A couple weekends ago, my mom and I were admiring some beautiful wreaths and swags at the local garden center; they smelled so good, and were so Christmasy! There really is nothing like the real thing when it comes to greenery at Christmas… and really, there’s nothing like the real thing with just about anything in life, I’ve decided.
But instead of buying them, we wanted to make our own — and so yesterday we did. Across the street and through the snow we went, clippers and bags in hand, to the park across the way. We gave some of the trees a ‘light pruning’ while filling bags with fragrant boughs, then cleared off their dining room table, turned on some Christmas music, brewed tea, and got to work.
We learned quickly that gloves are a must for a project like this!
Our creations began to take shape, and we admired each other’s work, exclaiming how that wreath and those swags were even better than the ones we could’ve bought. And how they were totally local, totally fresh, and totally free. What satisfaction to make something so beautiful! They smell incredible, too — something I didn’t really expect from city pine trees. Like a mix of fresh Christmas trees and wood smoke.
Here’s the wreath my mom made for the front of their house. Isn’t it beautiful!! I love how she added pine cones and some bare lilac branches.
Here’s the swag I made for inside our apartment:
A miniature one for the bathroom:
And a table centerpiece:
I love fresh winter greenery in the house!
*****
That is so wonderful!!
Good job ladies!! Very inspiring.
They look delightfully festive and natural! And that’s about as local as you can get–from across the street :). They’re great!
So beautiful! I love the smell and color of fresh pine.
So festive and I bet your decorations smell SO good!! I love, love the smell of fresh pine 🙂
They do, Aja! I keep getting whiffs as I pass the big one in the hallway! LOVE it.
What a fun activity for you and your mom Lindsey…and such beautiful, festive pieces for your homes when you were done! I’ve been doing some dried, winter arrangements and have found collecting the materials is part of the pleasure…it’s the forager in me!
Jane,
I’m with you — gathering is half the fun! Foraging seems to be in my blood, too!
Love
Lindsey