Deck the halls with wreaths of plenty
Welcoming festive guests from the front door, the traditional Christmas wreath has a rich heritage symbolising hope, unity and the eternal cycle of life
Like many of our festive traditions, the Christmas wreath gained popularity in Britain when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert brought the custom from Germany, along with Christmas trees, gift giving and much more.
The wreath’s circular shape and evergreen nature can be traced back to ancient times. The Celts used holly boughs to celebrate the winter solstice, while ancient Romans wore wreaths as a symbol of honour. In Christianity, a wreath made with holly leaves and berries symbolises the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the cross.
“Driving through any Norfolk village at Christmas and spotting all the front doors hung with beautiful wreaths brings such cheer,” says Katie Gavaghan of The Parsons Wreath Co. “It’s a seasonal treat and an inviting hint of the decorations to be found inside.”
Katie runs the family business alongside her parents and uncle. They grow, dry, and sell flowers and foliage, creating a range of beautiful products including bouquets, centrepieces, floral crowns and Christmas wreaths, which are central to their winter range.
“Making your own wreath is a wonderful experience. Many people enjoy sitting together to create one with a group of friends, turning it into a festive tradition,” Katie explains. “There’s such satisfaction in crafting something that is uniquely yours.”
Katie recommends starting with a lightweight, slightly curved wire base which is easy to hang and handle. The first step is to cover the frame with a packed bed of moss, which creates a fantastic foundation for your foliage and retains water well, ensuring your greenery remains fresh throughout the festive season.
“We use moss from a local supplier, harvested from Thetford Forest. Not many people know you need a license to gather moss commercially,” Katie says. “Using home-grown foliage and locally sourced decorations is important to us and we grow the vast majority of the dried flowers ourselves.”
Next, you can start adding foliage to your wreath, working around in a spiral pattern from the centre to the outside and winding wire to attach it securely. “We like to use a range of waxy leaves such as eucalyptus, holly, spruce and laurel, because they last well and have a lovely texture,” Katie says. “The foliage will depress a little after a few days, so pack it really well so you get a long-lasting lush finish.”
Finally, decorate your wreath with extra features such as dried flowers, orange, cinnamon and pine cones. “Adding little pops of colour can make your wreath more visually interesting,” Katie says. “We always finish with a luxurious velvet bow. A rich green is our colour of choice this year and we do a classic tartan that’s very popular with customers in Scotland.”
At Elizabeth the Florist in Downham Market, owner Kate Shipp makes unique fresh holly wreaths and door garlands throughout December. Customers can pick from popular traditional red and frosty white or choose from a large selection of ribbons and decorations to customise their own designs.
“We love to use a mixture of green and variegated holly with blue spruce which gives a fantastic full wreath,” Kate says. “Incorporating fresh flowers into a Christmas wreath can add a striking splash of colour that’s a little bit different. Carnations, roses and chrysanthemums in deep red, lime green and classic white look stunning and can last well.”
Kate recommends using an oasis base for wreaths containing fresh flowers since it retains water better and keeps the blooms bright. “Remember to maintain water levels with regular spritzing and replace any fading flowers to keep the wreath looking fresh throughout the season,” she adds.
If you would like to have a go at crafting a personalised Christmas wreath to welcome visitors this festive period, Elizabeth the Florist sell everything you need in a very reasonably priced wreath-making kit. “You can add extra decorations or even make garlands and table centrepieces too. Many of our customers enjoy getting together with friends for a wreath making class,” Kate shares.
“I’ve been a florist for 30 years and I feel very lucky to spend every day doing what I love,” she continues. “Making a wreath at Christmas allows you to handcraft something with the natural beauty of the season and I encourage everyone to have a go.”
The Parsons Wreath Co. hosts wreath-making workshops at Congham Hall Hotel, which include lunch. “It’s a relaxed afternoon of good food and gentle craft shared with like-minded people,” Katie says. Workshop dates can be found on The Parsons Wreath Co. website, where they also sell wreath-making kits which include a pre-mossed wreath, fresh foliage and natural accessories.
“It’s so wonderful to grow something yourself and then turn it into a beautiful festive creation,” Katie smiles. “Wreath-making is something people of all ages and abilities can do and it’s a lovely tradition to enjoy with family or friends."
ABOVE: Kate Shipp of Elizabeth the Florist in Downham Market enjoys making fabulous festive door garlands and fresh holly wreaths throughout December. With a wide range of ribbons and accessories to choose from, she is able to craft beautiful bespoke designs to match any style.