Colonial Christmas: My Pick for Most Unusual

My pick for most unusual. (Click pictures for larger view)

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Here it is, my finale for this series; "My pick for most unusual." For one thing, there is no red or green or evergreen anywhere on this wreath and while you might be able to use it on into the new year, it still exudes Christmas. Another reason I chose this one is my friend Deb in Mississippi. Deb is a psychologist who was a good neighbor and friend for fifteen years. I would love for her to meet Vicki as I know they would hit it off right away. Deb has a large antique loom in her living room, lots of live green plants including a fourteen foot ficus in her living room as well. (We are talking skylights and vaulted ceiling here.) She would love the natural materials of all the wreaths, but this one is special. The outside rim of dried leaves are magnolia leaves, the state flower of Mississippi. More importantly, the cluster of flowers in the center, globe amaranths, are a bright fuchsia-purple and Deb loves anything purple. Even the front door of her house is painted a dark muted purple. (Click read more to see close up views)


Around the center cluster of dried flowers is a luscious ring of dried blueberries, both the fruit and attached leaves. Around this are the largest poppy seed pods I had ever seen. These were at least 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. In the six o'clock position a gathering of dried green moss is anchored along with long thin dried flowers. This is topped off with long sticks of cinnamon spiking out from the top and the bottom. Yes, this is definitely my pick for the most unusual decoration this year.



I promised to give a couple of references. These books are listed at the Colonial Williamsburg website. I found them in our local library as well. The first book
is Williamsburg Christmas (The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) by Libby Hodges Oliver & Mary Miley Theobald. Harry Abrams, Pub. (Library # 975.54252). This book shows a variety of Christmas decorations and holiday traditions in Williamsburg. The second book is Christmas Decorations from Williamsburg by Susan Hight Rountree, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation pub. (Library #745.59412). This book is more of a "how to" with instructions in making wreaths, fans, sprays, centerpieces, garlands and other decorations including tree ornaments. There are also recipes from different taverns and inns of the area. Recipes include Mincemeat & Mincemeat Tarts, Miniature Crab Cakes & Virginia Ham on Toasted English Muffins, Winter Vegetable Soup, Lobster & Crabmeat Dijonnaise, White Chocolate Mousse Pie and Pecan Pie among others. Hope you can find these at your local library. And now I end my series for this year with the following thought.

"A joy that is shared is a joy made double." ~ John Roy

Sharing the beauty of the season from Williamsburg this year has truly been a joy. Merry Christmas! (end of post)