Mantel boughs were traditionally cut fresh in December and laid along the shelf by hand, and by New Year’s most of them had dried out and dropped their needles onto the hearth.
The tradition carries on today with far less sweeping. Five feet long, the Swiss Chic swag gathers bristle tips and evergreen into a full, tight arrangement, then works in white twigs, natural pinecones and leafy greens, with blue berry clusters scattered through. Gold metal bells add a little shine, and a black velvet ribbon finishes it with a bow.
About 15 inches wide and 8 inches high, it has the presence for a broad mantel or the length of a dining table. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth before packing it away in January, and it will be ready to carry the custom forward for many Decembers to come.
