Buy Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and gifts at Folies of Stansted

Sally and Lucy Lewis, from Folies of Stansted, can help you get the ideal Christmas tree and make the perfect wreath to ensure your home is ready for the festive season...

It's that time of year again! The time when we put up our Christmas trees and wreaths to celebrate the holiday season.

For many of us, this is a time-honoured tradition that we enjoy with our families. But where did this tradition come from?

The history of the Christmas tree and wreath is quite fascinating and one that can be traced back thousands of years. Trees and wreaths were originally used in pagan celebrations of winter solstice and were brought into Christian homes in the 16th century by German Protestants.

The Christmas tree became popular in England in the early 19th century. Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, is credited with popularising the Christmas tree in England.

The tradition of the Christmas wreath also has its origins in Germany. The first recorded use of a wreath was in the 15th century. The wreath was originally made of evergreen branches and was used as a symbol of hope and life.

The Christmas tree and wreath are now beloved traditions all over the world. Every year, families gather to decorate their trees and wreaths and enjoy the holiday season. In some cultures, trees and wreaths are also decorated with fruits and nuts.

The tradition of decorating Christmas trees and wreaths is a cherished part of many people's holiday celebrations. For many, it is a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the season.

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of your tree.

Christmas tree lights should go on first! This will help you see where you're putting your decorations and make sure they're evenly distributed.

Some people make garlands to wrap around the tree. A simple and fun – and also inexpensive – garland to make with children is to string popcorn together to make a long and edible garland.

Ornaments are a must-have for any Christmas tree. We have a great selection of beautiful handmade glass baubles at Folies as well as lots of beautiful lights and felt decorations. You can find them in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes to fit your personal style.

A tree topper is the perfect finishing touch for your tree, a fairy or a star being popular choices. It adds a bit of height and can really make your tree stand out.

No matter how you choose to decorate your tree, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Making a Christmas wreath is another fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit! You will need lots of fresh foliage and moss, and you can have a beautiful wreath to hang on your door in no time.

Here's how to make your own:

Start by finding a sturdy base for your wreath. A wire frame or foam wreath base will work perfectly.

Next, add some fresh greenery to your wreath. You can use holly, pine needles or any other type of evergreen you like.

Once you've added your greenery, it's time to add some decoration. Pine cones, berries, fruits, like slices of orange, and ribbons are all great choices.

Of course it is much more fun to do it with friends, so why not book to do one with us at Folies? You can book to learn in a small group and in a beautiful setting at www.foliesofstansted.com.

We specialise in everything you need for Christmas, including exceptional Nordmann trees and handmade wreaths, as well as lots of free and easy parking, a café selling hot food and mulled wine and a shop with beautiful gifts.

So come along for some mulled wine and a mince pie or two at Folies, Cambridge Road, Stansted CM24 8GE.