FREEPORT, ME — To help millions of Americans share the welcoming spirit of the 2019 holiday season on their cards and letters, the U.S. Postal Service issued four new stamps inspired by early American wreath designs.

Crafted by acclaimed former White House chief floral designer Laura Dowling, the 2019 Holiday Wreath Forever Stamps capture the essence of the holiday season with their iconic depictions of festive wreaths. These timeless images reflect the cherished tradition of adorning doors and mantels with wreaths, a practice found in every community, and serve as a heartfelt symbol of the warm and inviting spirit that pervades this special time of year. Remarkably, this release marks the Postal Service’s ninth installment of holiday wreath stamps over the course of the past 57 years, demonstrating the enduring popularity and significance of this beloved symbol in holiday celebrations.

The Holiday Wreath stamps are classic yet contemporary and evoke a sense of warmth and welcome. Many wreaths are created from materials easily found during winter, including pinecones, dried flowers and berries.

• The ribbon leaf wreath is inspired by French floral art. Aspidistra leaves, folded and manipulated to resemble ribbons, create a long-lasting wreath.

• Gilded pinecones and magnolia pods grace the wreath trimmed with cranberry red ribbon.

• Red and gold ribbon adorns the wreath made from gilded dried hydrangea, eucalyptus and nandina foliage, red berries and small ornaments.

• The woodland bush ivy and red winterberry wreath present a classic red and green palette.

The wreaths for the stamps, designed by Dowling, were photographed by Kevin Allen. Antonio Alcalá served as the project’s art director and designed the stamps with Dowling.

The Holidays Wreaths stamps are being issued in booklets of 20 First-Class Forever stamps. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.