home decor
HOLIDAY DÉCOR MUST HAVE A HOMEMADE WREATH Putting together your own holiday wreath is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The nostalgic smell of fresh pine alone will likely have you ready to put on your favorite flannels, make a cup of cocoa, and start decking the halls. When it comes to picking out a wreath, it’s important to make sure that there are no browning needles on it. The fresher the wreath you can find, the better. This is especially true if you’re going to be buying your wreath early on in the season, thus needing it to last a little longer. Once you’ve brought your wreath home, give the branches a light spritz of water every other day or so. This will keep it looking fresh,
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SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE
BY MEGAN MEINTASIS
and full of Christmas cheer. The next step consists of picking out your wreath decor. Burlap or checkered ribbon paired with rustic accents, and cotton balls make for a wreath that says trendy with a farmhouse flair, while white or red ribbon accompanied with gold jingle bells and frosted pine cones say classic and timeless. The best part about this step is you can really do whatever your heart desires. When it comes to picking out ornaments and patterns, just have fun. To attach your decor, use a pair of wire clippers to cut individual pieces of floral wire for each item. Next, use the wire pieces to secure the ornaments one by one to the wreath by twisting the ends of the wire together. Be sure to tuck the re-
| DECEMBER 2019
maining wire in where it cannot be seen. For the final and finishing touch, tie a bow using your favorite ribbon. Expert Tip: try placing the bow in a few different spots on the wreath to make the best placement. Then, using a piece of wire, attach the bow wherever it sits prettiest. SJM
LEARN FROM A PRO For more advanced wreaths, consider attending a local holiday wreath-making workshop. This is a great way to see firsthand how the pros do it. Annie of AZ Floral will be hosting a local holiday wreath workshop on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 6-8 PM at Van Ruiten Family Winery in Lodi. This workshop will include a complimentary glass of wine, small bites, and everything you need to make a holiday wreath so you can just show up, get creative, and have some festive fun! 340 W. Hwy 12, Lodi WREATH WORKSHOP TICKETS: AZ Floral Design (209) 327-2611 AZfloraldesign.com
