Make a Christmas wreath with Chef & Brewer
Is there anything more festive than a homemade Christmas wreath hanging proudly on your front door during the winter? These delightful decorations are a staple at Christmas and the first thing your loved ones see when they arrive at your door, and that's why we've partnered with published author and award-winning garden designer, Frances Tophill, to help you make the perfect Christmas wreath and spread a little festive cheer up and down your street, all while celebrating our love for the great British countryside, of course!
If your Christmas decorating style leans toward the traditional, you'll want to opt for a classic wreath, made with evergreen branches shaped into a circle and decorated with red ribbons, shining berries, dried fruit, and pinecones. But like Christmas tree decorations, wreaths can be adorned with a whole variety of plants, herbs and more. Frances herself adds a touch of pine, holly, heather, and rosemary for an uplifting alpine scent.
Here's a great idea: why combine your wreath-making with a winter walk or two, and forage for all the materials you need? It's a mindful way to connect with nature and sustainably celebrate the festive season. "Now is the time to start foraging to make your Christmas wreath," says Frances. "Remember never to take too much and always to stick to public footpaths."
Are you in the mood for a little Christmas crafting? Round up your family, heat a batch of warming mulled wine, and set aside some time for a fun afternoon making a wreath together. We've got everything you need right here to get you started, including a list of essential supplies, a step-by-step guide on how to make a wreath and even a little history about the origin of Christmas wreaths. For a little extra inspiration, watch our video with Frances, and discover how to create a beautiful wreath using foraged materials. It's a fantastic way to embrace the season and create something unique and personal.
What does a wreath symbolise at Christmas?
First things first – let's start with a little history lesson. Did you know the origins of Christmas wreaths are tied closely to Christmas trees? Bringing leafy evergreen trees and branches into our homes at Christmastime is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century and is usually credited to Germany, where it is associated with their 'Tannenbaums', or fir trees.
During this time, Christmas trees would be trimmed into a pleasing triangular shape that represented the Trinity of the Christian faith: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There was also a practical reason– it gave the tree a neater shape and helped it fit nicely into any room of the home.
But waste not, want not. Instead of throwing the trimmed greenery away, Germans would save these precious leaves and branches and fashion them into the Christmas wreaths we know and love. The circular shape was chosen partly out of convenience, but for Christians, the shape also symbolises the eternity of God, while the evergreen leaves represented eternal life.
Nowadays, wreaths are primarily decorative, adding a touch of natural charm and warmth to the Christmas celebration.
What you need to make a Christmas wreath
Feeling inspired by Frances' foraging tips? It's time to gather your supplies and get creative. If you're already a craft lover, you might have some of these items to hand, but if you don't, that's fine! Most of the items listed below can be found online or at DIY shops and garden centres.
You will need:
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A wreath frame (to give your design strength and stability)
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Secateurs
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Wire cutters
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Florist wire
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Moss (optional)
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Assorted greenery, such as pine and holly branches, and sprigs of heather and rosemary.
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Extra decorations, such as rosehips, berries, pine cones and dried oranges
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Ribbon
To get you started, we'll create a traditional, merry, and full of Christmas charm wreath. And it's the perfect activity to bring family members, big and small, together over the holiday period. Why not invite all your loved ones to make a wreath with you?
With lots of natural foliage, traditional decorations, and a touch of sparkle, your wreath will effortlessly capture the joyous mood of the festive season. And with plenty of foraged materials like plants, berries and dried fruit, your wreath will be as beautiful as it's sustainable. Making a wreath is the perfect way to spend a little quality time together–and isn't that what Christmas is about?
How to make a Christmas wreath: Your easy step-by-step guide
It's time! Follow these simple steps to create your very own warm and wonderful Christmas wreath.
Step 1: Time for some festive foraging!
Wrap up in your warmest Christmas jumper, grab your family and your four-legged friends and head into the countryside. You can gather your wreath materials as you walk, so keep your eyes out for greenery like pine and holly branches for the base of your wreath, and collect a little heather, rosemary, berries and pine cones for decorations. Gaps and holes can easily be filled with moss, so make sure you grab a little of that too. Remember to be of the environment, so make sure you don't over-pick an area, and try to take fallen items where possible.
With your festive foliage in hand, you're ready to start creating your wreath, so head on home and get warm by the fireplace.
Step 2: Prepare your base
To ensure your wreath lasts all season long, start with a solid base. You can find ready-made wreath frames online or in craft stores, but you can also always create your own frame by weaving pieces of willow into a circle. Think about where the top of your willow will be, and add a loop of florist wire through some of the willow so you can easily hang it on your front door.
Step 3: Let's get mossy
To add a little depth to your wreath, take small sections of moss at a time and secure them to the wreath, creating a green mossy layer all over the front of the wreath. You can also use some to plug any holes or gaps in the willow. This moss layer will help keep your greenery looking fresh and provide an easy surface to attach your decorations to.
Step 4: Add your greenery
Now it's time for some greenery. Take a handful and form it into a fan shape, then use your secateurs to trim it into the length you prefer. Wrap it around the wreath and secure with your florist wire. Mix and match your greenery for a more eye-catching look if you like, making sure the layers overlap for a thick and even coverage around the wreath.
Step 5: Decorate
Now that your wreath is fully covered with lush, fresh-smelling greenery, you can begin to decorate to your heart's content. Place your pine cones, ribbons and anything else around the wreath, making sure everything's spaced out evenly. Now's the time to really let your creativity shine. Frances recommends adding some berries for a little pop of festive red. "In this case, I'm just using rosehips – and not very many, because I want to leave lots out in the countryside for the birds to enjoy throughout the winter months."
Step 6: It's time to show off your Christmas wreath
Congratulations! You're now the owner of a beautiful new wreath. Just add a festive bow for a finishing touch, and you're ready to display your wreath for all to see!
Make your Christmas wreath with Chef & Brewer
Did you know we host Christmas wreath-making events at some of our Chef & Brewer country pubs? Visit your nearest Chef & Brewer to find out if there's a wreath-making event near you and book your place before it's too late.
Our wreath-making events are fun-filled for the whole family and perfect for getting the party started early during the festive season. And while you're there, why not join us in a delicious festive feast? Our menu offers a variety of options for everyone to choose from, and we go all out at Christmas.
Let us handle the cooking while you relax and enjoy mouth-watering pub classics in the snug, cosy atmosphere of your local Chef & Brewer country pub. Find your nearest pub and make lasting memories this festive season with great food, a warm welcome and a dash of creativity.