The Ultimate Guide to Making a Christmas Wreath: Expert Tips for Stunning Displays Using Dried, Preserved, and Artificial Flowers

The Ultimate Guide to Making a Christmas Wreath: Expert Tips for Stunning Displays Using Dried, Preserved, and Artificial Flowers

deepak sharma |

Decorative wreaths have long been a timeless feature in shop windows, reception areas, seasonal displays and at special events. Their origins trace back to Ancient Greece, where wreaths were hung on doors in hopes of a bountiful harvest. Today, wreaths have evolved far beyond their traditional roots and are beloved for their versatility and year-round appeal. Whether for seasonal themes, special occasions, or permanent decor in commercial spaces and homes, wreaths add an elegant touch to any setting 

With Christmas being the most iconic occasion for wreath displays—whether on doors or as part of festive decor—and the growing popularity of home crafting and wreath-making workshops, we have created the ultimate guide to crafting your own Christmas wreath. Read on for step-by-step instructions, creative inspiration, and expert tips to make your artificial wreath truly stand out. 

Why Dried, Preserved, and Artificial Flowers Are Ideal for Wreaths

In recent years, the benefits of using dried, preserved, and artificial flowers in wreath-making have become even more apparent. These materials not only offer greater longevity but also allow for extensive customisation, making them ideal for modern decorative projects. Several key trends have contributed to this growing demand:

1. Faux flower manufacturers are beginning to focus on botanical accuracy, embracing both the imperfections and perfections of real flowers to create high-quality, authentic artificial blooms and foliage .

2. As more people grapple with the demands of busy modern living, there has been a surge in the adoption of biophilic design principles , which incorporate nature into interior and exterior design to promote well-being and connection with the natural world.

Given these trends, it is no surprise that the demand for artificial flower products is higher than ever!

While many people still prefer using fresh foliage for their Christmas wreaths, it is important to recognise that fresh greenery typically lasts no more than 4-6 weeks. As it dries out, it can lose its appeal—especially if you are aiming for a long-lasting festive display or creating wreaths for high-traffic areas like hotels, restaurants, or shops. The last thing you want is for your beautiful wreath to wither away in a heated interior or under direct sunlight, forcing you to replace it frequently.

By opting for dried, preserved, or artificial flowers and foliage—or a combination of all three—you can ensure your wreath retains its aesthetic value throughout the Christmas season and beyond, assuming it is well maintained and located to protect the flower colours from fading. This approach not only preserves the visual, biophilic appeal but also helps save on unnecessary replacement costs, making it a practical and cost-effective solution for both homes and businesses.

Tip Icon Top Tip: Faux wreaths allow easy seasonal transitions by swapping elements like ribbons, ornaments, or flowers.

View Our Current Festive, Floral And Seasonal Sundries In Our Online Christmas Shop

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Christmas Wreath and Wreath Making Tips


Step 1: Consider Location, Environment, and Equipment

Consider where your Christmas wreath will be positioned. While faux blooms are durable, their longevity may still be impacted by direct sunlight or humidity. For outdoor displays, choose weather-resistant materials. Match the wreath style with its surroundings, like a traditional design for a Victorian door.

Equip yourself with the following tools for easy assembly:

  • Floral wire: For securing decorations to the wreath base.
  • Wire cutters: To trim floral wire and flower stems.
  • Scissors or pruners: For cutting ribbons, foliage, and fabric.
  • Hot glue gun: To attach pinecones, berries, and ornaments.
  • Floral picks or stems: To secure flowers and decorations.
  • Ribbon or twine: For adding bows or hanging loops.
  • you may prefer to wear gloves to protect your hands, especially when working with wire, dried foliage, or prickly materials like pine needles.

You will also need to consider and choose which materials and products you want to use for:

  • The wreath base
  • The flowers, foliage, and other decorative elements you want to use and incorporate.
  • Seasonal accents and finishing touches you would like to add.

Let’s discuss the details..

Step 2: Choosing Your Base

With so many options to choose from, it is important to spend some time thinking about their characteristics and suitability for your specific use. For example, a wreath base made of intertwined, natural grapevines will be lightweight yet sturdy making it ideal for indoor displays or lightweight wreaths where they will have minimal exposure to the elements. Its open, airy design allows for easy attachment of dried or artificial flowers and smaller decorative items without adding too much weight. Plus, their lightweight nature makes them perfect for interior doors or in window displays without causing damage to the surface.

In contrast, a wreath base made of tightly bounded straw will create a dense and sturdy foundation. The natural texture will provide a robust base for heavier or bulkier elements like pinecones, ornaments, or larger artificial flowers and its thickness also makes it easy to secure heavier items, so they stay in place in all weathers. This material will allow you to penetrate wired decorations into the straw base itself, making it even easier to secure items in place. They are a smart choice for outdoor displays where durability is important, such as front doors or garden entrances as their durability allows them to withstand wind and more challenging weather conditions.

So, we have established that the material and weight of the wreath base influences where and how the wreath can be used. Here are some of our most popular wreath base materials and their associated characteristics to help you make the right material choice for your festive wreath in terms of the style you are aiming for and practical functionality:

Pine Base

  • Robust material that can withstand various conditions
  • Needles and branches add a unique texture to wreaths, providing depth and a natural, rustic aesthetic
  • Branches are flexible and can easily be shaped or layered, making them user-friendly for wreath-making
  • Sturdy enough for outdoor use, ideal for front doors or garden decorations. Their artificial design also makes them suitable for indoor use
  • Great for rustic, natural Christmas themes
Douglas Pine Artificial Wreath

Douglas Pine artificial wreath

Preserved Eucalyptus

  • Sturdy and retains shape and color for extended periods, ideal for indoor use.
  • Long-lasting, subtle aroma, perfect for entryways.
  • Distinctive colors like muted green, blue, red, and silver; smooth texture for a calming look.
  • Versatile and flexible for shaping, strong enough to support additional elements.
  • Lightweight and easy to hang on doors, walls, or windows.
Douglas Pine Artificial Wreath

Preserved eucalyptus wreath

Moss

  • Creates a lush, organic look with a rich green color and soft texture.
  • Lightweight for easy hanging without damage to doors or walls.
  • Moisture-retaining properties extend the lifespan of fresh flowers and foliage.
  • Sustainable, made from natural, eco-friendly materials.
  • Perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces with a natural vibe.
Douglas Pine Artificial Wreath

Preserved (green) moss ring

Straw

  • Strong and rigid, ideal for supporting decorations without collapsing.
  • Organic texture complements rustic and traditional designs.
  • Affordable, recyclable, and compostable.
  • Lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport without surface damage.
  • Great for custom designs, especially with larger decorations.
Douglas Pine Artificial Wreath

Straw wreath rings

Other Popular Wreath Base Materials

  • Wicker/Rattan – Attractive, strong, rigid bases that work well with or without decorations.
  • Metal rings – Provide rigidity and a sturdy framework, ideal for half wreaths.
  • Natural vines – Unique, organic alternative to metal rings; no two are the same.
  • Raised frames – Great for adding depth and layers to your wreath for a fuller appearance.
Raised wreath frame

Raised wreath frame

Bleached flax (linum) wreath

Bleached flax (linum) wreath

Wicker wreath ring

Wicker wreath ring

Step 3: Selecting Flowers and Foliage

This is the fun part! Choose flowers and foliage that align with your theme, purpose, and practical needs. Select colour palettes and textures that not only complement each other and your theme, but also reflect your personal style and taste.

Our top tips are:

1. Colour: When it comes to colour, choose a palette that complements the overall theme of the space where the wreath will be displayed.

For instance, for a traditional Christmas wreath you could opt for classic red and green with accents of gold and silver. Incorporate berries such as Pepperberry or Canella berries, with evergreen branches for a timeless look. If you’re more of a minimalist, choose neutral tones like white, cream, or soft metallics, paired with eucalyptus or the delicate, pretty, white flowers of Statice tatarica, for an understated effect.

2. Purpose: Think about where the wreath will be displayed and the function it serves.

For example, for a commercial space like a restaurant, artificial flowers and durable textures such as mini pine cones, Austriaca and Murri cones with white painted tips or sprayed gold, nuts, or other types of dried fruits also work well. Our dried mini pumpkins are popular purchases and will take you through both autumn and winter. Bold colours like burgundy or deep green eucalyptus will create an eye-catching display. Plus, the preserved leaves and branches of Eucalyptus are sturdy and maintain shape and colour for a long time, making them an excellent choice for both fresh and preserved wreaths.

In a home setting, where warmth and an inviting feel is desired, you might choose to use a mix of fresh or preserved foliage and flowers like Fern 'Leather', 'Parchment' and 'Adiantum', or our favourite, Fern 'Brilliance'. You could then add in dried items like gold-painted nuts or dried flowers such as Eryngium, Echinops, and Diosmi (Rice Flower), which all work well for that Christmas feel.

3. Balance: Combine different textures to add depth and dimension to your wreath, enhancing its visual appeal.

For a rustic-themed wreath, mix rough, natural elements like pine branches, twigs, and dried natural oranges/limes/apples, chillies with softer textures like ribbons, Cineraria Leaves, or preserved Ruscus, which boast a flowing, longer stem that can be used to drape and drop out of the wreath, adding a soft, pretty touch.

At Christmas, we also love other botanicals such as brunch balls, cinnamon bundles, lotus heads, preserved ivy, dried thistles (great for impact), and pretty Papaver (poppy heads) in silver or gold.

You want to aim for a good mix between focal flowers and filler foliage for balance and design. Some people prefer wreaths that are tight and compact, while others enjoy a loose and wild arrangement. Why not take a walk in the garden or woods to gather bits and pieces that add a wild element to your wreath? Mix these with preserved or dried flowers. That’s the beauty of making your own wreath – you are free to express your own style.

Step 4: Arranging and Securing the Flowers

Here are some practical tips for arranging and securing flowers and other items onto a wreath:

  • Start with a focal point: Place the largest or most eye-catching item where you want the most attention, typically at the bottom or side of the wreath.
  • Work in odd numbers: Groups of three or five create a more natural, balanced look.
  • Layer and vary heights and angles to add depth.
  • Create symmetry or asymmetry: For a symmetrical look, place flowers evenly around the wreath. For an asymmetrical arrangement, cluster flowers on one side or create a cascading effect.
  • Balance colours: Spread colours evenly throughout the wreath. Use complementary or contrasting colours for a vibrant look or stick with a monochromatic palette for a more subtle design.
  • Add filler flowers/foliage: Fill gaps with smaller flowers, foliage, or other decorative elements to create fullness and texture. Try to mix textures to add variety and interest.
  • Test placement before securing.
  • Consider the wreath shape: For a round wreath, follow the natural curve when placing flowers. For square or heart-shaped wreaths, be mindful of the angles and edges to maintain a balanced look.
  • Secure each element as you go with floral wire, hot glue, or floral picks to ensure they stay in place.
  • Using wire: Wrap it thinly around the stems and through the wreath frame. Twist tightly on the backside for a firm grip.
  • For lighter decorations: Use hot glue for items like pine cones or berries. Hold the item in place until it sets.
  • Attach larger or heavier items to floral picks and insert them into the wreath for stability. Use wire and glue if necessary.
Wreath making process image 1 Wreath making process image 2 Wreath making process image 3 Wreath making process image 5 Wreath making process image 6 Wreath making process image 11 Wreath making process image 9 Finished Christmas wreath


Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches

Whether it be ribbons, fairy lights, ornaments, baubles, berries, or bows, adding those seasonal accents and final additions will make all the difference. Check out our Christmas shop for further inspiration.

Christmas Wreath FAQs 

Positioning, and care techniques such as avoiding direct contact, dusting regularly and periodically swapping out any damaged elements or faded elements to maintain a fresh look.

Store safely out of sunlight when not used.

Yes! We have a delightful selection of pre-made wreaths available so if you don’t want to make your own, we have done the hard work for you! Click on our online Christmas shop for full details.

For businesses wanting to buy in bulk, we can accommodate your needs and requirements. It is always best to get your Christmas orders in as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

In conclusion, sourcing high-quality preserved moss is essential to creating stunning and long-lasting moss art displays. Whether you're looking for bulk or wholesale materials, partnering with a trusted supplier is key to ensuring the best results. Atlas Flowers stands out as a leading expert in providing top tier preserved moss and other preserved, artificial and dried materials, helping you craft vibrant and enduring works of moss art. With the right products and support, your moss creations can thrive and captivate for years to come. 

Get in Touch...

Hopefully, you now have the knowledge you need to make a start on your festive creations. Browse our full wreath-making supplies and product offerings in our online Christmas shop.

If you are a business interested in bulk ordering any of our sustainable, floral supplies, or you would like to chat about custom orders please feel free to inquire about wholesale pricing at your convenience:

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