How To Make an Evergreen Wreath

An evergreen wreath is a classic holiday decoration that brings a festive touch to any front door. With a few simple materials and some basic techniques, you can create a beautiful, custom wreath that will last throughout the season. Denise Porcaro, owner and founder of Flower Girl NYC, demonstrates how to craft a stunning evergreen wreath using a mix of magnolia leaves, pine, and juniper.

Materials Needed for an Evergreen Wreath

Before you begin crafting your wreath, gather the following materials:

• Bypass pruning shears
• Evergreen clippings (magnolia leaves, pine branches, juniper sprigs)
• Floral wire
• Metal wreath form
• Raffia twine
• Wire cutters

Choosing the Right Evergreens

Selecting the appropriate evergreens is crucial for creating a long-lasting and visually appealing wreath. Here are some popular options:

• Boxwood: A great option option for adding fullness and texture.
• Juniper sprigs: These also add texture and a lovely aroma to your wreath.
• Magnolia leaves: These large, glossy leaves provide a beautiful base for your wreath. They’re abundant in the South, but you can order them from local florists or find them at grocery stores during the holiday season.
• Pine branches: Look for varieties with a decent shelf life, such as Scotch pine, white pine, balsam fir, noble fir, white fir, or Douglas fir.

When selecting your evergreens, aim for a mix of textures and shades to create visual interest. If you have evergreen trees on your property, you can cut a few sprigs yourself. Otherwise, most supermarkets or florists stock these during the holiday season for a few dollars a bunch.

Preparing the Wreath Form

Preparing the metal form is the first step in creating your evergreen wreath. This process creates a sturdy base for attaching your greenery. Do the following:

1. Begin wrapping sections of raffia twine around the metal form.
2. Continue wrapping until you cover the entire form.
3. Overlap the loose ends with new pieces as you go along.
4. Take your metal wreath form and raffia twine.

This wrapped base provides a good surface for wiring your stems and helps create a fuller-looking wreath.

Trimming and Attaching the Evergreens

With your wreath form prepared, it’s time to start adding the greenery. This process involves trimming your evergreen clippings and attaching them to the form in layers.

Trimming the Evergreens

Follow these steps for trimming your evergreens:

1. Repeat this process for the pine branches and juniper sprigs.
2. Start with the magnolia leaves.
3. Using your bypass pruning shears, trim the stems, leaving about 2–3 inches of stem on each leaf or branch.

Attaching the Greenery

Here’s how to attach the greenery:

1. Begin with the magnolia leaves. Wire one or two stems to a small section of the form.
2. Next, layer on the pine branches. Place them on top of the magnolia leaves and bind them tightly with wire.
3. Secure them by wrapping the wire tightly around the stems and the form.
4. Finally, add the juniper sprigs in the same manner.

As you work, hold the entire spool of wire and use it as leverage while wrapping. This technique will help you achieve a tighter bind.

Building the Wreath

Creating a full, lush wreath requires layering your evergreens in a specific order. Follow these steps to build your wreath:

1. Add pine branches on top of the magnolia.
2. Finish with juniper sprigs.
3. Repeat this order (magnolia, pine, juniper) around the entire form until the wreath is full.
4. Start with a section of magnolia leaves as your base layer.

Tips for a Professional-Looking Wreath

• Fluff and arrange the greenery as you go to create a natural, full look.
• Maintain consistent pressure as you wire the greenery to ensure a uniform shape.
• Step back occasionally to check your work and make adjustments as needed.

Finishing Touches for a Wreath

Once you’ve covered the entire wreath form with greenery, it’s time to add the finishing touches:

1. Add additional greenery as needed to fill in gaps.
2. Carefully inspect your wreath for any bare spots or uneven areas.
3. Gently fluff and arrange the greenery to create a natural, full appearance.
4. Snip the wire and tuck in any loose ends.
5. Trim any excessively long or out-of-place branches.

Adding a Personal Touch to Your Wreath

An evergreen wreath offers a lovely canvas for personalization. Adding embellishments such as ribbons, ornaments, and berries can transform it from a simple wreath to a festive masterpiece.

Choosing Decorative Elements

Consider a range of decorative elements to suit your style and the ambiance of your home, such as the following:

• Berries: Artificial or dried berries add pops of color and a natural touch.
• Ornaments: Mini ornaments can bring a playful or elegant flair, depending on their style.
• Pine cones: These are classic additions that provide texture and a rustic charm.
• Ribbons: Select ribbons in your preferred color palette to tie around the wreath or make a bow.

Integrating Decorations

Integrating the following elements seamlessly ensures they complement rather than overshadow the natural beauty of the evergreens.

• Attach pine cones using floral wire. Wrap the wire around the base of the pinecone and secure it to the wreath.
• Decorate with berries by placing them in clusters throughout the wreath. Use wire to attach them securely.
• Tie a ribbon around the top of the wreath for a simple yet elegant touch. You can add a bow for extra flair.
• When adding ornaments, ensure they are evenly spaced and securely fastened to avoid any falling off.

Seasonal Variations

Depending on the season or special occasions, you may modify the decorations to align with different festivities:

• For Thanksgiving, add elements such as small gourds or autumn leaves.
• For the winter season, add frosted or glittered decorations to enhance the festive feel.
• During spring, consider adding pastel-colored ribbons and fresh flowers for a seasonal refresh.

Caring for Your Evergreen Wreath

To ensure your wreath stays fresh and beautiful throughout the holiday season, follow these care tips:

• Hang your wreath in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Mist the wreath with water every few days to keep it hydrated.
• If hanging outdoors, bring the wreath inside during extreme weather conditions.
• Remove any dried or browning foliage promptly to maintain the wreath’s appearance.

With proper care, your homemade evergreen wreath can last several weeks, bringing festive cheer to your home throughout the holiday season.

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