Last Thanksgiving I arose in the early morning and quietly shut the hotel door behind me while Mr. Décor and Sweet Boy slept on.
I was on a mission ~ to photograph the buildings, workers and famous wreaths of Colonial Williamsburg before the crowds arrived. Indeed the sun was just coming up, my breath frosty in the cold, as I began to walk along the Duke of Gloucester Street.
The first wreath I spied had a lovely fir base and was embellished with miniature pineapples (a symbol of welcome) pomegranates, pinecones, apples, scored oranges, wheat stalks, mums and marigolds.
Colonial Williamsburg first began decorating for the holidays in 1936. The event is now one of their largest tourist attractions.
The landscape staff of Colonial Williamsburg create more than 2,550 wreaths and over three miles of garland. Residents who live in the historic area decorate their homes using only natural material that was readily available in the 18th century. A contest is held every year to determine the most imaginative or most beautifully designed decorations.
Even the pediments of homes and businesses are adorned.
The zoom lens was used to capture these arrangements and I so wished that I could see what the base was made out of~ wire? The glossy magnolia leaves provided a base for the fruit, pinecones and seed pod.
This turkey feather topper was amazing.
Lemons were wired on to the greenery as were the other elements.
I had never before seen fresh seed pods and was truly fascinated.
Pheasant feathers, antlers, cotton bolls, and pepper berries are perfection!
Cockscomb, empty cotton bolls, artichokes, apples and… fungus. Yep. But I love it.
Here’s a closer look.
I wish that there was a scratch and sniff option for photographs.
Whole oranges were joined with orange slices.
My early morning ramblings led me to the Williamsburg Inn. I’ll take you inside later this week.
Each window was embellished.
The chairs inside this restaurant were a fabulous bentwood design.
A dried fruit wreath graced the door of a very pretty cottage.
This wreath captured my attention. Someone please tell me what the purple clusters are.
I really adored the burlap rosettes.
Yes, I’ll take two.
Even the garlands received embellishments. A simple grapevine circle, 5 pinecones, an orange slice and wow~ a beautiful star is created. I’m doing this!
Sure, you’ve heard of two wreaths, but on one door? YES!
A Williamsburg wreath trifecta!
Even the print shop was bedecked.
Beautiful boxwood.
About this time my boys showed up and I shared my favorites.
The flora and fauna finery at the Governors Palace was fabulous.
Instructions on how to create your own Williamsburg inspired wreath can be found HERE.
The boys then bid me adieu. They wanted to go see a musket demonstration. I had tried to register online for an early morning tour of the Thomas Everard house but had been unable to do so. Sadly, once we arrived I had been informed at the guest welcome center that the tour was full. I was crushed! The house was FULL of pre revolutionary furniture.
I decided to see if perhaps they would let me join in…
… come back on Friday to see if my heartfelt pleas were heard.
Laura
Linking to:
The Charm of Home, Common Ground, StoneGable, Between Naps On The Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Someday Crafts, SSS,Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Positively Splendid, The 36th Avenue, Jennifer Rizzo, Craftberry Bush, A Stroll Thru Life
© 2012 Decor To Adore Laura Ingalls Gunn All Rights Reserved
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