15 Minute Christmas Swag

Shopping for a Christmas wreath today, I found that they already looked tired and over the hill. I resolved to make my own door swag, which would be fresher, more unique and cheaper than what I could buy.

Gather evergreens & berries. These could include:

• Cedar, redwood, juniper or pine boughs
• Boxwood
• Magnolia
• Holly
• Juniper berries
• Pyracantha or toyon berries

And:

• String, scissors, needle, coarse thread
• Ribbon (medium to wide)

1. Arrange the boughs stem ends at the top, the longest at the back, berries and shorter boughs in the front.
2. Tie at the top with string, raffia, wire or florist tape.
3. Run a loop of string (or double loop of button & carpet thread) through the back of the tied string, making sure it is long enough (and strong enough) to hang from your chosen location.
4. Tie the top with medium to wide ribbon of your choice, covering the string.
5. Fill in any gaps with small berry clusters or greens.

Hang from the door, and you're all set. You can tuck a small berry cluster or piece of holly at the top to hide the bare stems. If you like, change the ribbon for another color. I did!