How to make a Christmas wreath from natural materials

As much as I like to see the bright lights adorning houses come December it's nice to have something natural or handmade on display as well. With a Christmas door wreath you can have both. From items you can collect from around your garden to whatever you come across on walks down paths, in parks and out in the country. Wherever you collect your materials just make sure you don't take too much from one place.

For the ring

Willow

Dogwood shoots

Birch twigs

Ivy

When you make the ring chose one material you want to work with. You will need around three lengths. If you use soft branches or twigs then gently manipulate them so they will bend without splitting. Form a loop and then wind the two ends round each other to secure. Turn it a third of the way round and then add another length. Secure the ends in the same way and repeat with the third length. If you don't feel it is secure tie some florist wire or ribbon around it.

For decoration

Ivy and berries

Holly and berries

Viburnum tinus

Rosehips

Eryngium (sea holly)

Fir/pine cones

Nut shells such as walnuts and hazelnuts

Mistletoe

Snowberries

Yew and berries

Conifer and Christmas tree offcuts

Pyracantha berries

Skimmia Japonica

Variegated foliage

Twine/raffia and hook

Optional

Ribbon

Florists wire

Decide on your design. You may want to decorate all the way round, up one side or round the bottom. Weave the decorations into the wreath ring. Be prepared to take bits out and add extra in. Be careful with the holly leaves! Once you are happy with your design tie a hanging loop at the top and put on your door for any visitors to admire.

Aftercare

By keeping it outside it will be kept cold which will help to prolong its life. If it looks a little limp then remove any non-natural decorations such as ribbons and put the wreath in water for at least an hour.