I hosted my fourth annual wreath-making party today, and as always, it did not disappoint.
Yesterday, my dad and I went out and harvested piles of noble fir and western red cedar for the occasion. The weather has been pretty rainy and miserable lately, but fortunately, it wasn’t so bad while we were out in the woods.
There were at least a dozen varieties of fungi poking out of the forest duff.
I got a bunch of really nice holly from Henry’s dad who has a couple holly trees at his house.
Only a small crowd of good friends and neighbors turned out for the festivities. This time of year, it can be so hard to gather a group together just because there are so many different events happening every weekend. Even I was invited to two different parties today that I unfortunately had to miss.
Levi was pretty excited to create his own wreath this year even if he acted more as “art director” than actual maker.
Nearly every person in attendance was wearing some form of flannel and/or plaid. It made me pretty happy.
I borrowed a big party tent from my in laws, and I’m so glad that I did. The weather looked like it was shaping up to be pretty nice this morning, but as my guests arrived, it started pouring buckets and continued to rain on and off for the rest of the afternoon. Luckily, we were all able to stay pretty dry under cover.
I don’t know about you, but during the holiday season, I tend to get a little sugared out. Don’t get me wrong. I love cookies as much as the next guy, but holiday fare can sometimes end up being carbs on sugar on carbs on butter, and after a while, it’s just not pleasant anymore. I tried to avoid this by offering a snack buffet for my friends including green olives, pistachios, dill pickles, satsuma mandarins, almonds, crackers and goat cheese, lots of tea, and persimmon slices. Fortunately, a couple friends brought gingersnaps and sweet breads, so we weren’t totally deprived of treats.
We had a fire in the fire pit to take the chill off.
Overall, we had a great time.
(You can see photos from last year’s wreath party here.)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
your wreath-making party is the BEST idea.
it is everything good about this special time of year.
the dress code on your invitations should specify “flannel” or “plaid” or both.
I’m not quite sure how I stumbled across your blog (cutting boards, perhaps?), but I’m so glad that I did. We just moved to a cabin for the winter and are loving how much simpler life can be. Thanks for putting this out there!
I used to make wreaths to green my hometown church in time for Advent, but those were on fabric-wrapped wooden frames. We want to make one for the cabin this year and I wasn’t sure what supplies I needed. Are your pretty wreaths on wire frames?
We used store-bought wire frames, but you can improvise with grape vines or something else that’s round(ish). Other than the forms, you’ll just need some floral wire and greenery.
A wreath making party is such a wonderful idea…especially with just a handful of guests. I now, really want to do this! I don’t know that I can fit it in this year…but I will definitely fit it in next year. I love your idea of the snacks you fed your guests too! You’re right…so much sugar. Of course we all love sugar, but yes, a break is needed indeed. Thanks for posting this…great inspiration!
Your post made me thirsty “hearing” you talk about rain! I don’t know what an afternoon of rain looks like anymore. We live in southern Kansas- which has been hit by the drought for the last 2 years. Oregon looks so pretty and wet 🙂
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