Collecting my Christmas wreath material is a yearly tradition. I’ll “shop” in my backyard for juniper and cedar branches. Some years I’ll include Frasier fir stems cut from the bottom of my Christmas tree or pine boughs I’ve purchased at my local garden center. I like to include more than one type of greenery to add a variety of textures. Then I accessorize, usually with some type of small ornaments or ribbon. I thought I’d gather up a few tips to share that will show how easy it is to DIY your own wreath.

Wreath making is usually a pretty chilly task to do outside, especially if you’re trying to twist fine florist wire around each branch that you add. Set yourself up at a table spread some sheets of newspaper, and you’re ready to create. I’ll lay out all my materials, so I can easily choose what I need as I work through my project with a cup of hot tea and Christmas music playing in the background.

In this article, I’ll share options for Christmas wreath material, including some of my favorite greenery and accessories, so you can get a jumpstart on the holiday season.

Start with a wreath form and gather tools

Having some type of base on which you can build your wreath—a wire or plastic form, or one made from a natural, long-lasting material, such as willow or grapevine—make it easy to begin assembly. They all come in different sizes, so you can easily choose the right dimensions for your door. My mom has saved wire forms from pre-made natural wreaths she’s purchased in the past.

My favorite frame isn’t actually a standard classic wreath form at all. Several years ago while on a business trip, I happened across a metal poinsettia wreath that was made to hold Christmas cards. I’ve used it to make a wreath for my door more than once. I’ll usually use twine or florist wire to attach a few branches.

In 2024, I attended a wreath-making workshop at a friend’s farm. At my table, there was a wooden board with nails attached in a circle. Grapevine that had been sourced in the woods around the property was woven around the nails to create a wreath shape and then secured with florist wire. It’s very flexible and easy to work with and makes a fantastic wreath base.

Selecting your Christmas wreath material

Local garden centers, as well as grocery and big box stores are well-stocked with a variety of evergreen branches in November and December. As I mentioned, I like to browse my backyard for most of the branches in my wreath. I have a LOT of Eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), as well as some Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana), so there are lots of options to selectively snip.

If you get a live Christmas tree and some bottom branches need to be removed, they can be used in a wreath so as not to go to waste.

Pruning branches for Christmas wreath material

When you head out to cut branches, grab some gardening gloves (or warm gloves that you don’t mind getting dirty if it’s especially cold out). Use a pair of clean, sharp pruners and head to the yard. There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re clipping your own branches.

Cut branches that are close to the bottoms of a shrub trees or errant branches that are sticking out. This is important for pine trees, which prefer to be pruned in the summer. As I cut, I’m aware of anything taking that will benefit the shape of the tree without one being able to tell it’s been “harvested” for holiday greens. Broadleaf evergreens, like boxwood and holly, and conifers, like cedar and juniper, don’t mind a light trimming at this time of year.

Attaching branches to the wreath form

Use green florist wire to attach the branches. It will remain camouflaged once you’ve twisted each piece in place. Be careful because it’s sharp! Use a pair of strong scissors or wire cutters to cut each length to size. I usually try to snip a few at a time, so I can easily grab and twist. In the absence of wire, I’ve also attached Christmas wreath material using small pieces of garden twine that I tie strategically to remain hidden.

Adding accessories to your holiday wreath

Once all the greenery has been added to your wreath, it’s time to accessorize. This is the fun part because it allows you to add your own personal touches. Look through your cupboards for potential decorations you can reuse. And check out your local craft stores. There are endless options for ribbons and bows. Some come with twist ties attached, which makes them super easy to attach. You can use the florist wire to tie these types of elements on, too.

You could also accessorize with miniature ornaments, cookie cutters, or other Christmas decorations. I like to add natural materials, like pinecones and dried hydrangea blooms.

Depending on where you display your wreath, you could also intertwine miniature fairy lights throughout the greenery that you can turn on at night to create a warm welcome for guests.

Some tips to help your wreath last

When you’re choosing the materials to use, consider where your wreath is going to go. Will it be exposed to the elements—wind, snow, rain, ice? Will it be sandwiched between a storm door and the main door? Different environmental conditions will determine which materials you use and how you secure them. You may want to consider waterproof ribbon for a wreath that will get consistently wet, for example. And be sure to securely attach anything lightweight, like seed pods or dried flowers that are lightweight and could blow away in a strong wind.

More holiday decorating inspiration

• Winter container garden ideas
• Growing branches with berries for holiday décor
• Christmas hanging baskets
• Deck your halls with boughs of boxwood and other nature finds
• Make a holiday swag in five easy steps
• Easy projects for mini holiday houseplants