Seasonal Wreaths Made Easy by Margot Shaw (Video)

Wreaths are one of the most versatile forms in floral design. We start with a circle, square, or oval and can decorate it with anything our heart desires. Since my mission with flower is to make flowers more accessible and less intimidating, wreaths are always a go-to decorative item.Their history is rich and varied—from the Greek god Apollo’s laurel wreath worn in mourning his lost love Daphne, to harvest wreaths in ancient Europe, to representing eternal life or Christmas, in Christian culture, the form is timeless and universal. In 2012, wreaths are used for anything and everything. Here are a few of my favorite easy designs:

Wreath 1:

Fall into Thanksgiving Wreath

I’ve chosen live plant material that does well without a water source and will last for weeks. In my book, it’s the best of both worlds—It’s fresh, but looks good when it dries.

Supply List

• 3 bunches of berselia berries
• 3 bunches craspedia
• 3 bunches hypericum berries (deep red)
• 3 bunches eryngium
• 3 bunches scabiosa pods
• 16″ floral foam wreath
• snips
• floral pins

 

Step 1. Start with a floral foam wreath—I’ve selected a 16” wreath, but you can use any size that works proportionally with your door, wall, or surface.

Step 2. Visually divide the wreath into five equal parts by marking sections with a Sharpie.

Step 3. Take one or two of each type of plant and cut it leaving about 2-3 inches of stem. Then insert the stems in the wreath, and just see how far down the stems need to go.

Step 4. Once you’ve determined how long to cut stems, take your first variety and cut all stems that length.

Step 5. Then begin to fill in the first area, and use flower pins to hold the stems if necessary.

Step 6. Continue around the wreath with each different variety. Be sure to cover the inside of the wreath and the sides well, as they will show when the wreath is hanging.

Step 7. When finished, slip a ribbon, several strands of raffia, or even some colored decorative floral wire through the wreath and tie it to a nail or hook. Or, if you want it to hang from the top of a door, hammer a thumbtack onto the top of the door with the two ends of material under it.

Wreath 2:

Green and Very “Green” Wreath

This is one of my favorites, because many of us have boxwood (evergreen) in our yards or a friend’s. And if not, it can be easily substituted with any kind of evergreen such as pine, juniper, spruce, cedar, cypress, etc. Easy-peasy and eco-friendly!

Supply List

• boxwood (cut & in water)
• Midori double–faced ribbon
• 2 to 3 yards each of copper & merlot ribbon (1 1/2″ to 2″ in width)
• snips
• floral pins
• 16″ floral foam wreath

 

Step 1. Cut as many stems of boxwood as you can from all around the bush—at least 4-5 inches long.

Wreath 3:

Carnation Wreath Centerpiece

This is an elegant, more formal arrangement that makes for a beautiful centerpiece. Almost any flower can be substituted, but my personal favorite is the carnation, as it is frilly and rich, fills the space beautifully, and has a long life once cut. For this wreath you’ll need a 16 “ floral foam wreath on a plastic base.

Supply List

• 5 bunches carnations (deep red)
• snips
• 16″ floral foam wreath on plastic base; glass cylinder vase
• 1 cream colored floating candle

 

Step 1. Soak the floral foam for at least three hours.

Step 2. Once soaked, place the floral foam on plastic-covered table or countertop.

Step 3. Cut a carnation and poke it in the soaked floral foam to determine the length you’ll need.

Step 4. Then cut all your flowers about the same length.

Step 5. Work from the inside of the wreath out, and gently press the stems into the floral foam so that all you see is the bloom. (You’ll find that carnations when massed, as in this treatment, provide a really lush look.

Step 6. Fill up every inch of the wreath so that there’s no floral foam showing.

Step 7. Once you finish, put the wreath in the sink and let the excess water drain off.

Step 8. Then move the wreath to a dining room table, coffee table, or even a sideboard.

Step 9. Once in place, add a 4.5-inch by 14-inch glass cylinder filled 2/3 of the way with water to the center of the wreath.

Step 10. Place a cream-colored floating candle in the water, light, and voila—a holiday centerpiece that will last from between 5 to 7 days.

Have other ideas for seasonal wreaths? Leave us a note in the comments below and check our Ballard Designs Style Studio Pinterest Board for other holiday ideas!