Tag: wreaths

  • Boston Needs a Year-End Holiday, “Un-decorating Day”

    With Valentine's Day coming, it's time to take down those wilting, drooping, browning decorations that went up in November and December. Boston should have an official year-end holiday "Un-decorating Day" or weekend where everyone takes a look at their winter accessories and decides if they still look good and can stay or if some adjustment or removal is needed. 

    IMG_9190 - Version 22016-02-06Heats-on -doors-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Walking around, we found different takes on decorating the front of buildings. These folks decided to go with the next holiday and added a splash of Valentine Glam to their doorway. 

    IMG_9149 - Version 22016-01-30planter-back-bay-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In some cases, the decorating theme was "Winter" rather than "Christmas" and this planter was maintained so it still looks good and is still a very welcome sight on our daily strolls.

    IMG_9139 - Version 22016-01-27-undecorating day needed© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    On the other hand, this garland has stayed too long at the party. This photo was taken in late January and suggests that perhaps the date for "Un-decorating Day" should be the first weekend in February. 

    Traditionally, The Beacon Hill Civic Association has held their "Undecorating Weekend – Pancake Breakfast" in January. That's great for some fading decorations. But, many of the wreaths, planters, and window boxes with less traditional themes are in great shape and continue to add a splash of bright to the dull streetscape. Those should stay around a bit longer. 

    This year we've had Roses in December and snowdrops and green shoots popping up in January. This weekend would be our normal time to start looking for those first signs of spring. So in our minds this is also a weekend to take a look at your winter decor and decide if it is still a happy addition to your home or if it's time to take it away and think about the next season. In case you're wondering, the Spring Equinox is March 20, 2016.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Happy Holidays from the BostonZest Team

    Happy Holidays to all our readers. And, a big thank you to everyone who has added elegant, tasteful decoration to our daily walks around the city. 

    DSC_7569 - Version 22015-12-14-boston-holiday-bow-fence-garland-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    This time of year, we enjoy seeing the bows and garland on wrought iron fences and railings.

    IMG_9024 - Version 22015-12-14-boston-holiday-bow-fence-door-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Beautiful doorways wearing wreaths as seasonal accessories.

    DSC_7663 - Version 22015-12-21-vendome-firmans-memoirial-wreath-commonwealth-Avenue-mall-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In honor of the firefighters.

    IMG_8977 - Version 22015-12-01-boston-public-library-holiday-art-© 2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Both private homes and public buildings, like the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, celebrate the season with artistic flair. We hope you'll find the time to take a walk in your neighborhood to enjoy the scene while it's fresh and beautiful.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Happy Holidays from the BostonZest Team

    Happy Holidays to all our readers. And, a big thank you to everyone who has added elegant, tasteful decoration to our daily walks around the city. 

    DSC_7569 - Version 22015-12-14-boston-holiday-bow-fence-garland-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    This time of year, we enjoy seeing the bows and garland on wrought iron fences and railings.

    IMG_9024 - Version 22015-12-14-boston-holiday-bow-fence-door-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Beautiful doorways wearing wreaths as seasonal accessories.

    DSC_7663 - Version 22015-12-21-vendome-firmans-memoirial-wreath-commonwealth-Avenue-mall-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In honor of the firefighters.

    IMG_8977 - Version 22015-12-01-boston-public-library-holiday-art-© 2014 Penny Cherubino  

    Both private homes and public buildings, like the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, celebrate the season with artistic flair. We hope you'll find the time to take a walk in your neighborhood to enjoy the scene while it's fresh and beautiful.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in January 2015

    Yes, January is a cold and wintry month in Boston but there is still a lot going on and many activities, both outdoor and indoor, to recommend.

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    New Year's Day 

    Weather permitting, Ed, Poppy, and I usually take a long walk on the first day of the year. We'll visit the Common and the Public Garden, and Copley Square. As a photographer, the Frog Pond skaters are always fun to watch and provide so many stories to capture in each photograph. If you have a new camera to play with, this is a great spot to add to your route for the day. 

    Here are some past posts from fun times photographing the Frog Pond skaters:

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common

    Watching the Frog Pond Skaters …

    Skating in Shirt Sleeves, Show This to That Groundhog!

    Do You Have a New Year's Day Tradition?

    Something you eat for good luck or an activity you enjoy with famiy or friends? Share with us and perhaps you'll inspire others to adopt your tradition. We'll enjoy a glass of sparkling wine either at home or in a restaurant.

    Since 2007, we've resolved to start each month of the year with a toast over a glass of something bubbly. You're welcome to join our sparkling resolution and check out our monthly list of wines to try.

    CHE_5495 - Version 22014-12-04-holiday-wreath-marlborough-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Dressed in Holiday Style

    Homes around the city will have beautiful wreaths on the doors and lovely decorations for the holidays early in the month. Above and below are two of the many lush and creative wreaths designed and sold by volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay to raise funds needed to care for trees along the streets and in the parks. Here is a link to more of their work that you might be able to spot around the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and in other parts of the city.  

    CHE_5509 - Version 22014-12-04-holiday-wreath-marlborough-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Conventions Bring Visitors

    Big meetings impact hotel prices and restaurant reservations around the city. The ones in the Back Bay have more impact on locals and visitors to the city than the seaport. Here's the January list of meetings with more than 5,000 in attendance.

    1/2/15/-1/5/15 – 12,000 social scientists will be meeting at the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay.

    And just in case anyone local or visiting has an interest in these two events, we've included them:

    1/15/15-1/19/15 – New England Auto Show in the Seaport

    1/17/15-1/19/15 – Boston RV and Camping Expo in the Seaport

    More tips from locals and frequent visitors to Boston can be found over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum. Penny started a conversation over there with some of this same information and others have chimed in to add their tips and favorites.

    Share your own traditions and January information in the comments below or send them our way on our Twitter feed. Just include @BostonZest in your message. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Holiday Decoration That Keeps Boston Green and Shaded

    When you see a truly stunning holiday wreath on a Boston doorway or in someone's home, there is a good chance it was created by the talented volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay.

    Gold-wreath-764x1024

    Each year, members of this organization decorate and deliver hundreds of wreaths and poinsettia and use the funds raised to provide grants that maintain and protect Boston's trees and parks.

    IMG_0146-816x1024

    Recently, the Garden Club sent out a reminder that a late Thanksgiving means placing your order early for one of these beauties or for simple greens and poinsettia to decorate your home or business.

    "Ordinarily we don't begin to worry about wreath orders until much later in the season, but this year we need to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is late– November 28, and that day is our wreath order deadline date.  

    Yes, if an order comes in on Friday we will certainly accept it, but the danger is that many people wait until Thanksgiving is over to begin thinking about Christmas or Hannukah, and this year that is not an option.  No extra week between Thanksgiving and wreath week means your orders must be in the mail before you carve that turkey.  

    We will be setting up for decoration on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, and decorating from Monday through Thursday, December 2 – 5.  We don't accept orders for fully decorated wreaths during wreath week, so please click here and print your order form today."


    IMG_0115-787x1024

    Take a few moments to place your order. Here's their gallery of wreaths for more ideas when ordering.

    And, as you walk around the city and enjoy the trees, parks, and shaded sidewalks, give thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers who raise thousands of dollars by giving their time during a busy time of the year. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for an early Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of the Garden Club of the Back Bay   

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Holiday Decoration That Keeps Boston Green and Shaded

    When you see a truly stunning holiday wreath on a Boston doorway or in someone's home, there is a good chance it was created by the talented volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay.

    Gold-wreath-764x1024

    Each year, members of this organization decorate and deliver hundreds of wreaths and poinsettia and use the funds raised to provide grants that maintain and protect Boston's trees and parks.

    IMG_0146-816x1024

    Recently, the Garden Club sent out a reminder that a late Thanksgiving means placing your order early for one of these beauties or for simple greens and poinsettia to decorate your home or business.

    "Ordinarily we don't begin to worry about wreath orders until much later in the season, but this year we need to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is late– November 28, and that day is our wreath order deadline date.  

    Yes, if an order comes in on Friday we will certainly accept it, but the danger is that many people wait until Thanksgiving is over to begin thinking about Christmas or Hannukah, and this year that is not an option.  No extra week between Thanksgiving and wreath week means your orders must be in the mail before you carve that turkey.  

    We will be setting up for decoration on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, and decorating from Monday through Thursday, December 2 – 5.  We don't accept orders for fully decorated wreaths during wreath week, so please click here and print your order form today."


    IMG_0115-787x1024

    Take a few moments to place your order. Here's their gallery of wreaths for more ideas when ordering.

    And, as you walk around the city and enjoy the trees, parks, and shaded sidewalks, give thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers who raise thousands of dollars by giving their time during a busy time of the year. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for an early Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of the Garden Club of the Back Bay   

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Holiday Decoration That Keeps Boston Green and Shaded

    When you see a truly stunning holiday wreath on a Boston doorway or in someone's home, there is a good chance it was created by the talented volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay.

    Gold-wreath-764x1024

    Each year, members of this organization decorate and deliver hundreds of wreaths and poinsettia and use the funds raised to provide grants that maintain and protect Boston's trees and parks.

    IMG_0146-816x1024

    Recently, the Garden Club sent out a reminder that a late Thanksgiving means placing your order early for one of these beauties or for simple greens and poinsettia to decorate your home or business.

    "Ordinarily we don't begin to worry about wreath orders until much later in the season, but this year we need to remind everyone that Thanksgiving is late– November 28, and that day is our wreath order deadline date.  

    Yes, if an order comes in on Friday we will certainly accept it, but the danger is that many people wait until Thanksgiving is over to begin thinking about Christmas or Hannukah, and this year that is not an option.  No extra week between Thanksgiving and wreath week means your orders must be in the mail before you carve that turkey.  

    We will be setting up for decoration on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, and decorating from Monday through Thursday, December 2 – 5.  We don't accept orders for fully decorated wreaths during wreath week, so please click here and print your order form today."


    IMG_0115-787x1024

    Take a few moments to place your order. Here's their gallery of wreaths for more ideas when ordering.

    And, as you walk around the city and enjoy the trees, parks, and shaded sidewalks, give thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers who raise thousands of dollars by giving their time during a busy time of the year. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for an early Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of the Garden Club of the Back Bay   

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Here’s Looking at You, Spring!

    DSC_2439 - Version 22013-03-04-doorway-spring-weaths-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The spring wreaths on this Back Bay doorway seem to be keeping an eye on the neighborhood. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or, do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Here’s Looking at You, Spring!

    DSC_2439 - Version 22013-03-04-doorway-spring-weaths-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The spring wreaths on this Back Bay doorway seem to be keeping an eye on the neighborhood. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or, do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Here’s Looking at You, Spring!

    DSC_2439 - Version 22013-03-04-doorway-spring-weaths-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The spring wreaths on this Back Bay doorway seem to be keeping an eye on the neighborhood. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or, do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.