Pattie DeBlass creates beautiful holiday arrangements with greenery and flowers such as evergreens, roses and hydrangeas.
Have you ever admired the natural holiday wreaths that adorn the windows and doors of the homes in Colonial Williamsburg? Wish you could make your own? Well, you can.
Florists around the area often offer classes to teach would-be wreath makers just how to get the look found around town. Learning how to attach fruit and pinecones to wreaths does take some practice.
Schmidt’s Flowers and Accessories is one of the florists that offers its services, holding classes in November and December for people interested in making their own decorations. One or two classes are held before Thanksgiving, and several more are scheduled the first weekend in December. Schmidt’s also works with small groups interested in doing group activities, such as book clubs and Girl Scout troops.
The shop provides fresh wreaths and supplies—along with lots of tips, says Schmidt’s owner Patti DeBlass. Designers also advise people about what they can find in their own yards to use for decorations.
“Some people do want that traditional look,” DeBlass said. “Some people just want to put a bow on it. We give them lots of options.”
Colonial Williamsburg has specific guidelines as to what can be used on the wreaths that adorn the historic homes and buildings. Decorations can only include items that could be found in the 18th century. That means a lot of natural items, such as pinecones, wheat, fruit, heather, cattails and berries. Magnolia leaves, which are plentiful in eastern Virginia, are often used. Schmidt’s customers have a little more wiggle room.
DeBlass said she walks through the historic district after the holiday decorations are up to get ideas of what customers might want to replicate. She said she likes to see the creativity —such as a pub that once used tiny mugs filled with cotton on its wreaths.
“It’s a really nice time of year,” she said. “I love when someone takes something and makes it a little different.”
For more information, call 757-229-1665 or visit schmidtsflowers.net.