Manzanita Wedding Trees Are Perfect for the Season!

Four Seasonal Recipes for Perfect Manzanita Branch Centerpieces...

I. The Autumn Display Tree:

Fall is here and dry displays are perfect for the season;

First I want to show you today how these branches can be used in different ways to create amazing autumn themed decorative results. An Autumn tree is best achieved using either natural branches, or a satin polyurethane finished manzanita display tree with a burlwood base.

(The satin polyurethane brings out the fall tones while keeping the non-glossy, natural look)

-Start by placing your tree in the center of a 16 to 24" long ovular display tray, setting the base directly upon the bottom of the tray and surrounding it with a 1 to 2 inch layer of multi-colored beans, indian corn, buckeyes, autumn leaves, fall themed potpourri, ect.

-Next decorate your branches with flowers, leaves (real or faux), pastel ribbons or beautiful fall themed jewelry.

II. The Winter Crystal Tree (Wedding Tree):

Start with a manzanita Branch, sandblasted, or painted white or silver. (White with light blue branch tips is also very nice) and place it in a small glass vase full of clear stones and marbles) If your looking to get very ambitious throw a little blue battery powered display L.E.D. in the bottom of your clear glass vase letting the blue light shine through the clear glass and stones.

(A Quick Note About Your Base or Vase: If you intend on hanging anything of significant weight on the tree I suggest finding a wide based vase to use for the sake of stability. Crystals can prove to be fairly weighty when you get 20 of them on a tree, so make sure the weight is well balanced and not liable to topple over in the middle of the event or ceremony. The rocks or marbles in the vase both serve to hold your branch upright and weigh down the vase upon the table.)

So you've set your branch in the vase, surrounded it with your heavy fill of choice, and now your ready to hang some winter upon it. Crystals are my favorite choice for this theme because they communicate such a stark, clear, elegance that speaks to the very soul of winter.

There are also other variations which carry their own special version of the winter flavor. You can hang votives, faux snowflakes, tensil, or even traditional ornaments on your trees for the holidays.

III. The Spring Flower Tree

The Spring Flower Tree is very versatile in the approach you can take.

This theme can be achieved with sandblasted branches, or any sprayed natural pastel color such as light blue or pink. Set the branches in a light colored or clear vase with easter grass or the light grassy or green fill of your choice, and hang something that reminds you of spring time- faux butterflies, flowers, or strands of pastel beads. This theme is easily combined with light colored mini-postcards for use as a springtime wedding wish tree.

The idea is to keep the tone light and fresh, while adding spring colors at every opportunity.

IV. The Summer Beach Tree

This is one of my personal favorites.

Much like the Autumn tree start with a large ovular, shallow display tray. Then take a nice dense sandblasted branch set on a sandblasted (unfinished) burlwood base, and set it in the tray. For this purpose you want to get a branch which is aged a little bit and well cured. This will cause it to turn an aged grayish tan white color when blasted (like driftwood) and an aged branch will have more wear and texture which goes well with the theme. Then we take white beach or play sand and fill the tray around burlwood base. Next take some seashells, seaweed, and/or beach themed potpourri. Try to integrate aqua colors somewhere, in either the shells, or other beach decor. If you can work a sand dollar or starfish into the sand somewhere it looks excellent. Next hang small seashells or strands of seashells draping from the branches. (This design is great for beach themed jewelry display)

I gurantee you will love this amazing summer theme!

For sandblasted manzanita branches and wedding displays visit http://manzanitadisplay.com

The Q & A On Manzanita Display

Q: What makes Manzanita Displays such a popular choice as a wedding centerpiece?

Manzanita branches possess several qualities which make them well suited for use as wedding or jewelry displays:

• The unique and often exquisite colors and grain pattern which darken and become prominent with the right finish. Manzanita depending on how it is used and finished can be adapted to accentuate any theme or decor scheme. Are you going for a natural, summer, winter, beach, flower, butterfly, silver, gold etc. theme? You can finish and or decorate your displays with little effort and achieve excellent results.

• A stark and strikingly detailed and dense branch network which lends itself well to hanging objects or decorations upon. No other tree in the world has manzanitas distinct signature pattern of twisting fluctuating off-shoots that fan out with suprising density and overall regularity. Every tree is visibly shaped by it's environment and this

• Strength and versatility of use are two hallmark qualities inherent in manzanita wood in general. If you can imagine it there is a piece of manzanita out there that you could make it out of. I have made or seen people make lamps, tables, stools, candle holders, night stands, book ends, paper weights, refrigerator magnets, birdhouses, bird perches, lizard and animal sticks, coat racks, jewelry displays, spoons, feathers, clocks, plaques, and jewelry all out of manzanita branches and burlwood.

What are some creative ways I can use manzanita branches in my wedding aside from just your standard table display?

Manzanita burls and manzanita branches can be used in decor in so many ways. As candle, card or pen holders, or branches can be hung upside down to accent overhead lighting in s chandelier type arrangement. Not to mention versatility within the table displays themselves. Near the entrance of your reception area you can place one or two extra large branches in a large pot or vase on the floor and use them as wish trees, capable of hanging the notes of a hundred or more guests. Artisans Manzanita provides wedding packages that include a set number of table displays along with a single or 2 set of entry way wedding wish trees large enough to set on the floor for one discounted price.

Dutch Tradition Comes Alive with Manzanita Wedding Trees

Weddings are special events that make a huge impact on the lives of the couple. Every culture has unique ways of celebrating this special occasion. From the spiritual, to the whimsical, these customs and traditions add a flare of uniqueness in every wedding. With the marriages across cultures, very versatile wedding planners and scores of other factors, these different traditions have found its way to mingle with other societies.

It is customary for Dutch traditional wedding to start with the reading of the scriptures and singing of psalms. Only after this do they enter the church. The entourage goes in first, followed by the bride, then the groom, then the parents and finally the pastor. But one tradition that has traveled beyond their land is the use of wishing trees in the feast after the wedding. By using manzanita wedding trees, this Dutch custom remains alive. In fact its popularity is growing especially among younger couples. In lieu of the guest book, the wishing tree is used to shower the newly weds with the guests’ wishes and blessings. Traditionally, branches or small trees are placed near the table of the newly weds. Guests write their wishes on a piece of paper and hands it over to the couple. They read the wishes and blessing before they hang it on the tree. In the United State, the manzanita is used for the weddings because these trees add aesthetic appeal asides from its durability. In the same manner guests are requested to write their wishes and blessings for the couple on a piece of pre-cut and decorated paper. However, with the adapted version, reading the messages is not a requirement. Another variation from the Dutch tradition is that guests are the ones who hangs the messages on the tree and not the newly weds.

The manzanita wedding trees makes the celebration more interactive. Moreover, it stunning beauty makes a wonderful accent to the reception area. Manzanita is ideal for wedding receptions because these trees can be decorated and customized depending on the theme. They are sought after because of their strength, unique grain patterns and textures, and their breathtaking branch shape and orientation. The uses of manzanita other than for weddings are endless since these trees are truly resilient and versatile.

Dutch tradition requires the newly weds to plant lilies of the valley around their home. It symbolizes renewal of their love every time the plants bloom. You need not plant and wait for them to bloom to renew your love. By compiling the wishes and blessing on the manzanita wedding tree, you can relive the wedding and each time you browse through these memories, your love will undoubtedly grow deeper.

Wedding Trees Can be Used In So Many Ways!

Preserving Memories through Wedding Tree Centerpieces

Making weddings memorable is a common goal when planning for this occasion. And every year, new and innovative ideas add to the magic of wedding celebrations. A recent addition to making the weddings more unforgettable is the use of trees to replace guest books. These wedding tree centerpieces provide a more interactive and not to mention a more impressive alternative to the traditional guest books.

This Dutch custom has made its way to wedding reception around the country. Instead of the usual guest book, guests are given paper cards – often in the form of leaves. They place their wishes and messages for the newly weds on this paper and hang it on the tree. Wedding tree centerpieces are often placed near the entrance and adorned with decorations that augment the theme of the reception. The couple can collect the messages and wishes of the guests and put it a scrapbook. Other cultures have similar traditions and customs like this. However, it has a more spiritual meaning attached to it. They believe that some trees possess special powers to grant wishes through nature spirits. Regardless of its origins, it seems to be continuously growing in popularity.

Wedding tree centerpieces are meticulously constructed. These decorations are done on site and may take several hours to dress up depending on the intricacy of the design. Crystal garlands and ribbons are often used but some are more creative by using the couple’s pictures to decorate it. Likewise, the paper on which guests write may take several forms but the most famous is of course is in the shape of leaves. Hard cardboard is good enough, but decorative papers are a better option. Even the pen to use can be chosen to make the final output more cohesive.

Trees similar to a jewelry rack is used and dressed to fit the theme of the occasion. That is why it is not surprising that most wish trees use the same tree type as that of display stands for jewelry. The manzanita tree is an evergreen tree/shrub that is versatile and well-suited for this. Using his tree for wedding tree centerpieces is advantageous. This is a great choice since this tree resembles a bonsai tree thus giving it a very attractive appearance. More homes are also using manzanita as part of their decoration. Just place them in a vase, add some decorations and you have a great home decor. Furthermore, the quality and strength of the branches is excellent. It can hold heavy ornaments, which makes it ideal for wedding wish trees. Many jewelry stands are now using the same material because of its strength and durability. In addition, this evergreen tree can be easily painted over or sand blasted but still retains its qualities.

Weddings are great events especially to the couple. It is no wonder that many if not all want to create lasting memories as well as unique experiences. And these wedding tree centerpieces provide an unforgettable occasion for everyone.

For no hassle purchase of the highest quality manzanita branch and branch burlwood displays available check out our listings on ebay for manzanita branches.

Our natural branches are as little as 9.00 a piece and we can include a bag of smaller decorative branches to use with the main ones you purchase.

Our displays start at 25.00 for the small burlwood based branch displays (21" to 16" tall)

We can decorate anyway you like for an additional charge- to the extent that they can still be shipped. These trees are fragile and require careful packing to ship. We charge no handling fee just the direct material and carrier cost. Unpacking instructions are included on the underside of the lid of the box. Open top and read instructions before removing tree.

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