Image Credit – Jez Timms
Advent and Christmas wreaths are a traditional way to celebrate this Western Christian festival. Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Richmond’s upmarket Petersham Nurseries, imparted his advice to Monocle Radio’s Sophie Grove*
- Willow twigs make an easy-to-use foundation (Tom now uses willow instead of copper wire so that the whole wreath is compostable). Wreaths are circular to symbolise eternal life
- Reuse the unwanted lower branches of your Christmas tree and add other foliage foraged from your or friends’ gardens such as Leylandii
- You can add in items found in local parks and forests, such as pine cones, pheasant feathers and holly
- The string is wound throughout the wreath – only cut it when you have tied it off at the end (it saves a great deal of time)
- Dried flowers and fruits extend the seasons – search for unusual shapes such as hydrangea
- Holly and ivy are traditional – remember to leave some berries for the birds
- A wreath on your front door is an outward-facing symbol that you are part of the local community
- Tablescapes are trending – plan for the wow factor when your guests enter the room
- Keep table decorations low and use foliage for your table runner – it can also smell heavenly
- You can use leaves as name place markers – write on them with a gold or silver pen
Monocle 24, Konfekt Komer Podcast
18/12/2022
