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Health & Fitness

What Makes a Great Holiday Wreath?

Create a little holiday magic with a pretty wreath.

I'm not naturally artisitic, but over the past few years, I've discovered how much fun it is to get creative with pinecones, branches, greenery and holiday decorations. Decorating a wreath or two has become part of my holiday tradition. I also really enjoy seeing the fabulous wreaths at the annual Festival of Wreaths.

And, I've noticed that really interesting wreaths have a few things in common.

1) A theme. It might be a set of colors (silver and teal), a unifying object (birds, for example, or snowmen) or maybe an idea (sparkle, peace, nostalgia)--whatever the theme, it guides the decorator and gives viewers a sense of meaning.

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2) Lushness. Professional wreath designers don't skimp on the greenery or the decorations. Make it over the top.

3) Balance. Wreaths do not have to be symmetrical or all matchy-matchy, but there should be a sense of harmony and balance among the elements.

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For more on wreaths, you can check out my blog post on how the designer of the wreaths for the Minnesota Governor's Residence works or see the gallery of photos from this year's Festival of Wreaths. The festival opened Tuesday morning and goes through Sunday. You can bid on any of the 31 wreaths, with all the proceeds going toward the arts guild's scholarship fund.

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