Happy Holidays and Happy Solstice 2021: A Celebration of Wreaths!

As we wrap up 2021, I send warm Holiday Greetings to all my clients present and past, followers, and regular readers. And Happy Winter Solstice which takes place next Tuesday, December 21 at 7:58 AM.

Let's celebrate with a selection of lovely Holiday wreaths!

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Inspiration 2018

If you haven't decked your halls yet, there is still time! Here are some inspirational images to motivate you to bring the season into your home.

Happy designing and Happy Holidays!

The Non-Traditional Holiday Tree

Don't want to bring a dead (or living) tree into your house? Hate plastic fake trees? Try one of these superbly outside-of-the-box holiday trees! Like this minimalist tree below--so minimal that the tree part isn't even there, just a mechanism for hanging glass ornaments!

A cascade of Asian lanterns in green makes a stunning display!

A coiled felt helix and an Arne Jacobsen egg chair say "modern cool."

If you are spending the holidays at a cabin, this antler tree would be spectacular. But please note that the candle bulbs are wired through the antlers which means they are likely made of life-like resin, not actual antlers. For the record, I approve of naturally-shed antlers only.

Off-cuts of tree branches can be upcycled into a tree which can be used year after year!

A fluorescent tree by avant-garde British fashion designer Gareth Pugh.

An unexpectedly beautiful bonsai holiday tree...delicate and spellbinding. Of course the things that truly make this tree so successful are the tiny Japanese lantern ornaments, the finches lining each branch, and, brilliantly, the flocking.

A plethora of Brooks Brothers neck ties make a geometric pattern in silk!

And another minimalist tree: wall-mounted branches and white lights still capture the holiday spirit.

With a little bit of imagination, nearly anything can be coaxed into the service of a holiday tree.
Happy designing and Happy Holidays!

Three Traditional Holiday Decorations: Schwibbogen, Christmas Pyramid, Angel Chimes

A Schwibbogen is a decorative candle-holder from Germany. Associated exclusively with winter and the holiday season, the first Schwibbogen appeared in the 1700s. They were made from black iron ore since they originated in Erzgebirge, or the Ore Mountains in Saxony. They are now often carved in wood and show scenes from pastoral Europe, musicians, angels, or Father Christmas. Modern Schwibbogen come with small electric bulbs eliminating the need for actual candles, and eliminating a fire hazard!

Related to the Schwibbogen and hailing from the same region of Germany is the tradition of the Christmas Pyramid whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Usually carved or assembled from wood, the Christmas Pyramid is a carousel with several levels and a central driveshaft with a fan at the top. Candles anchored around the periphery of the lower levels provide a heated draft to turn the levels like a carousel.

Above: A carved wooden Christmas Pyramid and Schwibbogen from Germany.

Many cities in Germany now display impressive life-size Christmas Pyramids at Christmas Markets or in town squares. In the photos below, a Christmas Pyramid in Augsburg in the Christmas Market looks festive while a very tall Christmas Pyramid rises above the lighted tree in the Market in Erfurt.

Dating from the late 19th century, Angle Chimes too are associated exclusively with winter and the holiday season. Much like the Christmas Pyramid, the rising heated air from the candles at the base of the structure spin the blades at the top. As the carousel turns, tiny clappers strike the chimes creating a tinkling sound. The first recorded appearance of an Angel Chime was in 1905 when Walter Stock of the German toy firm Adrian &  Stock filed for a patent. The pre-World War II German-made chimes were usually made of tin and featured lithography. After the war, simpler, Swedish-made chimes in brass became popular in both Europe and North America.

Above: Walter Stock's patent drawing from 1905

However you choose to accessorize your season, I wish you Happy Holidays and happy designing!

Holiday Tableaux...in Winter White

I have said it before: I love creating tableaux, and winter seems to be a time that truly welcomes embellishment and decoration. One way to make an impact with winter decor is to choose a color palette, and what says winter better than snowy white.

Some silver heirloom ornaments in a glass compote along with white lights and candles...

...or a small white tree in a small white iron urn with white table accessories...

...and even simple cardboard glittered snowflakes and stars in white and silver can look festive.

Capture winter with silver-y plants, and white and silver objects. The white tipped twigs are an excellent idea as it brings in natural texture, contrasting nicely with the smooth mercury glass votive candle holders.

These large-scaled deer in white make quite a statement in this white room.

Winter tableaux can be simple: these bare branches with a few silver balls, vintage deer and Santa, and Mason jars holding more glass balls make quite a charming collection.

White and silver look fantastic with chilly, ice-y blue.

The rustic background make these small white deer stand out even more.

What could be more winter-y white than a white Gustavian-syled room?

And I have seen a rather clever idea in a few places recently where marshmallows are used on filament to create the look of falling snow. I did the same once with cotton balls...

Chances are you have some white objects in your home already that can be paired with white or silver holiday decorations. Look for glass containers or trays to hold ornaments or natural elements. And remember my four tips for a better tableau here!

Happy holidays and happy designing!