10 Wreaths To Make You Want to DE-CO-RAAATE!

I know a couple of people who couldn't even wait 'til Thanksgiving to crack open the Christmas decorations - and, ok, MAAAYBE I'm one of them - so now is the time to start amassing our decorating inspirations, people!!

And since you KNOW I'm here to help - and to enable your glitter addiction - here are my 10 favorite wreaths from Orlando's Festival of Trees. (Yes, wreaths. I'm starting you off small!)

First up:

Loving that one ornament hanging down in the center. Talk about a perfect way to show off your favorite!

Oh, and I'm telling you now, guys, the trendiest trend this year is definitely peacock feathers. I thought they were big last year, but from what I've seen at the Festival and stores around town, this year is going to be drowning in teal, green and purple feathers.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you; I'll be proudly decorating my steampunk tree with plenty o' peacock goodness again this year. :)


 It doesn't show well on film, but this wreath was especially stunning in person:

I love the reds with the feathers and wood tones - so much so that I'm planning on changing our back room tree to a similar color scheme. (SO. EXCITED.) (And if you're new here: yes, I have two Christmas trees each year. DON'T JUDGE. :p)

I bet you can guess why I love this next one:

 ORANGE AND GOLD GOODNESS!!

I'm also a big fan of using large accent pieces like those reindeer. Really gives the wreath a few key focal points. (You see that a lot more with designer trees, too: the bigger, the better.)


Here's a sweet option for bakers:

Again, one big accent piece really makes the whole wreath. You could use a wall plaque, lightweight statue, or even a favorite stuffed animal. Then buy a few coordinating ornaments & ribbon, and you're good to go! (The cookie cutters are a nice themed touch. I've seen baking themes with those pretty copper bundt pans & cutters, too.)


Not a wreath, but glamorous enough that I hope you'll forgive me:

I keep seeing cheap glass vases like this at Ross and HomeGoods - usually around $15. So let's see: fill it with mini ornaments or beads, stick a few big strands of pine garland in the top along with some spriggies and bigger ornaments...? Eh? Play your cards right, and I bet you could make your own for $30 or $40 -  less, if you use stuff you already have.


Ok, back to wreaths:

LOVE that top hat. Together with the plaid ribbons and rustic burlap and berry touches, it's got a fun Dickens vibe to it.

(I'm torn on burlap: I love the rustic look, but I also love glitter. Like, I NEED THE SPARKLIES, you know? Hm. Maybe if I dipped burlap in glitter...)


Check it: MOAR PEACOCK:

Really like the woodsy approach with the grapevine and faux pheasant feathers. Plus it's just so full. Most wreaths I look at and think, "Meh, I could do that." Not this one. It's got a whole tree's worth of stuff on it!


This would make a fun New Year's wreath, assuming anyone actually makes such a thing:

Good for music lovers, too, but mostly I just like the classic black, white, and silver color scheme. Feels really posh and vaguely Art Deco, don't you think? (I was about to say it needs mirror ball ornaments, but then I spotted the one under the bow! So... it just needs more mirror ball ornaments.)


From classic to colorful:

I still love lime green, teal, and fuchsia. They're just so cheerful together. (Any of you playing with that new mesh garland stuff that's all the rage? Because it is awesome. The perfect filler, and easy to mold, too. I want to find some in copper next for the steampunk tree.)

 And finally, a wreath with no greenery at all:

Red, bronze, and gold. YESSS. (This was the other wreath to convince me to change my color scheme this year.) And the little bird perched in the middle is perfection itself. LOVE IT.


And FINALLY finally, if any of you Whovians have an Old Time Pottery near you, go buy this bell:

Stick on some eye stalks, a mini whisk, and a plunger, and you'll have the most festive Dalek EVAH. (I would do it myself, of course, but it costs $25. TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS. To which I say: Bah. Humbug.)

I hope you got some ideas here for your own decorating endeavors, guys! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to fluff my tree, IF you know what I mean.

(It got a little smooshed in the garage. What?)

*********

PS - Last call for Betty Martin, one of my art-giveaway winners! Please e-mail me, Betty, to claim your prize!