Scents for the Holiday Season Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Wreaths that welcome your guests with wonderful scents of season - a hint of wonders inside as they step through your doorway - a bit of spice, a touch of pine, and gentle chime of tiny bells. Naturally Christmas - Using a grapevine wreath, a branch of pine with small pinecones, floral wire, a moss-covered branch, snow birds, tiny clay pot, dried berries, or artificial raspberries, cranberries, silk holly, a red bandana, tiny jingle bells, additional pinecones, dried bay leaves, spanish moss, miniature poinsettias, chenille wire, a bit of "snow" textured paint - Decorate and add as much or as little as you like - give your entranceway a touch of Season. If you live in warmer climates, change decor to suit area you live in, or use winter touches to add nostalgia and storybook touches to your door. There is a White Christmas in hearts of everyone! ***************************** Goose Wreath: grapevine wreath, sphagnum moss, a burgundy ribbed velvet ribbon, a tiny bird next and goose figurine, bracken ferns, white German statice, red berries, dried apple, orange, and lemon slices, cut in half. This "nature" wreath emits a fragrance of fruit and spice - a wonderful combination for this time of year. ***************************** Pumpkins still can highlight some of your Holiday decor - Try a truly rustic pumpkin basket trio: Three pumpkins of varying size, hollowed out and cleaned of seeds and pulp. Colros: bittersweet orange, black and trail tan and antiquing paint, an old toothbrush, grapevine, 2-guage wire. Poke two small holes with a pick opposite each other near top of pumpkin, about 1 inch below rim. Cut three or four grapevine lengths, depending on thickness of vine for each pumpkin as a handle. Cut grapevines 28" for large pumpkin, 20" for medium, and 16" for small. Cut two 12" lengths of wire to attach to handle. Run end of one wire through a hole and center wire in hole. Gather grapevine and place one side next to outside of basket with ends hanging about 2" below hole. Tightly wrap wire tails around vine. Attach other end of handle in same manner. Repeat for all your pumpkins.
| | A Welcoming Entrance to the HolidaysWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
The entrance to your home sets stage for family, guests, and neighbors to join in festivities you have planned for Holiday Season. To newcomers - it is very first impression. To others - it is a reminader of care and attention to detail that you hve lavished on Holidays. Your entrance announces to outside world your celebration of Season. All doors have architectural designs that compliment home they are attached to. The most impressive decorations follow these designs and highlight their finer aspects. Even a simple wooden or stock metal door can be transformed into a decorating delight with a handsome wreath of evergreen bows and bright ribbons. If your home also has side lights and transoms, these too should be accented and brought to everyone's attention. Urns, planters, shutters, etc. can emphasize entrance to your home with Holiday touches and even lighting. Natural materials are absolutely ideal for this time of year and can definitely add elegance to any entryway. Wherever you live, whatever type of climate you have, use your creativity and supplies that Mother Nature literally leaves at your disposal. Not only evergren bows, but seedpods, driftwood, acorns, assorted greens, berries, and even seashells, fruit, and vegetables can be turned into options that have color, texture, and appeal.
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