Fresh Greens for Christmas

My name is Becky and I am here to admit, I have a fake Christmas tree. I feel guilty saying that sometime because real tree people often come across as being superior (I am not calling anyone out). We got a fake tree after Christmas 12 years ago after our real tree was so dry before the big day even arrived. I love that I can put it up whenever and leave it up for as long as I like. 

BUT, I do miss the smell of fresh pines. So, I decided to add some, plus other fresh greens for the holidays (be sure to read to the end of the post to see other LIVE things). This year I decided to try my hand at making my own pine wreath.

I really enjoyed creating this fresh and full wreath, although it was messy.  I started with a variety of freshly cut pine boughs from trees on my hubby's work property. I cut enough to fill a large, Costco reusable bag.  The juniper branches are from my yard. I could have made a twig base wreath, but decided to buy a $2 grapevine wreath from the thrift store to save time.

I wired together small bunches of pine (and fir) branches, creating a lopsided fan that fanned out more on the left side. I wired each bunch onto the wreath, keeping my floral wire intact and making each bunch one at a time. I plopped right in the middle of my floor to do this. Wearing gloves is advised if you do not want pitch on your hands.

If you do end up messy, GoJo took the sap right off. When I thought the wreath was full enough, I added a wire loop on the back to hang it to better look at it and to see where there were holes that needed filling. I used a heavier gauge wire than the floral wire because this baby is hefty!

It was a little sparse on the left side and on the bottom right. I tucked in and wired on more branches in these areas. Taking pictures of your progress helps too to see where you need to fill in. 

When I was happy with the shape, I added battery operated fairy lights that have a timer and a French blue, velvet bow. 

The wreath hangs on the door between my front entryway and great room. The door stays open during the day and we close it in the evenings when we will be able to enjoy the fresh pine smell and the bountiful wreath in our main space.

Next to the door, in the great room are more live greens and a new to me furniture addition. I bought an antique wicker set--a sofa, rocker, chair, and this table, this past weekend. I love the vintage green color! The table found a home in this corner. (The rest of the furniture is sitting on my covered, pop-up shop porch.. What I am doing with it is to still be determined.)

My Thanksgiving-Christmas cactus started blooming a few weeks ago and is still going strong. I love it on this table, especially when the afternoon sun shines through the front doors. 

I incorporated a little Christmas candlelight glow here too. 

In the large, unique, thrifted jar I added some moss from my yard. There is a floral foam block under the moss and I water it weekly. It has been living and growing for about three months now. I added tall, skinny thrifted candles to the moss, glass Christmas balls, and a velvet ribbon. The teacup candle holder I made  few years ago.

I love real plants and enjoy using them during the holidays where I can, even if I do have a fake tree. 😉