Inspired by last week’s article from Laura Hooper & Alyssa Law about festive flowers to decorate the home and Rachel Gang of Helen Olivia Flowers’ article on holiday gifts, we are taking a look at wreaths, greens, and garlands for a holiday home. We’ve gathered up where to go, what to get, and how to style your greens this season.
Where to go:
Green Street Gardens, at 1721 W. Braddock Road, is family owned and operated. The Alexandria location is just 15 minutes from Old Town and is their most popular location. Their gift shop is filled with local treasures and merry holiday decor perfect for home decoration and gifts. Green Street also offers full-service decorating that will take care of design, installation, maintenance, and postseason removal. Green Street’s winter hours are Sunday – Thursday, 8am – 8pm and 8am – 9pm on the weekends.Nalls Produce, at 7310 Beulah Street, offers hand-made wreaths, decorations, Christmas trees, and even mistletoe! Nalls is open Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 6pm and 10am – 7pm on the weekends. Masks are required, but shoppers can walk-in anytime and do not need an appointment. Nalls Produce is a full-service Christmas operation… one-stop-shop!
Helen Olivia Flowers, at 1519 Leslie Ave, offers faux and natural wreaths – customizable and beautiful!
If you’re up for a drive, Christopher Stauffer of Pemberley Revival frequents two “hidden gems” in St. Mary’s county in Maryland: Zimmerman’s Greenhouse and Green Acres Nursery. Thank you, Christopher for the recommendations!
What to get:
First, think about how you are planning to decorate with a wreath. Are you decorating outside or inside, large area or small? Are you planning to keep it simple or will you dress it in ornaments and ribbon? Lastly, are you looking for fresh-cut or artificial?
Fresh cut garlands: Spruce and pine are the most popular choices of fir branches. These have the best needle retention and have a fabulously festive aroma for your home. If you’re lighting, be sure to use low-heat or micro-mini and LED lights as the dry needles could heat up or catch fire.
Artificial wreaths: Allergen free and long-lasting, artificial wreaths mimic the natural look of true greenery and can often be found pre-lit or even pre-decorated. Artificial wreaths are a worthy investment for their annual return. Flexible wiring makes it easier to shape branches where you want them to go and, of course, less mess when needles dry out.
How to Style:
Do you find yourself stuck inside, looking at your windows, doors, or mantels as a blank canvas begging for a little festive sprinkle of holiday spirit? Well, Brittany Simon of Simon Staging sent us some inspiration for wreath and garland use in the home. Simon says, “To me, it doesn’t feel like Christmas without some red in your decor. I also always opt for the fake tree (I personally find it easier), then I bring in real garland, wreaths, and of course the Frasier Fir candle to get that Christmas aroma in the house!”
