath has been viewed as an invitation to the spirit of Christmas to enter the home and bring luck, suggesting as well that the Christmas spirit dwells within. Largely liberated now from its painful associations, the wreath has additionally become decorative, an outlet for creativity in an era encouraging self-expression.
A ride through the county reveals wreaths not only of the traditional evergreen branches but also of fabric, straw and woven vines. Pine cones, berries and seeds are joined by figurines of carolers, minuscule gold-wrapped presents, reindeer and Santa Clauses. And birds, flowers, gaily-colored balls and bells make a cheerful potpourri.
Whether lovingly handmade from natural materials or store-bought and cherished through the years, today's wreaths communicate a sense of joy and a desire for peace. Ribbons of velvet, satin and lace encircle doves and other peace symbols.
And whether the wreath is large or small, lushly green or spare, there is nearly always a splendid bow to wrap up all the many meanings and messages of Christmas."
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| Hello Lovely Studio |
sense of joy and a desire for peace because
isn't that just what Christmas decorating
is all about?
My handmade wool pom pom wreaths
are so fun to make and seem right at
home everywhere, in vintage and modern
environments...but I prefer pairing them with
rustic pieces (like my French prayer chair)
since they are so feminine, and I don't want
them to appear overly precious.
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How amazing is this half wreath from
Food52?
And the distressed door!
And the white knob!
The styling is killing me softly.
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| 2. Hello Lovely Studio |
In addition to natural green and wool pom pom wreaths
at my house are paper wreaths like the one below.
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| 3. Hello Lovely Studio |
On with the beautiful Christmas wreath show!
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| 5. Martha Stewart wood flower wreath |
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| 19. Bricolage-Juliet |
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| Desde My Ventana via RoughLuxe |
composition just divine for
a vertical space when
you want a bit of
creative interest?
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For the DIY tutorial of this lacey example,
visit Skona Hem here.
Do you have a favorite Christmas wreath
from the examples above...or any
exquisite ones to point me toward?
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit
Hello Lovely, and I hope the design inspiration
here will inspire you to add to the beauty
and seek ways to bring peaceful decor
to your own spaces.
Here are some additional sources of
holiday and Christmas decor ideas...
and recent lovely posts I hope you'll visit:
