I can’t quite believe that another year has flown by and we are now fast approaching the festive season and preparing for Christmas! Yesterday I visited Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London for the first time. (It was a brilliant day despite the rain and I thoroughly recommend you take a visit if you have never been before) The twinkleof the lights and array of stalls selling all things Christmas, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts, has got me feeling rather Christmassy and has inspired me to write a post dedicated to the Christmas tradition of hanging a wreath on your front door!

A ‘Wreath’ History

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of hanging a wreath on your door originates from? Tradional style wreaths are usually made from evergreens which symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as the laurel wreath. The use of this wreath comes from the Greek myth involving Apollo (Zeus’ son and the god of life and light), who fell in love with the nymph Daphne. When he pursued her she fled and asked the river god Peneus to help her. Peneus turned her into a laurel tree. From that day, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel on his head. Laurel wreaths became associated with what Apollo embodied; victory, achievement and status and would later become one of the most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victorious athletes at the original Olympic Games.

Advent Wreath

Since the classical use and symbolism of wreaths, the meaning and representation has taken on differing views, depending on the culture. In Christianity, wreaths are used to prepare for the Advent season or the “coming of Christ.” The first known association with these modern day wreaths dates back to the Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century. The Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. The Advent wreath is now also used as décor during the Christmas festivities.

A ‘Wreathy’ Affair

Over the upcoming weeks Joanne Truby Floral design will be collaborating with the lovely and talented Ameilia Makes  designing and creating lots of lovely bespoke Christmas wreaths and table arrangements for customer orders. We will also be selling our creations at various farmers markets and Christmas craft fairs (details to follow) in the upcoming weeks so we shall be busy bees.

Made up of Berried Ivy, Dried Oranges and Berries

We like our wreaths to have a natural feel and so use fresh foliage and plant material to construct the base of the wreath our favourites being pine and moss (Both have a fresh earthy smell that I love!). Mixing traditional styles of dried fruits (oranges and apples dried ourselves using tried and tested techniques!), berries and pine cones foraged in the pretty Kent countryside and incorporating our personal touch to each design.

My cute doggy Maisie helping me forage!

As nature itself  is so beautiful I feel that as a floral designer its our job to enhance this beauty,  as highlighted in ‘Where have all the flowers gone?’ an interesting article I read in the latest issue of Fusion Flowers Magazine which highlights ‘Nature shows us the way if only we will let the flowers speak for themselves.’ I have to say that I couldn’t agree more.

Wreath design of pine, dried oranges, limes, chillies, cinnamon sticks and twigs

Since I have had my iPhone I have become completely obsessed with Instagram for those of us who are not professional photographers this app is just fantastic….

Deer moss, dried apples and pine cones

Carpet moss, berried ivy, dried hydrangea, carnations and berries

Carpet moss, berried ivy, pine cones, cinnamon sticks and dried hydrangea

Our stand at Chislehurst farmers market other stands at the market sell a wide selection of produce including cakes, chutney, pies and meats as as well as handmade wooden boxes which can be personalised (great gift for Christmas).

We will be there again on December the 16th as well as at Halls Place, Bexley on Sunday December 2nd and the Crafty Little Events Christmas Craft Fair in Beckenham at St Johns Church on Saturday 8th December. Or alternatively orders for bespoke wreaths, table arrangements and garlands can be placed by contacting us direct; email jtfloraldesign@gmail.com or ring 07957414208

Candle table arrangement of moss, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried apples and berries finished with our cute wooden hearts.

Please feel free to leave any comments we always love to read them.

Joanne xx