Sprucing Up For Spring

Creative Tips to Welcome in the Season

The First Day of Spring is Coming Soon

March 20th is right around the corner.  The US is finally starting to thaw out as the days grow longer and the first buds start to appear on branches of barren trees.  If you’re lucky, the daffodils and other bulb flowers might already be pushing their way up through the ground to announce the turn of the season.

With January in your rear view mirror, you’ve put away the Christmas decor.  It’s funny – we spend so much time decorating and getting into the spirit of the holiday season that when the festivities pass, putting away the trappings of memories-made feels little… empty.  Your home might feel a little more spacious than it did before, without a Christmas tree in your front room. 

Changes, even good ones, can be bittersweet.

It’s the same hollow transition feeling as coming home from a fancy event.  You were so excited, you spent weeks planning your outfit.  But at the end of the night, you can’t wait to take your heels off.  You remove your jewelry, your makeup, then your dress that you’ve been daydreaming about wearing for a few weeks.  It all gets put away, and you’ve still got a little ringing in your ears from the night’s music.  It feels good to finally settle into pajamas, but now that it’s all over, you feel a little bittersweet.  The dress, the shoes, the jewelry – they’re all back on their hangers and in boxes until the next time you need them, whenever that is.  The fantastic night you had is now a near set of memories, and you find yourself wishing you could do it all over again next week. 

When we’re stepping out of such a high energy and busy season of our lives, it’s a relief to slip into our metaphorical pajamas at first.  Then, we have to put away the anticipation we built up and tuck it away for next year. 

Perks of being an adult with free will: just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you can’t decorate just as vibrantly for other times of year!

Among other resources, your storage space is precious.  So, to help you kick the post-holiday blues and to get you in the true spirit of Spring, let’s give your winter decor a fresh new look.  It’s time to turn your holiday home into a picturesque spring cottage!

Wreaths are for all seasons

Who says wreaths are only for Christmas time? 

Inspiration from Your Own Backyard

The first piece of decor that signals a home is spruced up for the season is a wreath on your front door.  In the winter, we rely on heavier foliage materials, like evergreen needles or pinecones.  Turn these winter pieces into warmer weather decor by tucking boughs of freshly cut leaves from the trees in your own back yard.  Flowers are perfect for this too, but we recommend hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place to dry before styling them into your new spring wreath.

Play with Your Base

Alternatively, if you want a wreath base that’s beautiful year-round, consider a magnolia wreath!  The glossy foliage dries beautifully, and you can spray paint it once the fresh leaves are fully dried out to match your season.   We happen to know of a great family business that makes these wreaths by hand…

Salal is another popular choice for warm weather wreath bases.  It’s a lovely light green leaf with a slight curl to it, so these wreaths look incredibly voluminous.  Like magnolia, fresh wreaths made of salal dry beautifully for a more lightweight look. 

Add Some Color

No matter your wreath’s main material, spring is all about color and new life.  Get creative with your add-ins for a look that’s full of vibrant personality.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh botanicals
• Dried flowers
• Bunches of dried herbs (lavender and eucalyptus are phenomenal spring choices)
• Faux flowers (for a foolproof look)
• Moss
• Seed pods (such as lotus or magnolia)
• Dried fruits or dried fruit pits
• Clusters of twigs
• Bunches of grains (such as oats or wheat)
• Ribbons and bows
• Bells
• Colored floral wire and beads
• Spray paint

Get as out of the box as you like!  With a bit of floral wire and a hot glue gun, you’d be surprised at all of the elements you can incorporate into your wreath. 

Craving a shiny finish?  Shellac, clear nail polish, and even a glossy topcoat of spray paint can help add that extra element of sparkle to your adornments.  These materials will also help fortify them against the weather.

Garlands

We traditionally think of garlands as a winter decoration staple, but there’s no rule that says you can’t hang garlands for spring.  Much like wreaths, they just need a little makeover before they’re ready to welcome spring into your home.

The ways in which we spruce up a wreath also apply to garlands.  Play with added boughs of fresh foliage, or change your base altogether.  Insert ornaments of your choice, and don’t forget to coordinate with the wreath you designed! 

Secure your garlands with zip ties… or, let the fastenings be visible by using a thick length of ribbon. 

Centerpieces, Bouquets, and Other Finishing Touches

Wreaths and garlands are where most seasonal decor starts, but rarely are those where it stops! 

Complete your outdoor look with an indoor one to complement.  Centerpieces are a great way to continue the party, as are fresh bouquets made from the same foliage.

At The Magnolia Company, we’re fond of styling boughs of magnolia in decorative containers at the front door or on the table as a centerpiece. 

With the fireplace being finally allowed to rest, mantlepieces are another magnificent touch in the front room. 

You’ve taken down your hung mistletoe.  Maybe it’s time to hang some Baby’s Breath, lavender, or another gorgeous flower in your doorways! 

Bottom line: there are no rules.  The party doesn’t have to be over – it just needed a seasonal sprucing up.

Did you make over your wreath?

Post a photo online and tag us!  We’d love to see your beautiful creations!