natural holiday wreath diy and being present during this busy season

A welcome note from the author:
​Harmony is the flow of life. When what you think, what you say and what you do come together you've created perfect harmony. It's like the sweet melody of that perfect song. That sequence of single notes is musically satisfying. When the sequence of events that seasonally occur around us are a combination of wholesome feelings, we remain present. When you read this post, you will understand what I mean by this. Think of one of your favorite tunes. Next imagine that same perfect blend, not in the song but in your life, with what's happening around you in the outdoors, inside the walls of your home (including the chaos raising littles can bring) all creating the perfect seasonal vibe, that perfect harmony, right at home. My hope is that this post inspires just one other person out there. If it does well then...I've impacted someone's holiday season in a down-home way and that brings me joy. Love yourself and yours well during this time. 

Photo by @AnnaJoyPhotography

being present during the holiday season

Today, my hope is that you find inspiration for making a natural holiday wreath with elements found in nature. I don't know about you but something about the busyness of the holidays in years past hasn't felt right. Rushing here and there amongst others out and about rushing too just flat out drained me. January would hit and I would be like oh my gosh I am exhausted. All that work. It flew by and I am now left with department store decor to clean up and store away in totes. As I packed, I would think will I even like it all in a year from now? Seeing the ones we love near and far should be the busyness. Also, home cooking and homemade decor from the help of family members within the comfort of our surroundings should be what keeps us busy. It's this kind of busy that ends up leaving me with a wholesome feeling. A feeling of being present. You see every time I look at this beautiful homemade natural holiday wreath I think about home. The branches are from our property. The pinecones were gathered by my toddler on a pinecone hunt down the road. The old laundry basket ring we used brings me joy because it's recycled into something beautiful. The kitchen goods -oranges, cranberries and cinnamon sticks - these things bring that fresh organic vibe that reminds me of good health. An overall healthy home is what I strive for. All of these things make the wreath extra special. When stepping back and comparing this to years past where I would have a kid in a shopping cart begging for snacks or to leave while I stressfully tried to pick a wreath out. Better yet shopping on my own for a wreath amongst a rushed world and as we know this year where a masked-up pandemic is in effect. These things all impact the result of our overall holiday season fulfillment. From one wife, mama and friend, this process of decorating with the natural rhythms of the seasons with our hearts in mind is a good approach. A humble lifestyle living as a joyful millennial can exist. It's up to us to see that. Follow me on Instagram for more inspiration.

Everything but the hardware grew in the dirt.

Photo by @AnnaJoyPhotography

gather supplies and tie everything on

Depending where you live and what you already have around you this process will look different for everyone! If you don't have an evergreen tree don't fret. Get creative and use old sunflower or rose heads to add texture. Look for sticks, grass, straw, bush branches, berries, pinecones - whatever you find will be perfect for your home and that is what matters! You are decorating with the natural rhythm occuring around your homestead as it is this that brings the peace. I did soak my pinecones in a 50/50 water and white vinegar mixture for about 1 hour, rinsed and dried them before using them to rid of any bugs. The oranges I dried by slicing in roughly 1/4 inch thick slices, laying on parchment paper, cooking at 250 degrees for 1.5 hours flipping halfway through. Watch that they don't turn brown. You want the oranges almost all the way dried out but not quite when you take them out to cool. You can try to create a ring to mount the wreath to using sticks or you can cut an old laundry hamper top off like I did. Metal hangers work great or you can purchase a wreath ring from Amazon Prime linking a 2pack of large 19 inch ones here for you! I hope these tips are helpful! Enjoy watching my wreath come to life as you scroll the pictures below. Remember that your wreath will be beautifully different and custom to your home life. I attached everything with a stretchable string and used some thin wire to add the berries. Here's the leather cord I used to tie up the cinnamon sticks. Enjoy the process and tag me on Instagram showing your completed natural holiday decor project @DownHomeAdventure

I am in love with the finished product! Have a question or an idea to share? Leave a reply! Did you find inspiration here? Leave that note too!
Happy Holidays!
​:) Chelsea