The festive season is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature and bring a touch of the outdoors into your home. One of the most charming ways to add a natural and seasonal aspect to your Christmas décor is by making your own wreath. Rose hips, with their vibrant red and orange hues, are the perfect addition to a festive wreath that captures the essence of an English winter garden.

Here’s how to create your own rose hip wreath:

Rose hips add a delightful touch of colour and charm to any Christmas wreath. With their rich shades ranging from deep red to bright orange, they bring a warm, festive glow to your decorations. Beyond their beauty, rose hips evoke the timeless elegance of traditional English gardens, making them perfect for a wreath that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

• A wreath base: Choose from straw, foam or wire frame.
• Rose hips: Fresh or dried rose hips will work. If you’re using fresh ones, ensure they are well aired to avoid moisture damage.
• Greenery: Evergreens like holly, fir branches or eucalyptus add texture and a lovely scent to your wreath.
• Floral wire or a hot glue gun: For securing your materials.
• Pinecones, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices (optional): For extra festive touches.
• Ribbon: A ribbon in a colour of your choice for hanging your wreath.

Prepare your materials: Gather your rose hips and greenery. Make sure the rose hips are clean and dry. Cut your greenery into smaller pieces so you can easily layer them onto the wreath base.
Attach the greenery: Take your wreath base and start attaching the greenery. Use floral wire or a hot glue gun to secure the branches, working your way around the base. Layer the greenery to cover the base and create texture for the rose hips.
Add the rose hips: Begin adding the rose hips to your wreath. If you are using a wire frame, attach them with floral wire by wrapping it around the stem and securing it to the base. Arrange the rose hips sporadically, letting some peek through the greenery. You can cluster them in groups of three or four or scatter them for a more natural look.
Add decorative touches: For a more layered design, add pinecones, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices. Secure these elements using wire or glue.
Finishing touches: Add a ribbon to the top of the wreath for hanging. Choose a ribbon that complements the red and orange of the rose hips. A traditional red or gold ribbon adds a Christmas feel, while a burlap ribbon creates a rustic look.

• Preserve your rose hips: If you want your wreath to last, make sure your rose hips are properly dried to prevent moisture that could lead to mould.
• Add fragrance: For a welcoming scent, add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to your wreath.
• Mix and match: Experiment with different types of greenery or add a few red berries or mistletoe for contrast.