Our Guide To Choosing The Perfect Christmas Wreath

by Jasmine Savery

At Northern Willow, we believe that Christmas wreaths are an essential festive decoration. The wreath is an announcement to the outside world that the household is fully embracing the spirit of Christmas. What’s more, Christmas wreaths can also mean different things to different people. Whether it's religious symbolism, a good luck charm or simply a traditional decoration, wreaths are a fantastic way to spread joy this December! So, what is the best way to choose your Christmas wreath?

Choosing the perfect wreath starts with deciding on the look you want to achieve. Whether you prefer a modern design or a classic, traditional style with lush greenery, the choice is entirely yours. One of the great things about Christmas wreaths is the endless opportunity for creativity.

Keep reading to explore the various types of wreaths and discover our favourite selections at Northern Willow.

Traditional Christmas Wreaths 

So, first things first. Let’s kick things off with the traditional Christmas wreaths which we all know and love. These are the most popular types of wreaths because they look great in all kinds of homes. 

Lush Green Foliage 

These wreaths are usually made from the leaves and branches of green hedges and bushes. The most popular types of foliage include holly, spruce and laurel. The longer branches of the laurel and spruce allow you to create more consistent shapes while the shiny waxy texture of the holly creates the ultimate Chrismassy vibe. The combination of these three works brilliantly. 

Red Berries

If you’re looking to insert some bold colour into your Christmas wreath, you may want to focus on using holly. The beautiful bright reds of the holly berries contrast with the greenery perfectly. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that holly berries last for around 5 weeks after they’ve been harvested so you won’t have to worry about them going off during the festive season. 

Or, you can create a winter berry wreath by inserting artificial berries in your wreath. Add some iced Winter berries to create an extra Wintery look this December. 

Pinecones

This option is great for those wanting to bring a touch of nature into their home this Christmas season. The best part about crafting with natural elements is that they’re free and sustainable. Simply head out on a Wintery walk and collect any pinecones, acorns or conkers you can find. The colours of these autumn elements can bring a lovely brown, woody feel to your wreath. The delightful pine scent is an added bonus! 

Ribbon

If you want to add a little flair to your traditional wreath, feel free to add some Christmassy ribbons. Think golds, reds and greens. You could even add some simple brown jute twine if you want to attach any bows or mini presents. 

Rustic Wreaths 

Next up we’ve got the rustic wreaths. The best part about these wreaths is that you can find a lot of the elements in your garden or while you’re out and about on a walk. Whilst these wreaths share a lot of similarities with the traditional wreaths, they tend to look less polished and a little more natural. 

Twigs and Branches 

Typically, rustic wreaths will usually feature more twigs and branches. Fir branches are great however, many people just use twigs as the base of the wreath. Both options bring their own distinct beauty. We also recommend using willow for your wreath as it can bend and twist easily, without breaking. 

Dried Flowers 

Using dried flowers is a great option as it can add a bit of natural colour to your wreath. We recommend using flowers such as lavender, eucalyptus, heather and rabbit tail. Not only will these add more texture to your display but they can also be easily intertwined with your wreath base. 

Dried Fruit 

This is one of our favourite options here at Northern Willow. To make these wreaths, you’ll need to dehydrate various citrus fruits. Choose from dried limes, mini pumpkins or orange slices. We recommend combining different types as it creates a beautiful wreath with different textures and colours. To top this wreath off, you can also add cinnamon sticks, pinecones and satin ribbons between fruit. 

Top tip - add some ‘Christmas in a Bottle’ oil to the fruit for festive fragrances of cinnamon, orange, cloves and other spices. 

Modern Wreaths 

If you’re looking for more modern Christmas door wreath ideas, there are plenty to choose from! If you think about it, anything that you can form into a circle and hang on your door or wall can become a wreath. From here, it’s down to you to use your imagination and get those creative ideas flowing. 

Baubles

If you can’t get enough of Christmas baubles, then why not make an entire wreath out of them? Combine different colours and shapes to form a stunning centrepiece for your front door. 

Paper Stars

Any origami experts in the house? If so, make a series of paper stars or snowflakes and join them together in a circle. We’d avoid putting this kind of wreath outside but it’s perfect for decorating the inside of your home. 

Spray Paint

If you’d rather not decide between a classic and rustic wreath then don’t! Combine both types and then spray paint it using gold or silver to create a show-stopping wreath. 

Fairy Light Wreaths 

Once you’ve finished untangling your Christmas fairy lights and dressed your tree to perfection, you might want to spare a thought for your Christmas wreath. Whether you’re using one of our willow wreaths or one of your own wreath structures, adding warm white fairy lights can add sparkle and shine to your décor. Copper wire lights are particularly effective because they are almost invisible. Their flexibility also allows you to twine the lights around your chosen wreath, giving the appearance of floating stars. 

Our Favourites 

Take a look at some of our favourite Christmas products that will work perfectly for your wreaths this December!

Small Antique Wash Wreath 

This ornate wreath makes a stunning addition to any home. Its natural willow frame provides the perfect base to customise with your favourite decorations. Whether you choose to weave foliage, ornaments, or twinkling fairy lights around it, the possibilities are endless!


White Wash Open Star 

Made from sustainably sourced willow, our White Wash Open Star is a great way to add a touch of magic to any room in your home. Like our wreath, the Open Star is made with a split antique wash willow woven onto a metal frame. This makes it ideal for weaving warm twinkling fairy lights around. 


Build The Perfect Christmas Wreath With Northern Willow 

Now that you’ve got some initial inspiration, it’s time to get going on your own Christmas wreath. Whether you prefer a traditional look with holly and berries or something more modern with baubles and twinkling lights, the options are limitless. At Northern Willow, we provide versatile sturdy bases so that you can craft a wreath that’s uniquely yours. 


So, what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy the festive fun of wreath making.


Create your perfect Christmas wreath this December!