Colonial Christmas: Vegetables and Fruit

Vegetables & Fruits (Click on pictures for larger view)

"Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." ~ Augusta E. Rundell

I thought I would show you a wide shot of this first wreath before the close-up. They hang, not only on doors but windows, porch rails, the sides of buildings, gateway arches and shutters.


(Click read more to see more wreaths)
The center wreath is made up of pine greenery with dried artichoke and the pebbled, grainy looking Osage orange or "hedge apple". A few of those grey spiny puffballs are scattered in with dried flowers, a mixture of dark raspberry and light pink color. I do believe there are two small pineapples at the top of this one and several very long sticks of cinnamon.



This wreath was one of my favorites in its simplicity. The base pine greenery contrasted with the smaller brick red ring of dried flowers. I only wish I knew what they were called and if they are considered flowers or a flowering grass. Only four artichokes, this time with the more traditional green color, are placed in a very pleasing pattern. The light beige structures are poppy pods. These were present in quite a few of the wreaths and ranged from about an inch in diameter, up to three inches. Last but not least, the touch of yellow flower just pops with the green and red background.



I thought this last wreath was very unusual. The larger outer greenery is mixed with a smaller wreath made of intertwined twigs. All the ornamentation is strategically placed at the bottom. Slices of dried orange, red and gold dried flowers, bound bunches of stick cinnamon, and what appeared to be green limes in twine baskets. Of course the most obvious feature are the numerous full cloves of garlic. This wreath seemed quite practical; when Christmas is past you could still use the garlic in your favorite spaghetti sauce.

No, I haven't quite finished with these and definitely haven't gotten to my absolute favorite, or at least the one I think was most unusual. It's a tough decision to make, they were all so lovely.
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