Deck the halls with boughs of holly…Fa la la la la, la la la laaaaaaa.
What is the origin of the traditional Christmas wreath?
If we go way back, wreaths in their earliest form were more like boughs of evergreen, these were laid in Greek and Roman temples to appease the gods to bring a bountiful harvest. An example of this would be the pagan festival of Saturnalia, held in mid-December, an ancient Roman pagan festival honouring the agricultural god Saturn. Offerings and appeasements were common practice for early systems of beliefs, and the development of the wreath we see today has roots in Pagan yuletide practices later adopted and adapted by early Christians. Pagan religions also believed evergreens kept evil at bay and would bring good fortune.
Although the wreath developed from here, the wreath seen today is more that of the German advent celebrations seen from the 16th Century. During this time bringing home evergreen boughs (large branches) was common practice, as prior to advent people would trim and shape their trees into the shape of a triangle to symbolise the holy trinity.
What does a Christmas wreath symbolise?
There are many variations of the meaning of a Christmas wreath, however the traditional wreath we see today is said to follow that of a teaching tool, used in the late 18th century, by theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern. It is said that Johann used a wreath, with a cartwheel as a base, to teach children, at a children’s home, the meaning of Christmas and why it was so important.
Unlike today’s wreath’s this wreath lay flat on a table and consisted of fir branches and 24 candles. Red candles were used for the weekdays and white for the weekends, with a larger white candle representing the sabbath. The children would count up to Christmas by lighting one candle each day of December up to Christmas day (the period of advent).
Why are Christmas wreaths traditionally hung on the door?
From a circle of fir branches on the table with candles, to a wreath hung on every door, sans candles and different types of foliage. A wreath is hung on the door to represent inviting the Spirit of Christmas into the home.
What foliage is used in our christmas wreaths?
In many countries in Europe evergreen foliage was believed to ward off evil spirits, as well as witches and ghosts. We love that the evergreen branches are traditionally part of the autumn tree prune, turning what would usually be seen as a waste product into glorious decor. It really fits with our Organised Wild philosophy so here at The Little Flower Plot we like to work with traditional Pine, Spruce and Fir cuttings.
Are we using British foliage?
YES!
We source our evergreen materials mainly from our little plot including Holly, Cypress, Ivy, Rosemary and Camellia, with a bit of pine cut off a telegraph pylon by BT, and some spruce that has travelled down from Scotland.
The base of our wreaths is made from sustainable Norfolk moss.
The bells and whistles on our wreaths are a mixture of fresh and dried foliage and flowers, again mainly grown in the plot.
When we have bought additional flower materials and some evergreen spruce we have done so through a British wholesale supplier - Evolve Flowers
Our Christmas wreaths
This year I am selling my Christmas wreaths by size rather than design. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook I will be showcasing the ingredients, and each design for you to select. So once its gone - its gone!
Due to the current restrictions in Nottinghamshire my Christmas wreaths will be available for collection from the plot. Local delivery can be made by arrangement. Payment must be made in advance of collection or delivery.
Small (12”)
Our small 12” Christmas wreath is perfect for internal doors as well as external doors. It is the lightest of our wreaths in weight, but its heavy enough not to blow away! A hook is added for hanging directly on the door.
Our small wreaths are priced at £30
Medium (14”)
Our medium 14” Christmas wreath is a little weightier and best for display on external doors. A hook is added for hanging directly on the door or you can add a ribbon for hanging over the top (securing on the back).
Our medium wreaths are priced at £40
Large (16”)
Its a whopper! The biggest size we do at 16”. Best for external doors. More moss is used making the overall weight heavier. You can choose a hook for hanging directly on the door or a ribbon for hanging over top.
Our large wreaths are priced at £50
Other floral decorations for Christmas
Christmas garlands
Pine, spruce and fir tree cuttings were traditionally hung in garlands or as boughs (branches of a tree) over doors and windows. Nowadays a symbolic nod to this practice, garlands are often hung around beams, over fireplaces and from the ceiling as a chandelier. At The Little Flower Plot, we make Christmas garlands on request, priced by perfoot of foliage.
Garland start from £15 per foot
Centre pieces & tablescapes
The table is often the centre of Christmas celebrations, be it in the run up to Christmas, or on the actual day. Many of our clients have chosen special accessories to bring a little christmas glitz to the table. We can help you bring your ideas to life talking you through your colours and styling, whilst also making centre pieces, fresh napkin wraps or foliage runners to turn your place settings into a full tablescape.
Centre pieces start from £45
What is a kissing ball?
Kissing balls are a vintage decoration that can be hung from the ceiling and often replaces the traditional sprig of Mistletoe. Mistletoe appeared in the medieval period, but was later banned in some churches due to its pagan links. Kissing balls are often made using floral foam, to get a perfect round shape, however we are not a fan of floral foam, so we use, moss, biodegradeable bags and wire to make our little balls.
Kissing balls start from £15 per ball