Colonial Christmas: Oranges

Oranges, Oranges (Click pictures for larger view)

"A man ought to carry himself in the world as an orange tree would if it could walk up and down in the garden, swinging perfume from every little censer it holds up to the air" ~ Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

It's time for another installment of wreaths from Colonial Williamsburg. This one has a mixture of greenery as the base, with pine cones, whole dried artichokes, dried pomegranate and sliced dried oranges. Fragrant. Beautiful. Below is a macro shot of the most fragrant components; the pine and the orange. (Click read more to see additional wreaths)



The next wreath was one of my favorites. In addition to the greenery we have walnuts, small branches with attached lichen, dried berries, clusters of the shiny red seeds of magnolia and again, oranges. This time both sliced dried oranges and whole scored orange skins give a fragrant touch.



Below another macro shot highlighting the orange peels and lichen coated twigs. I can almost smell that fresh citrus as the oranges were scored and sliced.



Finally, an unusual wreath, one with no greenery. Wheat is woven in with dried flowers; yellow, pink, and light beige in color. Brown seed pods are added along with slices and slices of dried orange. The wreath is fragrant, pleasing to the eye and the nose; the ring of wheat adding a wispy touch of whimsy.



What do you think? Have you picked a favorite?
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