Wishing you a happy Memorial Day Weekend with a Smooth Sailing wreath in patriotic colors.
I recently made this red, white and blue wreath for my eldest son R’s Manhattan apartment.
When I found the wood and canvas sailboat decor piece (Home Goods), I knew it would be the perfect centerpiece of a nautical theme wreath.
The patriotic color scheme would also make it a great Memorial Day through Labor Day decoration for R’s front door. Smooth Sailing all summer long!
Living in a rooftop apartment, surrounded by a terrace on three sides, R’s apartment is the gathering spot for his friends. He has it outfitted with both lounge and dining areas, a grill, mobile cooler, bar, trees and plants, strings of lights, music, and plenty of outdoor entertainment options.
Last year, for his birthday, we gave R all kinds of outdoor tableware. Many of the dishes had a nautical or coastal motif. So, I figured a Smooth Sailing wreath would be a great welcome to the party inside — and out to the rooftop terrace.
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Smooth Sailing on the Dalmatian Coast
Last summer, R and a friend went on a fantastic sailing trip along the Dalmatian Coast. The small ship adventure included only four other passengers, and a crew of two, taking them from Split to Dubrovnik.
I believe this first picture was taken while exploring high above Split’s harbor, before setting sail.
The pictures he shared took my breath away. Here’s one of the small harbors they overnighted in.
Here’s one of my favorites, as they exploring an ancient town along the coast.
Have you ever been on a small ship adventure?
Raising Anchor…Again
Several months ago, I created DIY Anchors Aweigh Sailboat Wreath for my sister’s Charleston home.
I had plenty of the anchor ribbon left for another sailboat wreath. R’s birthday was coming up, and we were going to have the rare opportunity to be with him on his actual birthday.
I already had his gift wrapped and ready to go, when I was inspired to make the sailboat wreath. When I saw the boat at Home Goods, my brain chanted, “make R a wreath, make R a wreath…quick!”
We were leaving for Philadelphia in just three days, to attend the wedding of my college bestie’s daughter (see Love is Sweet Bridal Shower).
Fancy or Not-so-Fancy Footwork
It was a weekend of dancing (yet another of my favorite things!). We stayed at the lovely home of my brother-in-law J and his wife J. On Friday evening, we were their guests at a ballroom dancing club. What fun that was! Just hope we didn’t embarrass them too much.
I didn’t flamenco (see Seductive Seville Entices with Arabic Palace, Flamenco Dance), but I did manage a decent tango —twice!
My brother-in-law is well over six feet tall, and even on tiptoe I’m height challenged! A little like my Scottish Terrier LOL.
It was a good warm up to the wedding the next day at the gorgeous Ballroom at the Ben (as in Franklin). A wonderful affair!
Birthday Brunch
On Sunday, we met both our sons (D lives in Philly) along with their aunt and uncle for brunch. R had “trained” (a verb in the Northeast) down from NYC to celebrate his birthday with us. I brought the sailing wreath with me, but intended to take it back home to Pittsburgh and mail it to him.
I hoped he’d like it, and was encouraged by his reaction to the Bringing Home the Christmas Tree Wreath I had made him last December.
But, I never expected him to be willing to schlep the sailboat wreath back home on the train.
Especially because R received a number of other birthday gifts, including several that were a bit heavy. It did help that I had encouraged him to bring an empty bag to travel back home to NYC with his packages.
Fortunately, he also had a backpack to hold more of his loot.
Even still, I was thrilled he wanted to carry the sailboat wreath back home with him on the train.
He must have really liked it!
Marina in the Sky: Sailing Wreath Welcomes Visitors to Rooftop
Several days later, R sent several pictures of the sailboat wreath hanging on his front door.
Makes his momma really happy, even though it was supposed to be his Happy Birthday gift.
Hubby and I are looking forward to visiting R in NYC in the not-to-distant future.
It’s always great fun up on the roof! I think being an engineer definitely gave my husband an advantage on this game, but can he make a wreath? I think not!
Three’s a Charm
Later, I created a third sailboat wreath — using up the rest of the anchor ribbon.
Check out DIY Nautical Sailboat Wreath: Raise Anchor for a different color scheme.
Hope your summer is Smooth Sailing!
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omg, this one is adorable too!! Thanks for letting me know, I must try something like this! I will be sure to give you all the credit and link to your blog if it turns out, Thanks Deb!
Imitation is the best form of flattery, right? I’d love to see your interpretation of the wreath. Let me know!
As always you rock. Sailboat wreath is a banger. Your ‘Bringing Home the Christmas Tree” also looks a winner. Where do I find. it? I’m still building the Ark. It’s a good thing I don’t melt in the rain. There would be very little left. It”s not just the rain, but the high humidity between showers that is a wipe out. Rain works, but 90% humidity without rain does not.
You are officially declared president of my wreath fan club LOL! See the entire Christmas tree wreath here. We were spared the worst of the rain, but horrible humidity this past weekend.
Debbie, that wreath is awesome. Good job ! I can’t imagine living in NY but we need to see more of the rooftop apartment.
We may need a boat for all of the rain (and humidity) here soon.
Thanks Myrna. We nor our son ever imagined he’d still be in NY all these years later. But, his apartment and terrace is unique and special. Next time we visit, I’ll see if he’s OK with me doing a photo tour, and tablescape.
You definitely have a knack for building wreaths! I adore how that turned out. In our area with all the lakes anything nautical is always loved. Looks like your son has a wonderful spot in NYC to live. I always enjoyed looking out in the evenings at all the city lights when we lived in Chicago. That was sweet of your son to carry the wreath on the train- I know how much work it can be to do stuff like that after living in a city. I got the opportunity to sail (one afternoon) on a sailboat the reminds me of the one your son was on (down in Florida many years ago). I enjoyed it but found out I’m not what you’d call a seaworthy individual! LOL
He does have a nice place, although the apartment itself is pretty small. With all the windows on 3 sides it doesn’t feel that way though. My favorite time on the terrace is at night with the lights on. R is also lucky that his place is on the back of his building with green space and other low condo buildings or brownstones. It feels pretty open and no street noise. A huge difference from his last place. R couldn’t convince his dad and I to go on that small of a sailboat for an upcoming Greek cruise. We are trying Windstar with under 200 passengers. I’m still going to get meds for seasickness though LOL!
I love this idea! So cute with the boat!
Thanks Lorin, the sailboat is definitely what sets the wreath apart.
How on earth do you do it??? You have such great ideas and bring them to life in such a vivid, wonderful way! Your patience and drive are WAY over the top!!!
Alycia, you are too kind! Thanks so much for your generous compliments. It was easy to be inspired making something for my son.
Debbee, the wreaths are the cutest I’ve seen. What a fantasti job!
The trip has long been on our travel list. Glad you got to experience the Dalmation coast. And that roof top is amazing!!!
Sarah, so glad you liked it. Actually my son sailed the Dalmatian Coast so it’s still on my list too!
I love this wreath! So perfect for a nautical themed home or patriotic holidays! I am featuring you today at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you will join us again this week!
https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/red-white-and-blue-decor-at-thursday-favorite-things/
Amber, always such a huge compliment to be featured, thank you!
I would like to have just a tiny bit of your creativity, your wreaths are beautiful! Thanks for joining us again at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Maybe we can be a duo – I make the party wreath and you create the dessert?
You are so creative and I enjoy seeing all of your seasonal wreaths! Thanks for linking up with Thursday Favorite Things. We are so happy that you joined us. Angelina @ Petite Haus
Thanks Angelina. I have all the ingredients for one more summer wreath — if I can find the time to make it! Hope I don’t run out of summer before I do!
A cute wreath and I love all those trip photos! Pinned.
The Dalmatian Coast is definitely a place my husband and I hope to visit someday.
Stunning summer idea! Definitely this wreath will decorate my front door!
Hi Peter, how did you come upon my post/blog? If you’d like to see another version, check out DIY Anchors Aweigh Sailboat Wreath. I just started working on another one for my Etsy shop, DebbeesBuzzBoutique. Would love to see what you create! Please share at buzz@debbeesbuzz.com
Thanks Debbee! I was searching on the web for new ideas about my channel because I’m a DIY addicted and i saw your blog. I have do admit… you’re doing a great job! About the other version I have seen it and comment it already!
Oh my goodness, I was drawn to your blog with the wreath from B4and Afters party and I must say I am glad I didn’t miss the chance to see and read more. The wreath is really clever and a job well is done. You definitely have the creative touch!! I will be finding you on social media as well.
Nice to ‘meet’ you Karen — so glad you enjoyed the wreath!
What a fantastic wreath. You are so creative and artistic. Your tables are always lovely. I am off to visit the shower. I really enjoyed this post Debbee. Happy Sunday.
Always lovely to hear from you Linda — thanks so much!
I love your wreath!! You did such a great job! I’m featuring your project tonight at Celebrate Your Story! Have a great afternoon! Hugs!
Thanks so much Benita — and I really appreciate the feature!
What an amazing wreath, Debbee… looks like you just may be the queen of these ribbon wreaths! So many lovely posts! Congrats on being featured at Celebrate Your Story! Would love to have you share this and more at Tuesday Turn About… we’d be blessed to have you!
Queen of theme and wreaths?! Thanks for the lovely compliment. I’ll check out the linkup, appreciate the invite.
Thanks so much Julie! I’ll definitely check it out when I get home from vacation.
Debbee….. Please check out our link party where I chose you as one of my favorite links.
Wow, that’s great Kari! Thanks.
Hi I love the sailing wreath! Can you tell me is this all burlap ribbon and tied? I have two sons in the Navy and would love to try to make this while stuck home during Covid 19.
First, thank you sons for their service Tara. I made three different wreaths with sailboats as the central element. The underlying foundation of the wreath is a standard wire frame with wide deco mesh (I think it was 20 inch) that is burlap-like (wide white and burlap stripes) from Michaels. For step by step instructions with very similar mesh, see DIY Anchors Aweigh Sailboat Wreath and DIY Nautical Sailboat Wreath: Raise Anchor for another version. Let me know how it turns out!
You are so talented! I love all the layering in this wreath! Gorgeous! Shelley
Aww Shelley, that’s so sweet of you to say! It’s not hard to make, just depending on finding the right mix of “ingredients” like the ribbons and central “wow” element. Same recipe for all my wreaths.
Beautiful wreathes, every one of them! Just striking!
So glad you like ’em Anita! I’ve made several others as thank you gifts for friends who have hosted us to stays at their beach community homes.
I love this wreath! It’s perfect to have up from May to September. I am decorating my home with a beachy/nautical theme, so I’ve made many DIY decor pieces this month. I would love to add this to the collection. Thank you for linking up with us on Happiness is Homemade. Again- beautiful wreath!!
Niki, I’m sure you’ll have no problem creating your own version of the sailboat wreath. The most challenging part for me was finding that anchor ribbon. But, I did make three wreaths out of the 10-yard roll.
Debbee, What a lovely wreath. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/05/thursday-favorite-things-party.html Hugs, Bev
Oh, you can count on it Bev — I try to never miss a single week! Thanks for the lovely compliment of choosing my wreath!
These wreaths just shout SUMMER! I love that sail boat in the middle and the netting, and the ribbon… 🙂
Did you take that vacation to the Dalmatian coast? It looks lovely.
Thanks for sharing it all with us at the FWF link party.
And, it’s easy to make too! Plus, lightweight to hang. No, hubby and I haven’t made it to the Dalmatian Coast, but it’s on our bucket list. With the pandemic we’ve been grounded from international travel. Our next trip was supposed to be Ireland, but that won’t now be until next year. We are sticking to the USA this year.