Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas? Not until the holly is hanging from your own front door – and that’s official. Dunelm’s festive collection of wreaths and garlands is everything you’d expect of this seasonal staple – pretty, high quality and with plenty of choice. Just don’t forget a wreath hanger!
Wreaths have been a symbol of luck, success and prosperity since at least Roman times, and were until recently given to successful racing drivers and athletes. The English name comes from the twisting of the branches that are required to make them, and has the same roots as the words “writhe” and “wring”. And they’ve been placed on doors in winter since time immemorial, first in the pagan north of Europe, and then by Christians celebrating Christmas.
The key feature of a wreath is that it’s evergreen, as that’s what denotes the circle of life, the immortal spirit, that makes it a seasonal item. On a practical level, it’s also the only type of plant that would still be thriving in the freezing north. So wreaths are usually made of holly, ivy, conifers and other trees and shrubs that are plentiful around this time of year.
They can also be decorated with other seasonal items, and it’s not unusual to see them punctuated by twigs, pine cones or holly berries that would have been plentiful in the winter. Dried fruit on a wreath is also a seasonal tradition – dried orange slices and other citrus fruits are particularly popular and point back to a time when they would have been considered festive items. But it doesn’t have to stop there – one of the beauties of the Christmas wreath is that you can add some of your own things to them – lights, gift cards, children’s projects or whatever takes your fancy.
Artificial Christmas wreaths and garlands
Dunelm has both natural and artificial wreaths and garlands to choose from. Even natural ones age remarkably well, but you’ll get many years of use from an artificial one, whatever the elements throw at them. We stock Christmas wreaths designed for indoor use too, perfect for putting on the Christmas dinner table or on the mantelpiece.
You can also choose from ready to hang wreaths or the basic framework, so you can add leaves, branches and other decorations to your heart’s content. You really know it’s Christmas when you come home after a hard day’s work and see that delightful garland hanging on the door. So make sure it’s a fitting and beautiful one by shopping at Dunelm.
