A major perk of living in the Southern Hemisphere is getting to celebrate Christmas twice,
right?

When the weather begins to turn and the icy chill sets in, it’s hard not to start fantasising about toasty fireplaces, mulled wine, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and dinner by candlelight.

I say do them all. All these winter consolations are genius inventions which shouldn’t be missed just for being born on the wrong side of the world.

Here’s a little Christmas in July wreath which you can make at home and celebrate this middle of the year (no celebrations coming up any time soon) month. It is the perfect centrepiece for your Christmas-not-Christmas table.

 
What you will need:

• Thin bendable wire
• Jewellery wire cutters
• Stems of fresh, pliable greenery, about 20cm long each (I used wattle branches since their silvery foliage is perfectly wintery)

 
Firstly lay out all your branches to roughly resemble the shape of your wreath. If some of the branches are slightly curved place them evenly round the circle to encourage the correct shape. 

Slightly overlap the branches at each end and join with a wire tie (secure the thickest side of the branch to the thinnest end of the branch before it, overlapping enough to create a thick join).  

 
Continue this method of joining the branches until you have used up every stem. Finally secure the two ends together using the same method, creating your finished circle. 

 
Place the wreath in the centre of the table with a few candles. Make sure the flame of the candle is far enough away from the foliage to avoid a burning bush centrepiece.

 
Et Voilà! Let the winter magic ensue.

xxBlighStBistro

StashTextiles Flannel Flower tablecloth available here www.stashtextiles.com