How to make a Christmas wreath – a step-by-step guide

For more information on the rules in the UK, see our helpful foraging guide.

How to make a Christmas wreath from collected finds

You need:

• A wreath base (35cm diameter, wire or rattan, see below)
• 60cm thick garden string for hanging
• Wild evergreen foliage
• Dried seed heads such as old man’s beard and cow parsley
• Hazel branches with catkins
• Pine cones
• Florist wire
• Garden shears or secateurs

1. Start with the green. Look for interesting leaves with different shapes in your garden or local forest, such as ivy, fir, rosemary, bracken, holly and laurel – anything that is shiny and healthy in winter. Using sharp pruning shears, cut off long sections with plenty of stem or tendrils.

2. Add color and shape with stems of bright seasonal berries, pine cones and dried seed heads. Spindle, cotoneaster, viburnum, snowberry, firethorn and juniper all have showy winter berries.

If the wreath is intended for indoor use, check to make sure everything is safe for children and pets.

3. Once you’ve gathered your leaves, stems, and branches, use a natural open-weave willow or vine wreath base. Cut short leaves and twigs 10-15 cm long and insert them directly into the wreath. Let the green branches “chase” each other around the wreath for an opulent look.

4. Add a little ribbon – perhaps a bow or a decorative hanging loop. For a simpler look, attach a loop of string to the top of the wreath at the back and hang it on the door.

At the end of the holiday season, save the ribbons and woven base for next year and compost the rest.

Make your own Christmas wreath

SallyWelchFlowers Christmas foliage bundle

TrufflerKerfuffler Christmas Wreath Craft Kit

TheFoliageProject Eucalyptus and Fir Christmas Wreath Set

FlorenceAndFlowers wreath craft set with dried flowers

SallyWelchFlowers foliage wreath set

PetalsCraft rattan wreath

Wire wreath frame

Green reindeer moss

Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

Lisa Joyner is the deputy daily editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she writes prolifically about home and interior design, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, rural news, small space inspiration and the hottest properties on the market . She has previously written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire Magazine. Lisa studied at the University For The Creative Arts and completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.