I love this time of year. We’ve just put away the autumn decorations, and we’re beginning to smell spicy notes in the air, logs burning in the hearth, and that strong urge to buy a tree and make Christmas wreaths right now! After all, December is just around the corner…
Last year, I chose a very authentic theme, Un Noël d’Antan, for my wreaths. Unfortunately, I got bogged down with time and forgot to create a tutorial. This season, I’m sticking with authentic, rustic wreaths, although you can add a few baubles for a more festive touch.
When I bought my fir branches at the garden center, I was lucky enough to find small faux branches in silver tones. I was able to use many elements from the garden, even if I took a little detour to my florist to buy some beautiful thistles, which add a very graphic touch, softened by the delicacy of wax flowers.
Steps to make a rustic wreath
What you need
Fir branches
Faux silver fir branches
Thistles
Rose hips
Wax flowers
Hedera flower stems
Magnolia branches
Circular metal stand
Pruning shears
Twine
Small shears
Metal wire
Florist’s wire
Pine cones
STEP 1
Prepare all your branches by cleaning the bases. Remove the leaves and cut them back to about twenty centimeters. Also trim the fir branches bought in batches at the garden center, preparing slightly longer stems (with three offshoots if possible).
STEP 2
As with all my wreaths, I make several small bouquets that I then arrange around my circular metal stand.
To create these little bouquets, make sure they are flat underneath (and fuller on top) so you can easily attach them to the stand.
STEP 3
You can create small, similar bouquets for a harmonious look, using the same elements. My base is always the same for Christmas wreaths: fir branches. These faux silver branches add a lovely touch. Insert hedera flower stems, rose hips, and of course a thistle and a wax flower stem into each bouquet.
STEP 4
Prepare the metal support by fastening the metal wire tightly to it. Do not cut the wire until all the bouquets have been attached around the circle.
STEP 5
Once you’ve placed your last bouquet, cut the wire and wrap it securely around the frame.
But you’re not done yet! You can add elements such as pine cones using florist’s rods. Here, I opted for magnolia branches (and their poetic softness), which I inserted where there was a little less volume.
Choose a pretty ribbon to hang your wreath on your gate or inside your home.
A beautiful natural wreath, colorful yet still very organic, which can also be used as a centerpiece if you have a large round table. Simply place a few medium-sized candles of different heights, or one large candle in the center. Above all, this wreath size is perfect for decorating a gate or the door of a garden shed!
You can find more tutorials and table-setting inspiration here.
