DIY Christmas Wreath with Foraged Greenery

Every December I take a walk with my clippers and come home with armfuls of cedar, pine and eucalyptus. An hour later, I have a wreath that looks like it came from a high-end florist. Here’s exactly how I do it.

What you’ll need

• A 14” grapevine wreath form
• Floral wire (paddle wire is easiest)
• Pruning shears
• A mix of greenery: pine, cedar, fir, boxwood, magnolia, eucalyptus
• Accents: pinecones, dried orange slices, berries
• Ribbon or jute twine for hanging

Always ask permission before foraging on land that isn’t yours, and cut from the back or underside of plants so they stay healthy.

How to make the wreath

1. Prep your greens. Cut stems into 6–8” pieces. Soak them in water overnight so they stay fresh longer.
2. Make small bundles. Combine 3–4 stems of mixed greenery into a mini bouquet.
3. Wire bundles to the form. Lay the first bundle on the wreath and wrap wire tightly around the stems 2–3 times. Don’t cut the wire.
4. Overlap and repeat. Lay the next bundle so it covers the stems of the first. Keep going in the same direction all the way around.
5. Tuck the last bundle under the first one, wire it, then cut and twist the wire at the back.
6. Add accents. Wire pinecones, then hot glue dried oranges and berries in clusters of three.

Make it last

Mist the wreath with water every few days, and keep it out of direct afternoon sun. A fresh wreath on a shaded front door can easily last through New Year’s.