The Wreath Recipe Book: Year-Round Wreaths, Swags, and Other Decorations to Make with Seasonal Branches

Harampolis and Rizzo, cofounders of the San Francisco floral design company Studio Choo, offer a collection of garlands, abstract arrangements, and the titular wreaths for every season. From the cherry blossoms and sweet peas of spring to the blackberry and lavender wreaths of summer, from gourd garlands in autumn to blonde blossoms of acacia and pastel camellia of winter, there is a recipe for the nontraditional on every page. Many wreaths include “ingredients” which can be removed and planted (succulents that have been used in summer arrangements) or repurposed (lavender hung upside down as a garland provides a jump on a future use as dried component). Framing their ideas as recipes, the authors assure the reader that anyone who can understand how to make lasagna can also make an ethereal crown of juniper, orchid, and air plants. A generous total of 400 color photos will leave the reader hungry for another container of persimmon branches. (Oct.)