How to Make a Christmas Wreath: Step-by-Step Florist’s Guide

A handmade Christmas wreath hanging on your front door is pure festive magic – the fresh scent of pine, the warm festive welcome, the brightening of dark winter days. The only thing that makes it extra special is knowing that you made it yourself. 

Whether you’re on a budget, love crafting, or want a fun activity with family and friends, making your own wreath gives you all the beauty of a professionally-made design with the added satisfaction of crafting it yourself. And the best part? You can create a stunning, fresh wreath in just 1-2 hours, even as a complete beginner.

In this handy florist’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build your own wreath – from essential materials and shaping techniques to finishing touches and care tips to keep your wreath looking beautiful throughout the season.

Prefer to leave Christmas wreath-making to the experts? Browse our magical collection of Christmas door wreaths, hand-crafted by Scottish florists and available for nationwide delivery.

Shop All Christmas Wreaths

Tools and Materials to Create a Christmas Wreath

First things first, you’ll want to get organised. Find a large workspace (your dining table is ideal), and gather the following tools and materials:

  • Wire wreath base
  • Secateurs
  • Florist wire or twine
  • Wire cutters or heavy-duty scissors
  • Moss
  • Evergreen foliage such as spruce, conifer, eucalyptus, and ivy
  • Flowers – we recommend choosing long-lasting Christmas flowers like hypericum or holly
  • Christmas decorations such as pinecones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, baubles, and ribbons

If you live locally, pay a visit to our Livingston garden centre to pick up all your essential wreath-making materials.

Christmas Wreath Step-by-Step

Now that you’re all set up, let’s dive into Christmas wreath-making! Follow our helpful steps below for the best way to make a Christmas wreath.

Christmas flower wreath wire frame on a wooden work surface

Step One – Prepare the Wreath Base

Get your ready-made wire frame and determine which part you want to use as the top of your festive wreath. Thread a loop of florist wire or twine through the top of the ring to prep your wreath for hanging.

Step Two – Prune Foliage and Flowers

Use secateurs to trim your foliage into smaller pieces and remove excess leaves. If using spruce, we recommend removing a few of the lower pine needles to make it easier to attach to your base.

Florist preparing seasonal foliage to add to a Christmas wreath.
Clusters of fresh moss being added to a flower wreath base.

Step Three – Make a Moss Base

Working in sections, add generous handfuls of moss to your wreath base and secure with florist wire. Tie the end of your wire to the top of the frame, add clumps of moss, and tightly wrap the wire around the moss, leaving it uncut. Keep going until you have completely covered your wreath with moss.

Step Four – Build Your Wreath

Now that your moss base is complete, it’s time to get creative. Pick a few pieces of different foliage and flowers to make mini bouquets and secure them to the moss base with florist wire using the same technique as above. Mix up your foliage clusters as you go, and be sure to overlap and fan them so there are no gaps. 

Fresh seasonal foliage being added to a wreath moss base.
Fresh holly and dried oranges being added to a Christmas wreath.

Step Five – Add Decoration

The joy of DIY Christmas wreaths lies in the decoration! First, secure larger accessories like pinecones, orange slices, or baubles, by wrapping florist wire around their bases and attaching them to the wreath. Next, add floral accents by poking their stems directly into the moss base. Finally, for a luxurious festive look, complement your natural decorations with ribbons and baubles in rich, seasonal hues.

Step Six – Hang Your Wreath

With finishing touches added, all that’s left is to hang your Christmas door wreath. Using an over-door hook, slip over your wreath’s ready-made wire loop to display your gorgeous homemade Christmas wreath for neighbours and guests to admire.

Christmas door wreath complete with holly, berries, pine cones, dried oranges, and a red velvet bow on a wooden work surface.

How to Care for Your Christmas Wreath

Now you know how to make a Christmas wreath, keep it looking pristine all festive season with our handy care tips:

  • Initial soak – before hanging your DIY wreath, give it a good soak. This allows the moss to absorb plenty of water, which feeds the foliage.
  • Mist regularly –  using a spray bottle, spritz your wreath all over every two to three days to keep the foliage looking fresh.
  • Protect from the elements – fresh wreaths last longest when kept outside, but if stormy weather is forecast, then relocate to a porch or shed until the weather improves. Avoid bringing your wreath inside, as the indoor temperature will shorten the wreath’s lifespan.
  • Trim and replace – gently trim or remove any wilted pieces, and replace with fresh foliage to keep your wreath looking its best.
  • Recycle – once the festivities are over, remove the foliage and moss from your wire frame. If you’re careful, you can thoroughly dry your moss base for reuse. Compost your natural decorations and save your wreath frame for next year.

What is the Best Base for a Wreath?

You can craft Christmas homemade wreaths using a foam base, a wire frame and moss base, or a rustic grapevine or willow base. We recommend a moss base on a wire frame, as it is easy to work with, more sustainable than alternatives, and keeps cut flowers and foliage fresher for longer.

What Materials Do You Need to Make a Christmas Wreath?

To make a Christmas wreath, you’ll need a wire frame, moss, secateurs, scissors, and florist wire or twine, as well as your choice of foliage and accessories for decorating your wreath.
When Should I Make a Christmas Wreath?

When Should I Make a Christmas Wreath?

If cared for properly, fresh wreaths can last up to 8 weeks, so when to make a Christmas wreath depends on when and for how long you want to display it. To ensure your Christmas door wreath looks its best on Christmas day, we’d recommend planning your wreath-making for 1-2 weeks beforehand.

Remember, wreaths last longest when kept outdoors – just be sure to shelter them from harsh weather.