they call me domestiCate

This year I put together an advent wreath for our table…

When I was a kid, each year our church would have a time for wreath-making after church on the first Sunday of Advent. We would all gather around tables full of fresh greenery to fill our oasis rings. There were taper candles and little plastic holders for them with a pointed end you’d jab into the wreath. We would go home with a beautiful, fresh wreath to enjoy through the season.

I went to Michaels in search of the supplies I’d need to recreate these wreaths of yore, thinking I’d use fresh (free) clippings from the bottom of our (soon-to-be-purchased) tree to fill the wreath. Sadly, there were no oasis rings or nifty candle spikes. What I did find was a less than inspiring fake pine wreath complete with taper candle holders wired in. Ehhh. I wasn’t convinced until I saw some sparkly silver dollar eucalyptus. Recently I saw the fab Emily Henderson decorate a couple’s home for Christmas, and instead of using pine garland, she used eucalyptus (it’s shown on in this e-mag on the cover and pages 37-38). It was so fresh and unique! So, I grabbed a few of the fake sparkly versions (I can’t resist the sparkle, especially at Christmas!),

and a couple of sparkly fruit clusters.

I started by nestling the eucalyptus in with the existing pine.

Then I cut the fruit/leaf/berry clusters apart and arranged the pieces throughout the wreath.

I secured it all with floral wire, stuck in some tapers, and was just about done.

For the 5th candle, I grabbed a big white pillar candle I had and placed it on an old gilded salad plate. An upside down wooden bowl gives the plate/candle a bit of height, and is hidden by the wreath.

I love the way it turned out! The good news was that all Christmas decor was 50% off at Michaels, so for less than $20 I came away with this classic wreath I can use again next year.

Generally I’m opposed to using fake florals, but during the holidays I make an exception. The lure of the gold glitter dust gets me every time. I must say that I do always stay away from fake flowers. I guess it’s something to do with the fact that real petals have such a short lifespan. But, I somehow convince myself that fake evergreens and hardy plants aren’t so bad.

I set the rest of the table with stuff we have year-round. Plastic gold chargers (purchased on clearance from Target, Frank’s Grandmother’s dinner plates, my Grandmothers glass hobnail salad plates, and simple napkins tied with sparkly floral ribbon. The tablecloth and runner were wedding gifts.