The Great Pretenders

(But first, this program note ~ while you're here, take a quick trip over to Grouse & Chortle for my "Photographic Introspective"... about 30 pics, with wry comments and a questionnaire at the end (if you're so inclined).

Now, back to our regular programming...

The staff held a meeting and it was decided,

after much deliberation,
that it was time to concentrate on decking the halls.

It was furthermore decided, that this was a good day
to introduce visitors to "The Great Pretenders"...
trees, wreaths, roping, swags and greens that look
like the "real thing!"

For your browsing and decorating pleasure,
let's scroll through some of the available options...

A bold statement in any room!

"Fresh" greens ~ design your own arrangements!

Talk about cheery!

Why, even perennial kissing balls!

If you think the Poinsettias in this photo look real,
you should see them in person - you must touch
them just to make certain that they're not the "real thing."

What looks, for all the world, like pine tips, is an
excellent rendition of our native white pine.

What arrangement or wreath, real or silk, wouldn't
benefit from the addition of lush berry sprays, such as these?

With just a few pine cones as decoration, these wreaths
certainly come across as totally natural. A few sprigs
of faux berries and a bow would only enhance this natural look.
But, sometimes, "less is more."

These handsome faux berries are just perfect, perhaps
mixed with silk greens, in a carefree, country arrangement.

The samples from this fruit and flower stand will survive
in your own creative arrangements, from year to year.

How about a rich, crimson berry wreath,
hung above the fireplace?

From the tree to garlands, wreaths, swags and topiaries,
silk "pretenders" are often the sensible solution.
Without the potential fire hazard or shedding needles
of the real thing, silks are the viable alternative, providing
more peace of mind. Many are even resilient enough for
some exterior decorating projects... just ask which are suitable.

Red, burgundy, gold, silver, white, blue or green?
Velvet, satin, weather-resistant or wired edges?
Plaid, striped, dotted or patterned? Soft and subtle,
or vibrant and shiny? Chances are that a garden center
has more choices than you could imagine... and for those
of us who remain perpetually bow-challenged,
an expert staff to tie it all up for you!

Oh, and don't forget the beaded garland... to lend that elegant, or perhaps playful look, to the Christmas tree. Draped from from branch tip to branch tip, nothing adds that graceful element quite like strands of beaded garland - whether your tree is fresh or silk.

Some of our great pretenders are either weather tolerant (for sheltered doorways or porches) or weather resistant (stand up quite well to the elements). Always ask, before you head outside to enhance your exterior displays... berries, especially, are tricky. Some are merely lacquered and once the coating is cracked by moisture and frigid temperatures, they literally explode, as the stuffing expands. Be sure you ask for the weather resistant type and avoid those exploding berries. I'm on my fifth season of hanging the same berry wreath around my flagpole base and it still looks festive!

Yes, our silk pretenders have certainly earned a place
in at least some of our holiday decorating schemes.
One more point in their favor - buy them once and
recycle them every Christmas for years to come...
add cost-effective to the merits of the great pretenders.

©Deb Lambert 2008

Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008/©CBI 2008 (Filmed in Ipswich, MA @ Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery)