Saturday 11 December 2021

Deck the Halls

 


I am very aware my eating habits have left a lot to be desired lately.  Meals have generally been rushed, thrown together and not as healthy as I would like. With this in mind, and with no need to hurry out of the door first thing, I began my day slowly, with a large bowl of delicious warming porridge, complete with a generous dollop of blackberry and elderberry compote stirred through. It was delicious. I really should take the time to make this on weekday mornings as well, as there are still plenty of berries in the freezer. 
I spent much of the morning catching up with housework I'd missed during the week. I quickly washed the dishes, which I'm ashamed to say had been left over from the night before, and yet another mountain of ironing was dealt with. In between putting even more loads of laundry in the washing machine, the houseplants were watered and the pine needles swept from the porch. I also completed the thankless task of cleaning the bathrooms.

Mundane chores accomplished, I had set aside the afternoon for making my wreath. I've done this for several years now and I really enjoy the process. You might remember I collected some fallen branches and pine cones a couple of weeks ago, and since then I've been waiting for an opportunity to transform them into something I would be happy to display on the door. I made a quick dash into the garden in the pouring rain to gather some fresh holly and ivy before laying it all out across the living room floor. Yes, it was messy, but I didn't care, it was much too cold to have done this outside, I learned that lesson last year :)


I began by attaching the pine branches to the base hoop using some floristry wire, then wrapped around the ivy, weaving it in and out. The pine cones were added next, leaving the sprigs of Holly until the very last - it is so spikey! The finishing touch was some festive coloured ribbon tied in a bow. As you can see, I've gone for a traditional look this year and I'm quietly pleased with the result.


So much, in fact, that I used the leftover branches to create a small table centrepiece. 


I just realised I never did post a picture of our little tree. So here it is, in all it's perfectly imperfect glory. 

J. X

40 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wonderful day and they are wonderful photos. I too have caught up with housework and YES the bathroom is a THANKLeSS task!

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    1. I am always playing catch up with the housework. X

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  2. Your wreath is lovely and so artistically done. I would buy that if I saw it in a shop - and all from found materials! The orange slices really sparkle in the tree, well done!

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    1. Thank you, Chris. I was pleased the holly produced lots of berries this year. X

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  3. Your wreath is beautiful. My least favourite cleaning task is the bathroom and the shower, that's why It's on my husbands list, ha ha

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    1. Thank you, Maggie. I really dislike cleaning the bathrooms but there is a real sense of satisfaction once it is done. X

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  4. That holly wreath is a delight and so professional looking. Well done you.

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  5. Your wreath looks fabulous and your little tree looks wonderful.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I really enjoyed making it. X

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  6. Your wreath looks lovely and I so love the little angel mouse hanging in the tree :)

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    1. We've hung him a safe distance away from Peter the Polar Bear. X

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  7. The tree and wreath are beautiful - simple, natural and just beautiful xx
    The mundane stuff does often it in they way however once it is done - it does feel good - less pressure.

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    1. Thank you, Kate. I'm sure it took me just as long to clear up my mess as it did to actually make the wreath. X

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  8. Beautiful, just lovely. Well done!
    xx

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  9. You should be loudly pleased, not quietly. Your wreath is quite lovely, well done.

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  10. Your wreath and centrepiece look really lovely.

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    1. The centrepiece has a berry scented candle, so it smells lovely and festive. X

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  11. Beautiful. You've made a great job of the wreath, and I love your sparkly tree.

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    1. Thank you, Jo. I like a bit of sparkle. X

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  12. Oh so lovely! What a beautiful Christmas tree!
    Titti

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  13. Your wreath is beautiful. Yuk housework but satisfying when it's done.

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. There is something very pleasing abut a clean and tidy house. X

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  14. There's no better way to start the day than a slow bowl of porridge. Oh dear, I am terribly behind with my household chores, as I was knocked out all last week with an awful lurgy (of course monsieur did not do them for me! :0 )

    Your wreath is so pretty and the orange slices look so beautiful with the light shining through them. I spy that little cute mouse too! Lulu xXx

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    1. I'm all out of compote now, so I've just raided the freezer for some more berries.
      I'm glad you're feeling much better. X

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  15. Oh,it's so Beautiful and I love the shape.xx thinking of you.hugs xx

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  16. Oh,WOW what a clever lady you are the wreath is just amazing and your table centre so pretty well done you.xx

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    1. I'm really pleased with the centrepiece, and it would have been a shame for the extra foliage to go to waste. X

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  17. Your wreath is so pretty and I'm sure it smells wonderful! Your Christmas tree is lovely, too! I really like those dried orange slices!

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    1. Thank you, Bless. I love how the orange slices appear to glow. X

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  18. I always make a winter wreath from garden bits and pieces for my door at this time of year but I've been banned from sticking anything bear our new front door - boo! x

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    1. That's a shame. Perhaps you could hang one elsewhere. X

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  19. Makes me almost feel festive, well almost ;-)

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  20. Traditional all the way for me...what a delightful looking tree. x

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