How to Make an Autumn Wreath: A Step-by-Step Guide

Autumn’s here, the leaves are falling, and there’s a definite chill in the air. It’s time to get cosy, spooky, and — of course — crafty. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll show you how to create an autumn wreath that’ll make your front door the talk of the street. While traditionally more of a Christmas thing, autumnal wreaths have been getting more and more popular, steadily becoming a must-have decoration for the season.

Whether you can’t wait to start decking the halls, or you’re looking to refresh your front door this year, nothing brings the cosy vibes like a DIY wreath. So grab a cuppa, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get stuck into some wreath-making!

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Everything You’ll Need to Make an Autumn Wreath

Before we start with the fun stuff, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to make a stunning wreath:

• Wreath Base: Foam, wire, or willow — take your pick! If you want that rustic, natural look, go for a simple wire frame. It’ll do the job perfectly.
• Floral Wire & Scissors or Hot Glue Gun: These are your trusty sidekicks for sticking everything together. You’ll need them to keep everything fixed in place.
• Autumn Leaves: Real or fake, it’s up to you. Artificial leaves last longer, but the natural feel of real foliage is hard to beat.
• Berries and Pinecones: These will add some lovely texture and colour. Think red berries, brown pinecones, and anything that screams autumn to you.
• Flowers: Whether we’re talking sunflowers, wheat, lavender, or strawflowers — a good mix of foliage is crucial for capturing the warm, rustic hues of autumn.
• Sphagnum Moss (Optional): If you’re after a fuller, more textured autumn wreath, moss is a great option to add some volume without too much weight.
• Ribbons and Extra Touches: A cheeky bow in a deep mustard or burgundy hue will really give your wreath some “wow” factor.

Finding Natural Materials for Your Autumn Wreath

Don’t go rushing out to the shops just yet. Autumn’s treasure trove of leaves, berries, and twigs is waiting for you in the great outdoors. Head out for a peaceful wander around the park, or even in your own garden, and gather as many of these autumnal beauties as you can:

• Foliage: Grab some fallen oak, maple, and birch leaves for a warm autumn palette of oranges, reds, and yellows.
• Berries: Winterberries or holly will add a pop of colour and make your wreath stand out all the more.
• Pinecones & Acorns: A rustic touch from pinecones and acorns will bring heaps of texture to your wreath.
• Other Seasonal Finds: If you get lucky, you might even stumble across some wreath-worthy dried grasses or twigs to add a bit of variety.

Prepare Your Base

Start by sorting your wreath base. If you’re using foam, wrap it with floral tape to hold everything in place. For a more natural look, a wire wreath is perfect. Just start attaching your materials directly to it!

Plan Your Layout

Take a moment to lay out your materials before attaching anything. Start with larger elements (like flowers or branches) and work your way down to smaller bits like berries and pinecones.

This step will give you a clear vision of how everything will fit together and make sure your design looks expertly balanced.

Attach the Foliage

Gather small bunches of your larger foliage (like oak leaves or eucalyptus). Cut the stems to about 15-20 cm long and secure them with floral wire. Then, attach the first bunch of foliage to your base. Keep layering your foliage around the wreath in a zigzag pattern, overlapping the stems slightly so your base is fully covered.

Add Flowers and Smaller Elements

Once the big bits are attached, it’s time to add your flowers and smaller decorative pieces like pinecones and berries. Sunflowers or dahlias make excellent focal points, so get them stuck on and wired in place. Add pinecones and acorns to fill in the gaps and give your autumn wreath a proper cosy feel.

If you’re using dried flowers, add them last to avoid damaging any delicate petals.

Finishing Touches

Tie a ribbon or bow to complete the look in a colour that complements your overall theme. Deep reds, browns, or even a bit of mustard yellow hit all the right notes for the autumn season.

Attach the ribbon at the back, or loop it around the top to hang your wreath.

Hang It Up and Enjoy

Your wreath is ready to shine! All that’s left to do is find it a perfect home — whether on your front door, above the fireplace, or even as a centrepiece on the dining table. Be sure to use a sturdy hook to hang it, and bask in the autumn beauty you’ve just created!

• Dried Flower Wreaths: These designs are perfect for capturing the rustic charm of autumn and can last well beyond the season. Think lavender, wheat, and amaranthus for a soft, boho vibe.
• Pumpkin, Berry, and Pinecone Wreaths: If you love those warm, seasonal colours, try a wreath that’s got a few mini pumpkins, berries, and pinecones. This one’s great for creating a bold, festive look.
• Oversized Statement Wreaths: Go big or go home! Oversized wreaths bring all the drama you’ll ever need, ideal for larger doors or spaces. Layer on plenty of bold flowers and foliage to make a dramatic statement.
• Minimalist and Modern Designs: If you prefer something sleek, a minimalist wreath with carefully selected bits of greenery, berries, and a simple ribbon will look totally sophisticated.
• Wildlife and Woodland Themes: For a more natural, whimsical look, go for a woodland-inspired wreath filled with moss, twigs, pinecones, and natural foliage. Add little touches like birds or small critters for extra charm.

Sustainability & Budget Tips

As champions of sustainable floristry, we love a good DIY project that’s as eco-friendly as it is beautiful. Here are some ideas to make your autumn door wreath a little nicer to both the planet and your wallet.

• Eco-Friendly Materials & Upcycling: Decorate your wreath with recycled flowers from old bouquets or dried foliage from previous seasons. Try collecting fallen leaves or twigs from your garden to avoid buying additional materials.
• Making Wreaths with Children/Family: Wreath-making is a wonderful family activity. Let the little ones gather leaves, paint mini pumpkins, or tie ribbons to add personal touches while keeping costs low.
• How to Store and Reuse Your Wreath: If you want to keep your wreath for next season, carefully store it in a dry, cool place. Dried flowers last longer with proper care, and you can refresh your wreath by adding a few new flowers next autumn.

Wreath-Making Workshops and Video Tutorials

Want to take your wreath-making skills to the next level? Here’s how Interflora can help:

• Wreath-Making Workshops: Join one of our Christmas wreath-making workshops for hands-on guidance from our expert florists. It’s a great way to learn new techniques, get creative, and meet fellow craft lovers!
• Online Tutorials and Social Media Inspiration: Can’t make it to a workshop? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our YouTube tutorial on How to Make a Christmas Wreath. Follow us for regular updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how we create stunning autumn wreaths.

Create Your Own Autumn Wreath Today

Now that you’ve got the know-how, it’s time to get creative and craft a wreath that’s truly yours. Whether you go bold with vibrant colours or keep it simple and elegant, the possibilities for your homemade autumn wreath are endless.

We’d love to see what you create! Don’t forget to snap some pictures of your design and tag us on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.