We rarely finish early, in time to take a breath and have a sandwich and enjoy each other’s company one more time before breaking down the workshop, but this year we did, and the experience was special. Everyone who had signed in during the first three days received an email invite to come back one last time to partake as a group. We exchanged wish lists for materials for 2020, examined what went right and what went a little wrong, and strategized. We were so glad we were able to have that moment. Below is a richly ribboned designer’s choice wreath, and a long shot of lunch, catered by Milk Street Cafe.

Many wreath committee members commit to purchasing a number of wreaths as holiday gifts for family and friends, and we take this opportunity to remind you all, for next year, that doing so not only supports all the good horticultural work of The Garden Club of the Back Bay, but makes your December shopping just that much easier. We send out wreaths to people who are sometimes hard to buy for – think hairdresser, fitness instructor, dental hygienist, babysitter, tutor – especially when just a check might seem too impersonal. The wreaths don’t need to be fully decorated, since one of our wreaths with a bow can be a statement all on its own. Please remember next season. We can attach a very attractive gift card to the tag, as well.

The First Lutheran Church upgraded its lighting in the workspace this year, which allowed us to see our materials quite well, but there was an unexpected side effect for those of us using an older model cell phone as a camera. As you can see below, the reflected glow interfered with the clarity of the image, and when compared to pictures taken by decorators with new phones, the differences were stark. So by next year, we promise to upgrade our equipment so the photos are as rich and clear as they can be. Here is a matched pair with some fabulous feather details, which we loved.

Each year we donate many gift certificates for fully decorated wreaths to not for profit organizations around the City. It’s a tough job keeping track of them, since the groups rarely inform us of the name of the high bidder or raffle winner, so we rely on the fact that someone will be in touch, following the instructions on the certificates we provide. However, inevitably we get a call after wreath week from a hopeful person who never looked at the envelope or perhaps didn’t receive anything but a telephone call from the group raffling the prize, and of course, because all our supplies are now safely tucked away in storage, there is disappointment. This year was no exception, but we were pleased to offer a raincheck to one lucky lady from the Brookline Garden Club, who is now, officially, our first customer for 2020. Below is a very glamorous example of a wreath she might choose next season, although we don’t ever copy from one year to another. We can, however, try to recapture the spirit of an admired wreath. There are many pictures on our website which are inspirational.