How To Create A Holiday Wreath To Bring On The Christmas Cheer
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One of the key markers of the Christmas season in our house is the smell of a fresh Christmas tree. In addition to the exciting holiday jaunt to find the “perfect” tree, you get the joy of racing around the mountain finding limbs that are dying to be used in every Christmas décor area imaginable. With a tree on top of our car and a trunk full of Frasier Fir pieces, we drive home excited to start our holiday creations and fill our home with the scent of Christmas.
While there are many ways to use Frasier Fir branches (think swags, table runners, lantern arraignments, etc), one of my favorites is a fresh evergreen wreath. With just a couple of supplies, your front door can quickly become an invitation to join in the celebration of the season.
To create the wreath, you will need:
- Pair of snips
- Green floral wire
- 18″ wire wreath form
- Evergreen branches – I collected mine from the tree farm that we visited, however you certainly could use the branches that you cut from the base of your tree when clearing the trunk for your tree stand, or if you use an artificial tree, you could ask a Christmas tree lot if they have any cut branches that they would be willing to spare!
- Optional
- Berries – Nandina and Holly berries shown
- Other branches – Boxwood, Holly, Pine, etc
- Ribbon
- Dried Oranges
- Pinecones
Step 1:
Lay out your materials on a surface that is easily cleanable, as the tree sap and bits tend to spread.
Step 2:
Create a small cluster of 4 to 5 branch pieces in your hand. For a 18” form, each of your branch pieces within the cluster should range from 6 to 12 inches in length.
Step 3:
Cut a piece of wire about 6 inches in length and wrap around the bottom stems of your cluster of branches. Next, wrap each of the ends of the wire to the wreath form.
Step 4:
Continue making clusters of stems and attaching them on the wreath form. Be sure that each new cluster of branches covers the stems and wire of the previous grouping.
Step 5:
When you have attached all of your clusters and your wreath is looking full, cut 10 inch sections of wire. Wrap each wire piece around the back of the wreath form and over the top each cluster of branches. This will provide additional stability for your branches on the wreath form. Do not worry if you can see the wire at this point, as we will add in little pieces later to cover any wire showing.
Step 6:
Once you have finished further securing each of your clusters, add in any of your optional branches or decorative pieces. At this point, I stuck in my boxwood and holly stems and the nandina berries. Be sure to integrate in the stems in a way that feels secure.
Step 7:
To add additional security for the boxwood and holly stems, cut long strips of wire to about 24 inches (you made need a couple of strips). Flip your wreath over to wind one end of the wire around a portion of the wreath form. Then loop over and under the form to make sure that each piece of the Frasier fir branches, and the additional boxwood/holly branches are securely on the form.
Step 8:
After adding the extra wiring, use smaller Frasier fir (or whatever tree type you are using) branches, about 4 to 7 inches in length, to fill in for additional fullness. Cover any wire bits or wreath form showing through and continue to layer in until you have reached your desired fullness.
Ta da! You have finished your holiday wreath!!
Final Thoughts
I believe that the 18” wreath size is perfect for a front door, however you certainly could apply any of these steps to a smaller or larger wreath, depending on your preference. Likewise, I love the natural aesthetic with the smooth berries and natural textures of the variety of stems, however you could certainly add dried oranges, colorful ribbon, pinecones or other decorative pieces to coordinate with your holiday décor.
Wreath making is such a fun experience and would be incredible to share with a wreath making party or added into your family activities for Thanksgiving weekend!! Grab a load of evergreen branches and a few decorative options to pair with your family and friends. Add a little Christmas music, hot chocolate and a few candy canes and you could host a celebratory holiday party to kick off the season and send everyone home full of holiday cheer.
Happy celebrating!
