How to make an understated, traditional Christmas wreath

I've always been slightly daunted by the idea of making a Christmas wreath. All that foliage. Do I need a foam ring? Do I soak it? How do you get the layers right?

This Christmas, I decided to put aside my concerns and just get on with it. What could go wrong? Based more on budget than anything else, I opted for a rattan wreath ring from my local craft superstore (you know the one) as my starting point. I love all things rustic so aside from the fact it was cheaper than florists foam, using natural rattan actually felt like the perfect option. Plus, I can always try the other kind next year by which point I'll obviously be an expert!

I knew I needed florists wire - I had some of that already at home - plus foliage, ribbon and other Christmassy bits for decoration. So, off I went foraging for holly and fir (and getting a lovely walk in in the process), and gathered a few berries and variegated leaves from my garden before settling down for a couple of hours wreath making.

I really like the overall effect I managed to achieve. It's not too elaborate or showy, has a traditional feel but with a modern, understated twist. Find out below how I did it.

Materials

Holly, variegated and other evergreen foliage with berries, fir

An orange

Red velvet ribbon

Florists wire

Natural twig wreath ring

Tools

Secateurs

Wire cutters

Gardening gloves for handling spiky leaves and stems

How I made my wreath

1. After gathering the various bits of foliage, I set about making my dried orange decorations. I cut a single orange and put the slices on a tray and in the oven for about 3 hours at 150 degrees, turning them every 45 minutes or so.

2. I placed the best of my foliage hoard on the rattan ring first, layering over the berries and oranges - just to get a feel of where I wanted each piece to go.

3. Then comes the attachment. Once I was happy with the design, I secured each individual stem on the rattan ring using wire fed through to the back, which I then twisted and cut off using wire cutters.

4. I continued layering up before adding the orange slices in the same way.

5. Finally, I tied the velvet ribbon into a bow, secured this onto the ring and created a longer loop of ribbon for hanging.

6. And that's it!

Let me know if you try this or any other form of wreath making. I'd love to see your festive designs.

Victoria x