I don’t have a mistletoe, but I like the idea of one. My Mum used to hang one at Christmas every year, and our entire family had to kiss each other under it at least once. My sister’s and I though it was hilarious. Here is the adorable mistletoe like decoration at my sister’s house.
True Mistletoe
When I was reading a little about mistletoe, I found out that there are many different types. One of the common varieties is Phoradendron. This red mistletoe is tranditional in North America.
Another variety, the white Viscum Album, is used in Europe.
Some History
According to Wikipedia, in the “ancient Christmas custom, a man and a woman who meet under a hanging of mistletoe were obliged to kiss. The custom may be of Scandinavian origin. It was described in 1820 by American author Washington Irving in his “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon“:
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“The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses and kitchens at Christmas, and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases.”
Faking Mistletoe
One of the things I like about mistletoe, is the colours of green and red. Not only are they Christmassy, they also bring an attitude a richness and boldness — of celebration I guess you could say — to the house. I was inspired by this and decided to make a mistletoe inspired feature to hang across the door frame. While I was out on a Sunday walk, I collected some mini pine cones and pine tree leaves. I attached three pine leaves together with red ribbon and used an open paperclip to act as a hanging tool.
Once I had enough bunches, I hung them on a piece of string attached along the door frame. It was such a simple thing to do but it gave me a lot of joy. The only tricky part is hanging it above the door; removable stick on hooks work well.
Do you hang a mistletoe at Christmas time?
Other Links
To view the entire range of Christmas Crafts on this blog, click here: Christmas Craft.
To view the entire range of handmade Christmas Tree Decorations, click here: Handmade Christmas Decorations.
9 Comments
Mini Pine Cone Wreath
December 9, 2011 at 12:52 am[…] Faking Mistletoe […]
Lucy
December 9, 2011 at 4:56 amI’m English, as you know. For me, its green with white berries. And I am always torn – it’s traditonal kissing and Christmas decoration properties (which I love and miss) and the fact that it’s a insidious plant that parasites off other trees and shrubs, and it’s also poisonous!
I always keep a look out for real misteltoe – love me a kissing time…
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
December 9, 2011 at 9:31 amI just put the white one in the post too! There are some REALLY pretty fake mistletoe decorations around. The one my mum had was just a simple ball with a few red berries. I loved the simplicity of it. Wish I had a picture of it.
Lucy
December 9, 2011 at 10:30 amThat is a lovely shot of the Viscum Album! I requested my fruit and veggie man hunt me some down today, thanks to your post!
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
December 12, 2011 at 2:08 pmDid your veggie man find any? Many people have asked where to get it…seeme like it is hard to find!
Tara @ Mum-ments
December 9, 2011 at 8:25 pmSuch a cute idea! I was asking my florist aunty if they would be gettinh any in but sadly they wont so im now gonna go on the hunt for some fake mistletoe hehe xxx
Kelly Be A Fun Mum
December 12, 2011 at 2:07 pmI know so many people who have been looking for it too, and haven’t been able to track any down. If you can’t make it, fake it, right?
onLINEoff
December 10, 2011 at 6:03 am[…] I really want Mistletoe. But we can’t get it here in Australia. Not even fake stuff that looks like Mistletoe. Unless there is and I just haven’t found it yet. In which case, if you know where to get some, please let me know. In the mean time, Kel from Be A Fun Mum is faking mistletoe. […]
Christmas Picnic (& other outdoor decoration ideas)
November 29, 2013 at 5:36 pm[…] – Make a nature garland […]