What Goes Around

Our ancestors weren’t big on wasting anything, so when a Christmas tree came in the house, limbs that got trimmed to make it fit were gathered and woven into wreaths. In the spirit of that tradition, we present creative ways to reuse and recycle your way to festive, one-of-a-kind displays that make the season bright.

HANGING AROUND. Talk about seeing something from a different angle! We love the idea of turning vintage hangers into a fashionably simple wreath. Try it with wood, covered fabric, or those old studded vinyl hangers—any would look great. Here, needlepoint gets to be on display instead of hidden by garments. Bonus: There's a built-in, well, hanger!

LET IT GLOW. Recognize this round ring? It's the fluted rim of a removable-bottom tart pan. Decorate with vintage clip-on candleholders once used on trees, placing one on the bottom center to hold a small candle.

THAT'S JUST DEAR. This tiny wreath started life as a bangle bracelet. Now it frames a sweet scene of a vintage fawn figurine prancing through the snow—actually cotton from an old jewelry box and a few strands of vintage angel hair.

STUCK ON YOU. Think of it as a crazy-quilt take on a wreath: A patchwork of vintage ephemera, including stickers and word cards, does a happy dance covering a plastic foam form. Attach the paper pieces using hatpins or sewing pins. Personalize with a few treasures such as brooches or buttons that belonged to Grandma.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS. A hodgepodge of ribbons gets all tied up in this free-spirited wreath. Cut bits of scavenged ribbon and trims (even name labels or basting tape) to the different lengths, then just tie them to a wreath form, metal ring or embroidery hoop. Want a larger wreath? Use wider ribbon!

TINSEL TOWN. Where some people see trash, junkers see treasure in vintage tinsel. It's finer, has a tarnished look and comes in more subtle colors than they make today. Rummage through thrift stores and garage sales for boxes of the old stuff to use for a wreath. Wrap tinsel garland around a ring cut from cardboard (or use a child's Hula-Hoop). Dangle, drape or loop more tinsel on top. The shaggier, the better!

MERRY KITSCHMAS. In the 1950s and '60s, ladies fancied up their clothes with Christmas corsages. This wreath is a kitschy nod to those days. The fun starts with a plastic foam wreath form wrapped in hot pink tinsel garland. Pin corsages to the wreath form. To fill gaps or distribute color, break apart a corsage and use individual items from it. Find vintage Christmas corsages on Etsy and eBay for $3 and up. The wreath can also be used as a centerpiece, with a candle or glass cloche in the center.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY. March to a different beat by making a wreath from an old tambourine. This one is open, but you could use an old version with a ‘drum’ side just as easily. Old wax bells festoon this one, but small ornaments or figures—especially any that carry a musical theme—set at top or bottom would look great.

PHOTOS Rolinda Windhorst
STYLING & PRODUCER Stacy Sirk