Choosing and using wreathes and garlands

As the Christmas season approaches, thoughts turn to holiday home décor. Topping the list of must-haves each year are wreathes and garlands, usually fashioned from pine. These perennial favorites grace railings, porch posts, and mantles, and are often accompanied by sparkling lights. Seems we can't resist the urge to Deck the halls, and, come December, our desire reaches compulsive levels.

The idea of welcoming the outdoors into our homes is not a new one. We do it every time we buy a bouquet of flowers and place it on a tabletop, and the holiday season is equally steeped in au natural traditions. Our long-established ritual of stringing up nature's gems, be it pinecones, bittersweet vines, cedar, pine and spruce branches--even boughs of holly-- began with the early settlers of this country. Used to adorn Christmas trees, individual rooms or entire houses during the Christmas season, wreathes and garlands added to the family income after the harvesting season was over. Selling them fetched a tidy sum, which was spent on clothing and household articles.

Other things used in early garlands included cornhusks, mosses, dried fruits, and those famous holly leaves. Basically, people used whatever was still green (or they could dry) during the winter season, which is why conifers were--and are--so popular.

As the industrial age geared up at the dawn of the last century, people increasingly turned to artificial items to fashion wreathes and garlands from. Purists will disparage such innovation, but it makes for an ever-widening variety of materials to draw from when creating artful arrangements. I'm always on the lookout for interesting combinations of nature-made or human-crafted items.

In fact, I'm such a fan of garlands that I use them (natural or artificial) around my house all year long.  Nowadays there is such a vast array of materials to choose from, that my home can boast holiday-type spirit through every season. Among my favorite wreath and garland combinations: olive branch and bay or magnolia leaves; grape vine or twigs with berries or chili peppers; boxwood; any type of pine or spruce mixed with pinecones and walnuts spray-painted silver and gold. The combinations are as limitless as the imagination!

If you're pressed for time, many retailers offer wreathes and garlands in all shapes, lengths, textures, colors and price points. Some of my favorite places: Pier 1, One Kings Lane, Michael's, West Elm and Wayfair.

Whether choosing pre-made items or creating your own garlands and wreathes, remember, there is no "right" or "wrong."  Go with what makes you feel great whenever you gaze at it, inhale the scent of or touch it. Go basic, get wild, or choose something in-between.  Take some time during this hectic holiday season to treat yourself to the stylish touches that turn your house into your favorite place on earth.