Creative Uses for Free Evergreen Branches

At this time of year we experience an invasion. They seem to take over every empty lot and many street corners. Just the sight of them can either put you in the holiday mood or make you scream, "Enough!" What is this invader? The invader is the Christmas tree lot. :) Popping up out of nowhere, they give us dozens and dozens of trees to choose from in all sizes, shapes, and hews of green. Some also sell wreaths and other holiday decorations. But what I would like to discuss in particular, is the habit that many lots have of trimming the lower branches off. Many lots trim off these branches and set them aside to discard of later. Most of the time, if you ask politely, they will have no problem with you hauling off a few of their branches. Some are even relieved to see them go. At times, I have been known to fill up the entire cargo area of my minivan. And what are you able to do with your branches? Lots of things!

I have a rather large house, so I use most of the branches whole to form a swag on the front porch railing. I begin by grabbing a couple of branches and securing florist wire around it (sometimes I use twine, but as it does tend to cause the swag to come apart, I wouldn't recommend it). Then grab a branch or small bundle of branches. Overlap the needle end just enough to cover up the branch end of the one you just wrapped. Continue to wrap the wire down the length of the new branch to the point where it was cut from the tree, making sure to leave enough of the fronds loose so that they can hang freely. When you get close to the point of the cut, begin to wrap a new branch on, being careful to overlap at least four inches to cover up the bare wood, and make the swag sturdy. After it is finished and hung up, you can decorate it. For an old-fashioned country look, I embellish the swag with bows made from my husband's old plaid flannel work shirts and some Christmas lights.

If a large swag is not to your liking, you can always make a smaller one, using smaller cuttings. When you make the small swag, it may be necessary to secure the cuttings to something to make it sturdier. You can do this by cutting a long strip, about eight inches wide, from a black plastic garbage bag, and twisting it to form a long ‘rope.' Wire the cuttings into bundles first, and then place them close enough together to ensure that the garbage bag does not show through. If you reach the end of the garbage bag before the project is done, simply tie a fresh strip of bag to the former one and continue as before.

Another idea is to make a wreath. You can fashion a wire hanger as the base, or use a wreath form, grapevine wreath, straw wreath, etc. from the craft store. As in the swag, you would grab small bundles of branches and wire them together. Then you can wire the bundles to the base, adding ornaments, raffia and bows as desired.

Smaller branches can make a wonderful centerpiece for the table. You can place a block of floral foam in any container and poke the branches in. Finishing it off with a bow or mini ornaments would make a very pleasing final product.

Loose branches are very attractive in decorating. Scattering them on the buffet table and around the house can be both beautiful and aromatic.

I hope these ideas are helpful to you as you anticipate the holiday season!

Copyright © 2001 RBG

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