Wreaths

Across popular culture, wreaths are most commonly linked with Christmas decoration and festivities – featuring holly leaves and red berries, cinnamon sticks, and novelty festive figures. In reality, however, the market around wreaths is booming all year round; acknowledging not only the nation’s favourite holidays and celebrations, but also the arrival of Spring flowers and Summer colours.

And in a world where value is everything and longevity is key, the rise of faux wreaths and innovative solutions have taken over – encouraging buyers to expand their vision beyond plant life and spices, and instead embody creative DIY materials.

The history of the wreath

Wreaths were commonly used as decoration across Southern Europe in Ancient times, utilising the symbols made famous by the Greek myths to acknowledge status. Across Ancient Greece, wreaths were worn by individuals to represent their occupation and rank – with the laurel wreath the most widely recognised thanks to the myth of Apollo and Daphne. Legend has it that when Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree, Apollo wore a laurel wreath on his head for the rest of his days – a symbol of victory and status.

The wreath in modern culture

From Christmas to Halloween, Harvest season and the start of the Summer festivals, wreaths are both popular as decorative accessories for the home, and for individual use. Harvest wreaths for example are hung on the front door of a home all year round, to protect against crop failure and plague. These styles of wreath are typically made from harvested plants, woven together with woollen thread – while the Christmas wreath as we know it today is much more seasonal – showcasing the time of advent, when the home is full of festivity and tradition.

As well as this status as a celebratory symbol, wreaths are also used across funerals – representing the circle of eternal life.

A wreath as decoration

With so many uses and symbolic stories, placing a wreath in your home is not just a decorative decision, but also a significant nod to history and culture. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most popular wreaths available on today’s market are circular and delicate in their finish – ensuring an aesthetically pleasing design which attracts the eye and creates a welcoming symbol on the front door of a home.

To ensure the best possible style for you, the first thing to consider is whether you want to invest in a natural and real wreath for a rustic look, a faux wreath which is more likely to be coloured to your specification and will last longer, or to make your own – a fun and engaging activity perfect for any season.

Many of our members ask how they can create their own wreath, with the first step being to consider the materials you want to use, and the design you want to achieve. Once selected, create a base structure from thick cardboard – ideally a doughnut shape – and start to weave your material around it. The best options for material are thin twigs with a bend in their structure, natural vines, coloured fabrics and strings, or thick cables of wool. The final structure can then be accessorised with well-placed faux flowers, real flowers, seasonal decorations, or whimsical characters – perfect for children.