Make your own Christmas wreath
At this time of the year I notice all the holly trees that are in my area and just how many berries are on the bushes this year. They often say when holly bushes have lots of berries we are in for a harsh winter, let’s hope this is just an old wives tale though!
I also started to think about making a Christmas wreath for the door. This was always a big activity when I was growing up and my mum would fashion a metal ring out of an old clothes hanger and then cover it in layers and layers of foliage to make a base. Making a Christmas wreath is a tradition that I have tried to keep up with my own kids each year and I think is one that really gets the Christmas spirit flowing.
Decide what base will best suit you
Of course now you don’t have to fashion a base for your wreath out of an old hanger if you don’t want to. Moss rings make brilliant dense bases to build your wreaths on. When you get the base you can then add whatever foliage or decorations you want to the top of your wreath.
Decorate your wreath in your own style
The key to decorating your own Christmas wreath is to get all your materials together first before you start. Take some time and go out into the garden to collect all the foliage and things you want to include on your wreath.
When you are looking for good foliage you are looking at evergreen shrubs such as leylandii, spruce, holly or pine as the first layer. Then look at adding things like ivy, heather or any other good textured shrubs on top for interest.
You aren’t just restricted to leaves either think about including some dried seed heads or flowers for something slightly different. Dried hydrangea flowers can look fantastic on a front door during winter.
You can also jazz your wreath up more by using some holly or ivy berries spray painted silver or gold for a contrast against all the green. Or consider picking up some cinnamon sticks from health food store and tying some together with twine and securing them to the wreath. And of course you can never go wrong with a nice bright ribbon or two on a wreath either in my eyes.
Hanging up your wreath
No matter what you decide to put on your wreath the most important thing to remember is that it is going to be outside in the elements for winter so you want to make sure everything is very tightly secured to your wreath so they don’t fall off in the wind. A good garden twine or wire will work perfectly
Top Tip for a fresher looking wreath
To keep your wreath looking fresh for the festive period keep it outside if you are not ready to hang it up straight away. Don’t put it in a shed or garage as it will dry out too quickly.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions about your Christmas Wreath contact us on social media- @CountryLifeGC (Links in footer). We’d love to help!
