As the festive season approaches, adorning your front door with a lavish Christmas wreath sets the tone for a warm welcome. If you're planning a themed décor or want to bring a splash of colour to your door this winter, aligning your wreath with these elements enhances the overall ambiance.
Ahead of our Christmas wreath making workshops (details below), here are some tips to creating your own wreath that exudes elegance and festive cheer…
The history behind the iconic Christmas wreath
The origins of the Christmas wreath trace back to early cultures, including the Romans and ancient Greeks. Wreaths were crafted from fresh foliage, such as laurel, holly, and ivy, to celebrate various occasions, including festivals and religious ceremonies. Presenting pine stems in ancient Rome, symbolised bestowing good fortune upon others. Over time, this gesture evolved into shaping these stems into wreaths.
As Christianity spread, the wreath's circular form was adapted to represent the eternal life brought forth by Christ, leading to the creation of the Advent wreath adorned with candles to mark the weeks preceding Christmas.
Throughout history, Christmas wreaths evolved in design and materials used. The incorporation of various foliage, berries, pinecones, and ornaments became customary, symbolising prosperity, peace, and joy during the festive season. The wreath's significance expanded beyond Christian traditions, becoming a universal symbol of welcoming guests and spreading festive cheer.
Choosing foliage: Mix and match for lasting beauty
Selecting foliage is key for a wreath's longevity. Opt for hardy greens that maintain their vibrancy for weeks, complemented by eucalyptus, which gracefully dries over time. Integrating a blend of fresh and dry elements, such as garden findings like hydrangeas, not only enhances aesthetics but also reflects the seasonal charm while resonating with your home's surroundings.
Selecting the perfect ribbon: Adding flair and texture
Ribbon selection is a crucial step in wreath-making. Whether it's a lustrous satin, sumptuous, crushed velvet, or a classic tartan pattern, diverse widths and textures elevate the wreath's visual appeal. A carefully chosen ribbon provides the finishing touch, accentuating the wreath's overall elegance.
Abundance is key: More is merry
Contrary to the ‘less is more’ philosophy, a lavish Christmas wreath demands abundance. Use all materials provided, ensuring an opulent array of decorations. By doing so, your wreath will stand out conspicuously, radiating festive splendour and setting your home aglow during the holiday season.
Make your own at home
If you’re unable to attend one of our wreath making workshops this winter, here’s a simple guide to get you started…
Materials needed:
- Wreath base: Opt for a wire or foam wreath ring, available at local craft stores.
- Foliage: Gather an assortment of evergreen branches like pine, fir, or cedar.
- Decorative additions: Pinecones, berries, dried flowers, ornaments, ribbons, and floral wire for securing.
- Pruning shears: Essential for trimming foliage to the desired size.
- Hot glue gun (optional): Useful for securing fragile elements.
Simple Steps to Craft Your Wreath:
- Prepare the base: If using a wire ring, twist the ends together to form a circle. For a foam ring, use floral wire to attach greenery securely around the base.
- Add foliage: Start by attaching small bundles of foliage to the base using floral wire. Layer different greens for depth and texture, ensuring they face the same direction.
- Incorporate decorative elements: Securely attach pinecones, berries, dried flowers, or ornaments using floral wire or a hot glue gun. Arrange them evenly around the wreath for a balanced look.
- Personalise with ribbons: Tie a decorative ribbon into a bow or create loops for hanging. Attach it to the wreath with floral wire or hot glue.
- Finishing touches: Once all elements are in place, step back and assess your wreath. Make any necessary adjustments and trim any stray branches for a polished look.
Christmas wreath making workshops at Devour
If you'd like to delve deeper into the art of crafting a luxurious Christmas wreath, join us at Devour at the Dyehouse for our wreath making workshops.
Led by acclaimed florist Natasha Jane Events, these sessions offer the opportunity to create your own opulent wreath followed by a delectable two-course meal while enjoying the inviting ambiance at Holmfirth's finest British-infused Italian restaurant.
The last few spaces are available for our wreath making workshops on Saturday, December 2nd, or Sunday, December 3rd. Prepare to infuse elegance into your festive décor and gather cherished moments with friends and family.
Book your place here: https://devour.co.uk/collections/events-workshops