A Year of Wreaths

Over advent, our tea wreath became one of my new favourite Christmas traditions. It also encouraged me to see wreaths in a new way -- they can go beyond run-on-the-mill winter greenery, and be fun, useful and unique. So, this year, I've set myself a challenge: to create a new wreath every month in 2011.

 1. Edible Wreath, 2. Marshmallow Wreath, 

3. Cinnamon Wreath, 4. Garlic Wreath

There are lots of inspired people around the world creating wreaths, like those above. I love the idea of a ring of herbs, ready to be used by the cook, a marshmallow wreath for the snowy months, cinnamon sticks to add a little fragrance to your entryway, and a garlic wreath to keep away any vampires!

5. Road Sign Wreath, 6. Thread Spool Wreath,

7. Wool Wreath, 8. Crayon Wreath

Others have made use of their extra wool, thread spools, and crayons, and have even recycled an old road sign!

Perhaps you like this idea and would like to join in? Each month, I'll have a spot for you to share a link to your own wreaths, so that we can inspire each other. For me, January's wreath will be started once we return from England, and shared with you as soon as possible... stay tuned!

Tea Wreaths

{update: If you'd like to join in with the tea swap 2011, check out this post!}

As promised, here is the advent tea wreath in its entirety. With so many bright and interesting tea bags, I thought it would be fun to create a colour chart of sorts, so during advent I'll be working my way through a rainbow of teas! 

Now, for a round up of other lovely tea wreaths:

 Jadyn's Tazo-tastic advent wreath

Jen's lovely purple and yellow Yogi wreath

Gem's fantastic advent tea tree

 Carole Ann's tea packet wreath

And, of course, the Kojo Designs beauty that inspired it all.

So far, we've sampled Lipton's Asian white tea, which was deliciously light and unusual, and the Twinings Traditional English, which was perfect with a chocolate biscuit. 

Up today: The Emperor's Bride, a Finnish tea in a beautiful red packet. Off to put the kettle on right now...