You can spend $100+ on a beautiful, live wreath that lasts a season. Or you could spend some quality time on a relaxing, hands-on project to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you love the cozy, forest-like vibe of fir or the simple, polished look of magnolia leaves, making your own wreath is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through two approachable wreath styles that look beautiful without needing a florist’s touch.

Fir Branch Base With Gorgeous Additions

A classic evergreen wreath with eucalyptus, berries, citrus, and pinecones

Shortcut: you can find plain fir wreaths at most garden centers around the holidays. All you need to do is add your personal touch!

Why This Style Works

Fir creates the perfect textural base—soft, fluffy, and deeply fragrant. Layering in eucalyptus, pops of berry red, and a hint of citrus makes this wreath feel both festive and elevated. Think winter market meets cozy cabin vibes.

Materials

• Fresh fir branches (noble fir, Fraser fir, or mixed evergreen)
• Seeded or silver dollar eucalyptus stems
• Red winterberry or faux berry stems
• Dried orange slices or small pomegranates
• Pinecones (natural or sugared)
• Floral wire (green)
• Wire wreath frame (12″–18″)
• Pruning shears
• Optional: velvet ribbon for a bow

Instructions

1. Prep Your Greens

Cut fir branches into 6–8″ pieces. Remove excess needles near the base so they’re easy to wire onto the frame. Soak the branches in cold water for about 30 minutes to hydrate them.

2. Start the Base Layer

Secure the end of your floral wire around the wreath frame.
Lay a small bundle of fir on the frame and wrap the wire around the stems 2–3 times to secure.
Add the next bundle overlapping the previous one, working clockwise around the frame.

3. Add a Touch of Eucalyptus

Tuck Eucalyptus sprigs into the wired bundles every few inches. This softens the texture and adds movement.

4. Feature Your Accents

Cluster 2–3 pinecones together with floral wire and attach them where the wreath naturally dips.
Add berries in small, balanced clusters.
Wire on dried citrus slices or mini pomegranates for a pop of warm color and fragrance.

5. Final Fluff & Ribbon

Adjust any branches that need more fullness.
Finish with a velvet bow or leave it wild and organic—both look beautiful.

Magnolia Leaf Base With Elegant Seasonal Accents

A warm, luxe wreath with glossy green and velvety brown tones

Why This Style Works

Magnolia leaves create a bold, architectural base—perfect for a more refined, Southern-inspired look. They hold up beautifully as they dry, shifting into rich caramel tones.

Materials

• Fresh magnolia branches or individual magnolia leaves
• Wire wreath frame (grapevine or metal)
• Floral wire
• Optional accents:
  • Dried hydrangea blooms
  • Nandina berries or red/orange pyracantha
  • Gold-painted magnolia leaves for subtle shimmer
  • Seed pods or lotus pods
  • Velvet or linen ribbon

Instructions

1. Build the Magnolia Base

Attach floral wire to your wreath frame.
Create small leaf bundles with 3–5 magnolia leaves.
Wire the bundles onto the frame, overlapping each one so the leaves create a continuous swirl.
Alternate leaf direction (all green side up or mixed green + brown) depending on the style you want.

2. Add Volume With Dried Hydrangea

Tuck hydrangea blooms between the magnolia layers for soft textural pockets.
Secure with wire as needed.

3. Introduce Color Pop With Berries

Use small clusters of nandina or pyracantha berries for a natural seasonal accent.
Space them evenly or concentrate them in one area for an asymmetrical design.

4. (Optional) Add Metallic Touches

A few gold-tipped magnolia leaves or metallic seed pods add a festive glow without overpowering the natural palette.

5. Finishing Touches

Shape the wreath with your hands by bending stems slightly to create dimension.
Add a ribbon at the bottom, top, or off-center depending on the design mood.

Supplies Checklist (Both Wreaths)

• Floral wire (green)
• Wire wreath frame or grapevine frame
• Pruning shears
• Gloves (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)
• Floral picks or hot glue gun (optional assists for tricky accents)