Holiday Wreaths

It's that time of year when life comes full circle. We reunite with family and friends to reminisce about old memories and slowly… those memories give way to new ones. As guests arrive at your door, there's one captivating way to welcome them: a wreath. Early civilizations used wreaths, symbols of the circle of life, to celebrate special occasions. They were creative in their materials using a variety of evergreens, which survive harsh winters and signify immortality as well as the strength of life. And there’s no reason you shouldn't be creative as well. These days, a wreath can live throughout the year, bringing welcoming cheer to any door, wall, hearth or gate.

The wreaths we craft are typically made of protea, banksia, grevillea, leucadendron, eucalyptus and cones or pods but any material from the store, farmers market or garden will work. Even a few flourishes (like stems of protea) can easily enhance a nursery-bought wreath into a personalized creation. They are beautiful to hang indoors or out, and most will dry beautifully, so you can keep them on display long after the holidays.

Create a new tradition this year by crafting your own holiday wreath… you'll enjoy it for months or possibly even years to come. Here are a few of our favorites from the year nearly past…2022!

A Wreath

It's that time of year when life comes full circle. We reunite with family and friends to reminisce about old memories and slowly… those memories give way to new ones. As guests arrive at your door, there's one captivating way to welcome them: a wreath. Early civilizations used wreaths, symbols of the circle of life, to celebrate special occasions. They were creative in their materials using a variety of evergreens, which survive harsh winters and signify immortality as well as the strength of life. And there’s no reason you shouldn't be creative as well. These days, a wreath can live throughout the year, bringing welcoming cheer to any door, mantel, wall or gate.

The wreaths we craft are typically made of protea, banksia, grevillea, leucadendron, eucalyptus and cones or pods but any material from the store, farmers market or garden will work. Even a few flourishes (like stems of protea) can easily enhance a nursery-bought wreath into a personalized creation. They are beautiful to hang indoors or out, and most will dry beautifully, so you can keep them on display long after the holidays.

Create a new tradition this year by crafting your own holiday wreath… you'll enjoy it for months or possibly even years to come. Here are a few of our favorites from the year nearly past…2019!

Protea, Wreath,

The Day of the Dead

Just like witches, black cats and pumpkins are typical symbols of Halloween, skulls, orange marigolds and monarch butterflies are associated with Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. However, this annual fete, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Though related, the holidays differ greatly in traditions and ambience. Whereas Halloween is a night of terror and tricks, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in a burst of color and life-sustaining joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the intention is to show love and respect for deceased family members.

Día de los Muertos originated in Mexico and Central America where native tribes had specific days when they honored their loved ones based on whether the deceased was an adult or a child. When the Spanish arrived, this ritual of memorializing the dead became two holidays: All Saints Day on November 1st and All Soul’s Day on the 2nd. Día de los Muertos is typically celebrated on the 1st as a day to remember children who have passed away, and the 2nd to honor adults.

These ancient tribes believed that death was part of the journey of life. Rather than death being the end of life, families view death as the beginning of the cycle of seasons and new life. This cycle is often associated with the cyclical nature of agriculture, like crops grown from the ground where the last crop lies buried.

The Day of the Dead is an occasion to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living families in homes, businesses and cemeteries. And as with many celebrations, the days are filled with music and dancing. The ofrenda, is the most recognized symbol. This temporary altar is a way for families to honor their loved ones and provide them what they love while on their journey.

The Boutonniere

Boutonnieres are not just an accessory reserved for weddings or school dances, we’re big fans of boutonnieres for any and all occasions! The tradition of wearing flowers goes back as far as ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Aztecs, who were believed to wear certain colored flowers to show their support for athletes in sporting events.

Historians believe that the boutonniere ritual came about on the battlefields of civil wars in England, where each side wore a certain color or type of flower to distinguish friends and enemies from each other. Boutonnieres also were popular as lapel adornments in the early 19th century. The style of this era started to include coats that folded over at the top, revealing the inside of the buttonhole. Some people think that boutonnieres became popular for weddings and special occasions because flowers were thought to get rid of bad odors, diseases and even evil spirits.

Boutonniere Etiquette

At weddings, there are certain guidelines to follow when it comes to boutonnieres. For example, the groom should have a different boutonniere than his groomsmen and his father as well as the bride's father. And, it’s a nice idea to match the groom’s boutonniere to the bride’s bouquet.

Boutonnieres should be worn on the left lapel of a man’s suit jacket. A good jacket will have a sturdy buttonhole that will support the weight of the accessory, as well as a latch to keep the stems in place. If there is no lapel on the jacket you’re planning to wear, make sure that the designer creates an attractive stem that can be pinned onto your lapel.

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