How to Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
Posted by Catrin Hughes on 8th Dec 2025
How to Make Your Own Wreath - Real or Artificial, It’s Up to You
There’s something really lovely about hanging a wreath you’ve made yourself. Whether it’s bursting with fresh greenery or made from long-lasting artificial foliage, a homemade wreath adds a personal touch to your home. It’s creative, it’s relaxing, and it’s a great way to make something beautiful for your front door (or anywhere else you fancy).
Before You Begin: Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need loads of fancy tools to make your own wreath; just a few simple bits and some creativity are all it takes to get started. Here are a few tools you'll need:
Wreath Base: Start with a good base - this is the foundation of your wreath. Wire, straw, or foam rings all work beautifully, or you can pick up a ready-to-go plain wreath if you want to skip the prep. Each option gives a slightly different look, so choose one that suits your style and the materials you’ll be using.
Foliage: This is where your wreath really comes to life. You can use fresh greenery like pine, eucalyptus, holly, or ivy for that gorgeous natural scent and texture. Or, if you’d prefer something that lasts from year to year, artificial foliage is a great alternative - it’s easy to work with, and looks just as lovely once it’s styled.
Decorations: Now for the fun part! Add in those extra touches that make your wreath feel personal. Think pine cones, berries, dried oranges, baubles, or ribbon - whatever suits your theme or personality. You can keep it traditional and rustic, or go bold and sparkly for a festive feel.
Tools: A few basic tools will make the process easier and more enjoyable. Florist wire and mossing pins are perfect for securing your foliage, while a good pair of scissors or secateurs helps trim everything neatly. A glue gun or strong craft glue will come in handy for attaching your decorations securely.
Ready to Begin? Let’s Make Your Wreath!
Now that you’ve gathered all your supplies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start creating! Making your own wreath is the fun part, where everything comes together and your creativity shines.
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Start with your wreath base. If you’re using a wire or straw base, you might want to wrap it in moss or a bit of greenery to give it a natural look. Artificial foliage often comes in garland form, which you can wrap around easily. Secure everything in place with florist wire - neatness isn’t everything here, it’s the natural charm that counts.
Step 2: Add Your Greenery
Take small bunches of greenery - or sections of your artificial stems - and layer them around the wreath, overlapping slightly as you go. Secure each bunch with wire, moving in the same direction around the ring.
Tip: Mixing textures gives the best results. For example, pair glossy holly with softer spruce, or blend artificial eucalyptus with a few sprigs of real ivy for a lifelike finish.
Step 3: Time to Decorate
Now for the creative part! Add your decorative touches, whether that’s a few cinnamon sticks and dried oranges for a cosy feel, or glittery baubles and ribbon for something a little more festive.
For a natural look, keep things evenly spaced out around the wreath. For a more modern twist, cluster your decorations to one side. Use wire or glue to secure everything snugly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once you’re happy, tie a loop of ribbon or twine at the top so it’s ready to hang. Give it a final fluff and make sure everything feels secure.
If you’ve used real foliage, be sure to give it a mist of water every few days to keep it looking fresh. For artificial wreaths, just store it carefully when the season’s over and it’ll be ready to bring out again year after year.
Step 5: Hang It Proudly
Hang your wreath on your front door, above your fireplace, or use it as a table centrepiece. However you style it, it’s sure to bring a warm, festive touch to your home.
Ways to Hang and Display Your Wreath
Once your wreath is ready, you’ll want to display it proudly and securely! There are several easy and stylish ways to hang your wreath, depending on where you’re putting it and what materials you have on hand.
Ribbon or Twine Loop
The simplest method is often the prettiest. Use a length of ribbon, twine, or jute string to make a loop at the top of your wreath. You can tie it directly around the wreath base or thread it through, then hang it on a hook or nail. For a festive look, choose a ribbon that complements your wreath’s colours - velvet or tartan always feels Christmassy.
Over-the-Door Wreath Hanger
These handy hangers hook over the top of your door without causing any damage. They come in different finishes to match your decor, and they’re ideal if you don’t want to use nails or screws. Just slip your wreath onto the hook, adjust the height, and you’re done.
Command Hooks
If you’d rather avoid marks or holes, adhesive hooks are a great option, especially for interior doors, mirrors, or walls. Make sure you choose one strong enough to hold the weight of your wreath and follow the instructions carefully for the best hold. When the season’s over, they peel off cleanly.
Suction Hooks (for Glass Doors or Windows)
For glass panels or windows, suction hooks work brilliantly. They stick directly onto the glass and can be reused year after year. Clean the surface first for maximum grip, then hang your wreath gently.
Tabletop
Not all wreaths need to hang on doors! You can lay your wreath flat on a table as a centrepiece, perhaps with a candle in the middle. It’s a lovely way to bring your festive craft indoors.
Storing Your Wreath
When the festive season comes to an end, storing your wreath properly will help keep it looking its best year after year.
For Artificial Wreaths:
Gently remove any delicate decorations that could bend or break, and check everything is securely attached. Store your wreath in a sturdy box or a dedicated wreath storage bag to protect it from dust and damage. If you don’t have one, a large plastic bag or bin liner will do - just make sure it’s kept somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
For Real Wreaths:
Once it’s time to take it down, remove any decorations and compost the natural materials. If you’d like to reuse the base next year, let it dry completely before storing it somewhere dry and out of the way, a shed or garage works perfectly.
Tip: Before packing your wreath away, take a quick photo of it! That way, when next Christmas rolls around, you’ll have a handy reference for recreating your favourite design or trying a new twist on it.
Whether you choose natural greenery or long-lasting artificial foliage, creating your own wreath is a brilliant way to get creative and add a personal touch to your space, whilst also proving to be a fun festive activity for you and your close ones. There’s no “right” way to do it - just gather what you love and enjoy the process.
And when someone compliments it, you can smile and proudly say, “Thanks, I made it myself.”