It is tradition in Germany to celebrate the four sundays leading to christmas by lighting a candle at the so called "Adventskranz" (advent - wreath). This year I decided to do one without the fresh green branches, even though I miss the christmassy smell of the needles. What I don't miss is the needles in my hair after passing the wreath, since it is hanging from our ceiling in the living room. This years wreath is needle-free, glass-free and all the ribbons hanging from it make sure, you see it and don't bump against it (oh yes, my hubby has been very good at that - not pretty when the candles are burning...).
I admit, the colours are a little daring, but I think it gets a little oriental touch using bright red and purple.
It wasn't easy finding the right purple, though.