Create an Advent Wreath

An Advent wreath can be decorated in a very personal way when you get creative. Nature in the autumn offers plenty of materials for this purpose. You just need to keep an eye out while walking and bring a bag and garden scissors along. It’s most enjoyable when you can also make the wreath yourself. However, ready-made, undecorated (green) wreaths are also available in well-stocked stores, which can then be lovingly customized.

Numerous materials for crafting can be collected in the wild or in the garden during autumn, such as rose hips, seed pods, cones, ornamental apples, nuts, tendrils of clematis with woolly seed heads, and much more. For the typical table wreath, scatter decorations can also be used. These can be attached with a hot glue gun or wire, or simply laid loosely.

To create a classic Advent wreath from evergreen branches, you'll need fresh fir greenery (or other evergreen branches), a wreath base (e.g., made of straw, paper, etc.), green binding wire, and garden scissors. If you have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to have gardening or disposable gloves on hand. The smaller the diameter of the wreath, the shorter the branches should be to prevent them from sticking out later. Then, decide whether you want a hanging or lying Advent wreath. For a lying wreath, it's enough to cover three-quarters of the wreath with branches. This means the underside of the wreath can remain free. Arrange the branches tightly together, shingle-like, row by row around the wreath, and securely wrap them with the binding wire. Always pull tightly to ensure the branches don't slip out during drying. If desired, you can incorporate potential decorating materials directly while binding, but be sure to leave enough space for the four candles.

Instead of the classic green Advent wreath, you can also create a wreath from grapevines, wild hops, or other climbing plants. This can – but doesn’t have to – be done without a base to give the wreath a certain lightness. The possibilities are nearly endless, except for ensuring the candles are securely positioned for safety reasons. Tall, slender dinner candles are suitable for this purpose, and they can be placed in appropriate small stands. When binding the wreath, it’s important to consider that the candle holders must be securely integrated later. Alternatively to dinner candles, tree candles or tealights can also be used with suitable holders or clips. For those who don’t want to constantly supervise real candles, real wax LED Advent candles are a great alternative. These are now available with a flickering effect and a remote control.