As a gardening writer, I spend most of December talking about other people’s beautiful decorations. As a gardener’s wife, though? I get a front-row seat to the real magic, because my husband teaches wreath-making workshops, and his method is so simple that even I (serial over-decorator, ribbon-addict, enthusiast of questionable color themes) can make a beautiful wreath in under an hour.
Yes, you don't need to be a florist to make evergreen wreaths; it's actually surprisingly simple, so long as you've a) got the right bits and bobs to hand, and b) have a tried-and-tested method, too.
My husband's secret? Turn whatever evergreen scraps you have into a truly spectacular-looking foraged wreath, whether that's your traditional fir or spruce, or something a little more out there, like leylandii or even some Fatsia japonica.
Here’s his beginner-proof method...
1. Use a Rattan Base
Metal frames are fine, but a rattan ring is cheaper, easier to work with, far more forgiving, and (crucially!) compostable or reusable, depending on what kind of crafter you are. My husband swears by them.
Plus, the bendable structure grips stems without fuss, making this the perfect option for newcomers and impatient decorators alike. And, let's face facts, that rattan base adds instant rustic charm, even before you start layering.
2. Use Cuttings the Size of Your Hand
Here’s the trick that changed my wreath-making life: hand-sized cuttings. Not tiny sprigs or unwieldy branches; just simple palm-sized pieces from two or three evergreen varieties.
The range of textures and colors does all the heavy lifting: think cedar for softness, fir for structure, pine for drama, and glossy holly for shine (minus the berries if you have pets).
If it looks good together in your hand, it’ll look good on your wreath. And, if you want to make things even simpler, stick to 2-3 evergreen varieties in different shades; green waste or foraged branches alike should do the trick.
3. Make 10-15 Evergreen Bundles
Lay out your cuttings and group them into mini bouquets of bunches; you'll usually need around 10 or 15 of these, depending on wreath size.
This batching method is the difference between a wreath that looks professional and one that looks like you lost patience halfway, as each little bundle becomes a “tile” in the circle, building up into a lush, full wreath with hardly any effort.
Aim to use one of each of the evergreen varieties your using per bundle.
4. Go Clockwise for a Seamless Finish
Here's where the magic happens: place your first bundle onto the rattan base and secure with twine or florist wire. Then overlap each new bundle over the previous binding point, hiding your mechanics completely.
Your wreath-making essentials:
5. Time to add personality
My husband is fairly minimalist (a ribbon if he’s feeling wild), but I’m legally incapable of restraint. His go-to suggestions for beginners:
- Velvet ribbon
- Cinnamon sticks
- Pinecones
- Dried oranges
- Clip-on robins (surprisingly popular among his students!)
- Bells
Whether you go rustic, maximalist, glam, or woodland-whimsical, this final layer makes the wreath yours – so don't stick to what Instagram or Pinterest says is trending. Pick what makes your heart sing.
Indoors or out, your wreath will stay fresh for weeks – longer if kept cool. And now that you know how easy it is, expect to be asked for one by everyone you know (including, for reasons unexplained, your neighbour’s cousin).
Happy crafting...
