Photo: Chronica Domus
There is nothing like a wreath made with freshly clipped greenery to announce the pending arrival of upcoming holiday festivities. I like to look upon this humble decoration as an official calling card of the season. Once espied upon neighborhood doors, I know unequivocally it is time to get my act together and begin the decoration of my own abode.
This past Saturday, I did just that. I think the cooler weather has helped set the mood around here. We are experiencing the coldest December in recent memory, just as it should be I feel. In milder years, I have a far more difficult time psychologically preparing for Christmas so the recent rains and cold snap have reinvigorated the spirits and bolstered my resolve to get things done. In fact, it has been such a profitable weekend that I have somehow managed to decorate the Christmas tree as well, a personal best so early in December.
As I was determined to bedeck my door with a wreath by day's end, I set about looking for suitable greenery and then settling upon an appropriate shape. Yes, a shape. Now, as you might have already guessed, I am an unapologetic traditionalist when it comes to most things. I do, however, like to put a little creative spin on matters whenever the mood strikes, and ramp up the fun, especially so around Christmastime.
Decisions, decisions, decisions: round, square, oval, or rectangular, that is the question
Photo: Chronica Domus
An expeditious visit to the San Francisco Flower Market early on Saturday morning provided me with the basics. I fell head-over-heels in love with a beautiful wreath I had seen for sale at one of the flower seller's stalls which provided the inspiration I needed to make my own. The item in question was a traditional circular wreath, made of the freshest mixed foliage, and was, shall we say, for sale at a king's ransom, at least as compared to the more prevalent plain-Jane spruce and fir varieties. Not to worry though, as fortunately for me, I enjoy the process of making wreaths, a handy little skill that was taught to me by my friend Sue when I first moved to California. I remember Sue taking me to her mother's house in Burlingame, where we collected clippings from the towering Redwood tree in the garden. Sue taught me to make small bundles from the clippings and wire them to a frame she had jerry-rigged from a wire coat hanger. I clapped with delight as I stood back and admired our handiwork, an uncomplicated and beguiling natural decoration. Sue had unraveled the mysteries of wreath making and it really wasn't all that complicated. I've been making them annually ever since.
A paddle of 28 gauge green floral wire, fresh greenery, and a metal wreath form and soon you too will have a beautiful wreath to hang upon your door
Photo: Chronica Domus
I purchased two small bunches of Calocedus decurrens, commonly known as incense cedar, and a gigantic bough of Picea pungens or blue spruce, all for a fraction of the cost of the pre-made wreath I had admired so much. To that I added clippings of bright green Arborvitae from my own garden.
The wreath coming along nicely
Photo: Chronica Domus
Upon my return home, I set to work clipping the greenery into small pieces of about three or four inches in length, gathering them into little bundles, and wiring them to the frame as I went along. The process of construction progresses rather swiftly this way. The fresh woodsy aromas of the spruce and cedar which fill the air are so evocative of the season, something I enjoy immensely. Sadly, I believe I might have a slight allergy to the beautiful golden seeded cedar for I found myself sneezing countless times by the conclusion of my project. I was beginning to think that I had been afflicted with a dreaded cold, the last thing one needs at this busy time of year. Thank goodness the two wreaths I constructed will be hanging on the outside of the house and not inside. Ah well, all the commotion of the sneezing fit is just a small price to pay for the finished results I think.
The front door wreath hangs in place
Photo: Chronica Domus
Reflective glass makes photographing the front door quite a challenge so here I have photographed it opened into the entry vestibule
Photo: Chronica Domus
Oh no, what's this? Muddy evidence of the nightly peep show as sociable little raccoons
peer through the glazing of the front door
Photo: Chronica Domus
In a little over an hour, I had constructed a simple rectangular evergreen wreath for the front door, and a square one for the side entrance door at the back of the house. I really like the unconventional shapes I selected this year and feel they compliment the angular design lines of both doors. What do you think?
Photo: Chronica Domus
Unadorned by bows and ribbons, I think both wreaths reflect the simple beauty found in nature, a beauty which is hard to improve upon. I hope you like them as much as I. Now that the wreaths are in place, I can focus my attentions on adorning the inside of the house with the remainder of the blue spruce and arborvitae. Into the compost goes the incense cedar though.
Tell me, do you bedeck your doors or windows with wreaths at this special time of year?
You're soooo good!!! I don't think I'd do a wreath myself. I do have two bauble wreaths that I was going to ignore but now might put them up out the front door. There are some fabulous ones here but they cost an absolute fortune! But I did put tinsel on my window sill and on a painting with some red berries and that's about it...I'm pretty useless
ReplyDeleteOh, that is funny! It seriously takes a while for the Christmas spirit to build up around here but this year, I feel it coming on strongly. It is not as though I "over" decorate though. Simple and a few things.
DeleteI've seen some fabulously creative wreaths in London on past visits with all manner of embellishments (cinnamon sticks, dried citrus fruits etc.). Somehow, they all manage to look so tasteful against those glossy Georgian doors.
Hello CD, Kudos to you for having the energy and initiative to make these unusual wreaths. I think that they will convey the message that waiting inside is a domestic and holiday setting of unusual cheer and distinction.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim,
DeleteMaking wreaths to hang upon the doors has become an annual rite of passage. It really puts me in the mood for Christmas and is always the first thing I cross off my list in readiness of the big day.
Simply Charming. So elegant and graceful, with all the small bundles so perfectly gathered into the sophisticated squares.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your creativity and talent---my creative gene got left out at birth, along with the unlamented Shopping one and curly hair. What an auspicious beginning, as you gather and unwrap and bring out all those exquisite glass goodies of all kinds, and perfume the house with evergreen and spices.
Our tree's up---an odd thing for me to say, for we customarily have several, but not this year. We're clearing the decks for several extras in the house for Christmas, so tabletops and counters must be cleared for more important things, like making cookie houses and beading and paper-cutting and such.
The purple doors just call to me---I've been sorely tempted to use the last of this PINK paint on the front door---it's covered in a sturdy, stalwart wrought-iron security one, so I don't think it will be too garish.
And I kinda like garish sometimes.
Happy December days and doings to YOU!
rachel
Hello racheld,
DeleteOh, don't feel too bad about having missed the shopping and curly hair gene for I'm lacking both. I do not believe for a minute you are lacking the creative gene because I see it in your colorful writing.
Now, about that pink door. Life it too short to ponder the issue for much longer. Just do it! You'll be pleased as punch that you did, and when you do, please post about it.
Bravo for creating your own gorgeous wreath! I love the square and simple, yet bright, aromatic style!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
More Books for the Holidays!
Hello Karena,
DeleteThank you for your kind comment, and yes, they are certainly aromatic and a little bit sneeze inducing.
Love the square shape! We have a simple wreath (from trader joes though, not home made) which I left unadorned except for the addition of 3 pinecones I wired in -attached to our lamppost in front of the house. Our front door is a high gloss purple so not really condusive to a wreath!
ReplyDeleteThe greenery clippings from the tree however I used on the mantel as usual but instead of adding ribbons and glitter, I left unadorned as well with the exception of a few sprigs of viburnum berries snipped from the neighbors shrub.
Somehow simple just felt right this year.
Hello AD,
DeleteI think those plain-Jane wreaths hold endless possibilities for adornment and pine cones are the perfect finishing touch I think. I love pine cones in all shapes and sizes and so appropriate to use around this time of year.
I have to tell you that although I had every intention of composting the incense cedar, due to my sneezing fit, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead, I too adorned my mantelshelf with the clippings.
Love love the square and rectangular wreath shapes. You're so creative making your own, the custom look suits both of your beautiful doors.
ReplyDeleteI have wreaths up on the front door, the large front window and on the door and windows of our garden shed. I bought mine pre-made though so I only had to hang them up.
Now I need to get the greenery in for the indoors, our tree and boughs for the mantle. I love decorating for Christmas, even if our weather this year is so mild I feel like we could be in California! XO
Hello Dani,
DeleteSo pleased you liked this year's wreaths. I never quite know what they'll end up looking like no matter how well I plan ahead.
Your house must look so festive with wreaths on windows, doors, and the garden shed to boot! I'm assuming you'll be posting on your lovely blog about them soon.
Being more than usually distracted at this time of year, I was going to cop out in the Xmas wreath department until reading this post. You have inspired me to at least consider a bespoke wreath (the average store bought ones are boring) but whether that happens or not, once again you've engaged us with a beautifully presented essay, for which, many thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted, Mr. Worthington, to learn that I've played my little part in spurring you on to get your wreath up this year. Even if you succumb to a store purchased wreath, you can adorn it with berries or pine cones, or something equally festive, creating a "bespoke" look to satisfy your creative juices.
DeleteCD,
ReplyDeleteExpert job on the wreaths. I hang a faux berry wreath from Restoration Hardware (bought years ago at an after Christmas sale). I did manage to create my centerpiece for the dining room all by myself using evergreens and a florist oasis. We have a proud stag that graces the center for the arrangement.
Happy holidays to you and yours. I pray we get some of that much promised El Nino rain in Southern California very soon.
Karen
Hello Karen, and thank you.
DeleteSounds as though you are well on the way to adding some festive cheer to your house with your wreath up and dining table decked with greenery and stag.
I too wish you benefit from El Nino's precipitation. Put it on your Christmas list and make sure Santa sees it.
What a beautiful wreath. I'm envious that you have chilly weather. We are unseasonably warm.
ReplyDeleteJello JL,
DeleteThank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the wreaths, and I'm sure your warm weather is our cold.
Clever you. Sadly we have no firs here, so as I do care for the fake ones, there will be no wreath. The condo's Christmas tree, (fake) will be decorated by me on 18th. It's my little contribution to the season. (And I have almost had an apoplexy when I've seen the staff decorated tree in years past. Your endeavours in your past Christmas decorations are so stylish, and unfortunately we can't replicate that standard here without the appropriate foliage; in these circumstances I'd rather there was nothing, but I make a concession by making sure the tree isn't too ghastly.
ReplyDeleteDear columnist,
DeleteYou have enough creativity in you to forage for nearby greenery and make a wreath that truly reflects the local flavor. Give it a shot and see what you come up with.
Glad to hear that the condo's tree decorating is once again safely in your hands. I look forward to a post all about that soon.
"As I do NOT care for fake ones..."
ReplyDeleteOh, I knew what you meant. No fake-mongery for me either! Shudder at the thought.
DeleteYou are brilliant! And the wreaths are brilliant. I love the simplicity and natural look very much. We don't usually hang anything outside as it gets really windy and everything starts flopping about, so it's just lots and lots of little lights for the outdoors and some decorations for the rooms and stairs. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalia for your effusive praise of my humble little wreaths. Perhaps you can hang a wreath on the inside of your door to convey the Christmas spirit, or on the inside of your windows.
DeleteSome years we hang lights on the outside of the house too, but not often. We don't have a power outlet outside so trekking yards of electric wire around the side of the house to the back and through a cracked window becomes quite a production and one I'd rather not think about.
Well I'm very envious at your ability to have real greenery for a wreath on your front door! I'm afraid it's too hot here - everything would wilt before the big day. We have already had some blasts of Summer heat (40C), and are up for more next weekend as well, so I hate to think what a sad entry to my house that would be!
ReplyDeleteBut I do love your creations, and it sounds like a wonderful project to get you into the Christmas spirit. I also love the non traditional square wreath.
Oh, Heidi, I've just thought of the perfect material for a wreath that could withstand the stifling heat you are experiencing. Have you ever seen "live" wreaths, made of succulents? I can just imagine a circular one with emerald green succulents hanging upon your door.
DeleteWell done CD. You are your father's daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, GSL, but not quite. He's much better at cutting and hanging wallpaper than I am. Cloth too.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful. And yes, wonderful without bows and with the shapes of your doors. I so admire your aesthetic, skill and patience.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you so much, Lisa, so kind of you to say so.
DeleteI'm not quite sure how it all comes together sometimes, but it always does, and I am always surprised when these wreaths are finished and don't look half bad, even if I say so myself ;-)