The Foraged Wreath
Holiday Wreath in Colonial Williamsburg
Creating a holiday wreath is a festive way to decorate your home and can be a fun DIY project. Here’s a simple guide to help you craft a beautiful wreath that captures the spirit of the season.
Materials Needed:
- A wire wreath frame or bent stick frame (12-18 inches)
- Fresh or artificial greenery
- Garden scissors
- Floral wire
- Ribbon (for a bow and to hang)
- Decorations (ornaments, berries, dried fruits)
Coastal Virginia & Neighborhood Foliage
Several types of trees local to our area provide excellent foliage for a wreath. Here are some popular options:
- Evergreens: These are the classic choice for wreaths, offering rich greenery and a lovely scent. Common types include:
- Pine: Long needles that add texture, and Pine cones can be added for decorative elements. Longleaf and Shorleaf pine are common in our area.
- Spruce: Sharp needles and a compact shape are great to include in a wreath. Norway Spruce grows in the neighborhoods.
- Cedar: With its fragrant, feathery foliage, cedar adds a unique touch and lovely aroma. Both Common and Japanese Cedar varieties are in the neighborhoods.
- Holly: Its glossy leaves and bright red berries provide color and contrast, perfect for festive wreaths. It’s everywhere!
- Boxwood: Little Leaf and Common Boxwoods grow naturally in Coastal VA. This dense, evergreen shrub has small, oval leaves that give a polished look.
- Laurel: Known for its glossy leaves and dark berries, laurel adds a sophisticated touch. Mountain Laurel grows locally.
- Magnolia Leaves: With its deep green surface, and fuzzy brown underside, Magnolia is not only iconic to include in a wreath, and abundant in our area.
- Juniper: Eastern redcedar is in the neighborhoods, and throughout Coastal VA. The bluish-green foliage of juniper adds a different texture and fragrance, and its berries provide a decorative element.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Base: Start by laying out your wire frame on a flat surface. If using fresh greenery, soak it in water for a few hours to keep it fresh longer.
- Trim & Bundle Greenery: Cut your greenery into manageable pieces (about 6-8 inches), trimming off any unwanted leaves and thorns or prickers. Bundling small “bouquets” that layer the texture and decorative elements can make assembly easier.
- Attach Greenery: Begin attaching the first pieces by placing them against the frame and wrapping floral wire around them to secure. Overlap the branches as you go to create a fuller look.
- Layer & Add Variety: Alternate different types of greenery for texture and depth. You can also incorporate pine cones or berries by wiring them in place.
- Create a Bow: Use a ribbon to make a large bow. Attach it to the top of the wreath using floral wire. Satin, silk and velvet ribbons work well during the holidays.
- Finishing Touches: Add any additional decorations, such as ornaments, additional berries or dried fruits, for a personal touch.
- Hang Your Wreath: Finally, use a sturdy hook or ribbon to hang it securely.
Enjoy your beautiful, handmade wreath throughout the holiday season!