How to make a Christmas Wreath

There are few things quite as charming as a beautiful homemade Christmas wreath hanging proudly on your front door. These delightful decorations are a staple at Christmas, and that’s why we’ve partnered with published author and award-winning garden designer, Frances Tophill, for some wreath-making tips to spread a little festive cheer and celebrate the great British countryside.

Wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen boughs that are shaped into a circle and decorated with all things festive – think ribbons, berries, dried fruit and pinecones. You can of course put your own spin on things and make them as fun and out-there as you like. Frances adds pine, holly, heather and rosemary for a lovely, fresh green scent.

This year, why not take a more mindful approach and try foraging for your materials? It’s the perfect way to get creative, connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of the season sustainably. “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 ready to get creative? Gather your friends, make a batch of warming mulled wine, and let’s make a lovely wreath together. 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 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 crafty, you might have some items to hand. Although don’t worry if not, they can all be found easily online.

• A wreath-frame
• Secateurs
• Wire cutters
• Florist wire
• Moss (optional)
• Greenery - pine, holly, heather and rosemary
• Decorations - berry sprigs, rosehips, ribbon, pinecones, crab apples

We're going to create a traditional Christmas wreath that’s merry, bright and full of classic festive charm. It’s the perfect activity to bring family and friends together over the holidays. Before sitting down to a hearty Christmas dinner, why not invite everyone to make their own wreath?

Using lots of natural greenery, topped with berries and ribbons, your wreath will perfectly capture the cosy, joyous mood of this magical season. Pine, holly, heather and rosemary are all wonderful treasures that you can forage and use to create a wreath that’s as beautiful as it is sustainable. It’s a lovely way to bond, make memories and spend some wonderful quality time together – which is what Christmas is really all about.

Step-by-step guide for how to make a Christmas wreath

Follow these simple steps to create your very own warm and wonderful Christmas wreath.

Step 1: Festive foraging

Gather your wreath materials and enjoy a crisp winter walk. Look for greenery like pine and holly. Collect a little heather and rosemary, as well as berries, pinecones and moss. Remember to be mindful of the environment – avoid over-picking from one area, and try to take fallen items wherever possible. With your festive foliage in hand, you’re ready to start creating your wreath.

Step 2: Prepare your base

You can either buy ready-made wire wreath frames or get crafty and make your own using flexible branches like willow. Decide where the top of your wreath will be and thread a little loop of florist wire around, so you can easily hang it on your door.

Step 3: Let’s get mossy

To add a little depth to your wreath, you may like to add a little moss to the mix. Grab some handfuls of moss and secure them to the frame using florist wire. Make your way around the frame until you have a green mossy base. It will keep the greenery nice and fresh, and give you something to attach all your lovely decorations to. Alternatively, you may like to keep your wreath a little more minimalist like Frances.

Step 4: Add your greenery

Take a handful of different greenery and form it into a fan shape. Use secateurs to trim it to the length and shape you prefer. Attach it to the base using florist wire, wrapping around it a few times. Repeat this step and make your way around the base. Make sure the bunches overlap so it’s fully covered. You can mix it up and use different kinds of greenery, or keep it the same - it’s up to you.

Step 5: Decorate

Gather your decorations and attach them, starting with the biggest. Place pinecones, ribbons and anything else you’d like to include evenly around the base, keeping it balanced. If you’re using very delicate greenery to decorate with, you can just poke it into the base and it should stay.

You can really let your creativity shine here. 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: Show off your wreath

Add a festive bow or ribbon as a finishing touch, and you’re done. Your wreath is ready to take pride of place on your front door.