I love Christmas Wreaths. They make front doors look so warm and inviting. So this year I decided to invite a few friends round and have a go at making our own.
I bought the wire rings from eBay, as well as the binding wire, cinnamon sticks and dried lotus heads, but since our daily dog walk takes us through beautiful woods, I decided to source everything else from there.
So while Georgie and Jessie chased the squirrels, I took my secateurs and collected a few choice items – holly, fir cones, small sections of the fir tree branches.
I collected everything together at home in different containers, made some mulled wine, popped the mince pies on and waited for the door bell to go.
For Georgie and Jessie, notoriously excitable at the front door, I had a rawhide chew available (20 minutes chewing time!) so when the first guest arrived I made the dogs sit, handed them one each and sent them on their way.
Everyone brought something – ivy, tinsel, more holly, different types of fir cones, chocolate (obviously not for the wreaths!) – we were ready to go.
Binding wire is the most useful way of attaching things.
My first wreath had a base of small sections of fir tree branches wrapped around the ring using the binding wire to attach it as you go.
I tied two cinnamon sticks together with rafia (local garden centre) and then again attached them with the wire (just wrapping the wire round in between the sticks and to the ring).
In between the cinnamon sticks I wired in fir cones and topped it with a sprig of white spray. I’m not sure what this is since it was on a centre piece from a recent wedding that we were allowed to take home!
As you can see, every single wreath had its own character. Most importantly it was a really lovely thing to do with friends which is part of what makes this time of year so special.
Plus the dogs loved having people in the house and exciting smells in the kitchen. We’ll definitely be doing it again next year.
If you have any questions about how to do any of this, just make a comment and I’ll get back to you!
