Victorious Christmas Wreaths

There are times during this glorious Christmas season that I honestly feel like Rocky Balboa.  I'm far from the physique of the Italian Stallion. Although, I have been know to leave a mall with shopping bags raised high, head thrown back, trotting along belting out my version of Gonna Fly Now!   Seriously, if I don't leave the mall without a black eye, bruised rib, or a broken high heel, I feel Victorious!!

Being victorious is actually where the origin of the Christmas Wreath began!  The history of the Christmas wreath is quite extensive.  In a nutshell, Christmas wreaths symbolize the strength of overcoming the forces of winter, hence the popularity of evergreens which survive the harsh winters so well.  The hanging of a wreath on the door probably comes from ancient Rome, where wreaths were hung as a sign of pride and victory.  Add in the traditions of the Advent wreath, and you have your Reader's Digest condensed version of the Christmas Wreath's history! 

Because your wreath is the first Christmas decoration to greet your guests when they arrive at your home, it's important that your personality shine through and that you welcome your guests with a wowza wreath! I've had a blast collecting various wreath styles on my Pinterest Christmas Wreath board over the last few weeks. Let's check out a few of my favorites......

Its no secret that I'm a huge Etsy fan, and this gem is another Etsy find! This simple and understated wreath is not only a rustic beauty, but it's Antique White Pip berries are scented with vanilla sugar spray. The Burlap Ribbon is neutral enough to blend with any color palette, and honestly you can continue to use this well into the winter months! 

Hydrangeas hold a very special place in my heart. When Joe and I built our house 14 years ago my grandfather planted a heirloom hydrangea bush in our front yard. Over the years, a cutting of this family hydrangea had been planted at various family members homes with great success. Unfortunately, this was not the case at the Davenport House. This beautiful bush didn't bloom for years, although it was always lush with greenery. It never even hinted at a blip of a flower. The year my grandfather died, the bush bloomed for the first time ever and I've had luscious, colorful blooms every year since. This wreath immediately brought memories of my grandfather to mind.... 

I just adore this simple little gem. A Split Pea Wreath!  It is the perfect crafty project to do with kids! All you need is a straw wreath, white glue, dried peas and ribbon. Check out detailed directions on See Kate Sew. I would love to whip up a batch of sugar cookies, hot cocoa with candy canes and set up shop to make a few of these with my kids....humph, I'm not sure I could get my kids to do this they're 20 & 14 now... maybe I'll bring in my nieces and nephews!

Lemons, aren't a traditional Christmas accent but here, they are simply awesome. I love the size variation of them in this wreath, creating a less contrived, perfect layout to the collection of lemons. The free form greens keep a whimsical atmosphere to the design.....I think I might add few red berries for contrast..... 

I just love scouting out amazing Christmas wreaths. Let's continue the exploration together....visit my Pinterest page for more great wreaths.

I'd love you to share your favorites with me! ..... Who wants to guess my top five favorites? Hint... they're not all here, check on my Pintrest......

Next up? Holiday Mantles!