Photography: Alana Landsberry / Styling: Nonci Nyoni
A beautiful wreath on your front door is a wonderful way to greet your guests over the holidays. Choose from simple and stylish foliage to a whimsy of dried or fresh flowers to signal the festivities have begun and set the tone for your Christmas decorating. Here, six florists share their inspiring takes and twists on the traditional door wreath.
Paper daisy wreath
The look: Rustic yet delicate. This wreath suits any well-lived home, where the decor is more of a collection of found and eclectic pieces rather than a sparkly, monochromatic interior.
Flowers used: Paper daisy varieties: splendidum, bracteatum, and Rhodanthe manglesii.
How it was made: The base of this wreath is made from old fencing wire formed into a rough circle, with handfuls of the loose daisy stems bundled together and tied to each other in all different directions with wire. To hang it, tie a length of jute to the top of the wreath.
Maintenance tips: The daisies are dried so they will hold their colour and shape, but make sure you keep the wreath out of direct sunlight and wind.
Bess Paddington, (02) 9356 8464, besspaddington.com.
Cottage garden wreath
The look: Cotswold cottage, ideal for a relaxed, country-style home.
Flowers used: Eucharist lilies, Scabiosa, misty, mountain moss, and pixie carnations.
How it was made: Vines, jute and wire were moulded into two loose semi-circle wreath shapes (ideal if you want to hang the wreath on double doors), with greenery creating the base layer of foliage. The flowers were placed in water vials, poked into the base and secured with wires. Hang with a ribbon over the door, attached to a hook on the inside.
Maintenance tips: Keep out of direct sunlight, spritz daily and refill vials as needed.
Grandiflora, (02) 9357 7902, grandiflora.net.
Classic Christmas wreath
The look: Formal and classic. This style of wreath is perfect for a traditional home, but the simple design also lends itself to a contemporary interior.
Flowers used: Masses of conifer foliage, rather than floral blooms.
How it was made: The base is floral foam in a round wreath shape, with the ribbon attached with 22-gauge wire pushed into the foam. Pine foliage was cut into small pieces and the stems stripped so they could be inserted easily into the foam. The foliage was added in the same direction around the wreath to create a circular effect.
Maintenance tips: Keep out of direct sunlight and spritz the floral foam daily.
Susan Avery Flowers and Events, (02) 9363 1168, susanavery.com.au.
Australian flower wreath
The look: Native contemporary. This wreath could work in multiple styles of homes, from country abodes to contemporary and modern, adding an extra pop of colour.
Flowers used: Paper daisies, pinwheels, sea holly, flannel flowers, Eucalyptus macrocarpa, and beehive ginger.
How it was made: As a starting point, foliage was attached to a foam base, with the focal flowers then added in to create shape and interest. The easiest way to hang it is to create an attachment on the base before adding the greenery and flowers.
Maintenance tips: As the wreath is mainly native it should dry nicely, but to keep it looking fresh for as long as possible wet the foam every few days.
September Studio, 0493 100 860, septemberstudio.com.au.
Hydrangea wreath
The look: Classic Hamptons for a home in the same style. It would also suit a weatherboard cottage or any exterior with a coastal vibe.
Flowers used: Hydrangea blooms in mauve.
How it was made: The base of the wreath is made of driftwood, with wire used to attach the single-colour floral stems, spaced evenly around the wreath and butted gently together to conceal the base. Try hanging it with a length of jute or pretty ribbon, or invisible fishing line to let the wreath shine.
Maintenance tips: Spritz daily with water and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Summers Floral, (02) 9328 2475, summersfloral.com.
Country garden wreath
The look: Classic and whimsical in style; suited to traditional, country, Hamptons, Art Deco, heritage or federation-style homes.
Flowers used: Flannel flowers, lily of the valley, sweet pea, May bush and Pieris (flowering foliage), Scabiosa, freesias, spray roses, and nude statice.
How it was made: Floral foam was covered with foliage to hide all mechanics, then Emily added the flower varieties in small groups, starting with the larger ones, such as spray roses, and finishing with the more bitsy varieties, such as sweet peas at a longer length, to create a really natural style of wreath that showcases the different blooms.
Maintenance tips: Spritz with water twice a day to help keep the wreath fresh.
Boutierre Girls, 0431 384 484, boutierregirls.com.
Make your own Christmas wreath
Your wreath design can be as simple or as complicated as you like, but if you are a beginner, you may find it easier to join a workshop to learn the basics as well as the tools and equipment you might need. If you’re going to be using fresh flowers, make sure they stay hydrated in water vials or floral foam. You may find using native foliage and dried or preserved flowers will last a lot longer and are easier to handle. Useful items to have on hand are floral wire, twine or cable ties for attaching foliage and flowers to wreath, floral tape (to help keep flowers bunched together), a wreath base (available from craft stores or florists), ribbon (for hanging and decoration), and a good pair of florist scissors. If you use dried flowers, a hot glue gun is handy for adding extra flowers to fill in gaps and adding detail. Of course, if DIY isn’t your thing, call the florist! Or why not opt for one of these ready made beauties?
Shop Christmas wreaths
Bouclair ‘City Holiday’ wreath, Spotlight
$45/51cm
This charming nature-inspired wreath adds an elegant touch to the holidays, mixing vibrant greenery with a minimalist rounded design just perfect for doorways or on the mantlepiece.
Debbie Fairbrass large brass Irish oak wreath, Etsy
$560/48cm
This handcrafted brass wreath is made for a lifetime of festivities with decorative pure brass oak leaves that patina over time only adding to its beauty.
Champagne gold berry and bauble wreath, David Jones
$129.95/50cm
With nostalgic motifs such as gold baubles, golden berries and a hint of eucalyptus for an Australian feel, guests will love a warm greeting from this classic style wreath.
Pinegrove Lodge foliage wreath with LED lights, Balsam Hill
$419/66cm
A classic wreath with red berries, pine cones and a red velvet ribbon, this garland has pre-lit clear LED lights for a gentle ambience to guide visitors on their merry way.
Florabelle preserved boxwood wreath, The Farmers Wife
$129
A delicate blue bow tops this stunning preserved boxwood wreath with the greenery lasting up to a year with a little care and maintenance.
Snowy blueberry wreath, Holly & Ivy
$129.95/50cm
A sprinkle of wintery blue florals and rustic pine cones make this whimsical wreath a must-have for a cosy welcome home.
Preserved laurel wreath, The Doors of Berry
$189.95/50cm
A vibrant showstopper made from preserved laurel, this eye-catching wreath will make a lasting impression when displayed indoors as a door wreath or as a joyful table accessory.
Florabelle hydrangea wreath, The Farmers Wife
$139/45cm
Love hydrangeas? This wreath takes a modern approach to Christmas with gorgeous blue and green tones mixed with pops of yellow for a farmhouse-style look.
Jolly raspberry wreath, Provincial Home Living
$39.95/30cm
Bring a little festive sparkle with this frosted raspberry wreath on a delicate round of twigs to adorn the table or mantlepiece.
