The Complete Book of Garlands, Circles & Decorative Wreaths: Creating beautiful seasonal displays from flowers and natural materials

Wreaths and garlands take floral decorations out of the vase and into large-scale special-occasion decorating. Fresh and dried florals, greens, fruits, herbs, and other natural materials can be transformed into wall, door, tabletop, and mantel decor to welcome guests, mark a change of season, utilize a bountiful harvest, celebrate a holiday, or just brighten up a room. Hundreds of color photographs and step-by-step directions for well over a hundred projects fill this vast volume, along with a good introduction to materials, equipment, and techniques. A circlet of fresh flowers surrounds a bowl of floating candles; a swag of seashells and grasses graces a window; a ring of mosses and dried fungi commemorates a country stroll; lovely floral wreaths mark Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day. And of course there are Christmas decorations: a lush bay leaf and dried orange mantelpiece swag; a gold-flecked Yuletide kissing wreath; a lovely Advent candle ring. Complexity ranges from beginner to advanced--from novice wreath maker to expert, there's something here for everyone. --Amy Handy