Get Our Newsletter

Create A Magnolia Wreath in Less Than One Hour

Last Updated on November 14, 2022

Want to make a holiday do-it-yourself magnolia wreath in less than an hour but not sure how? Authentic Florida takes you through an easy step-by-step process, saving you both time and money.

Making a Magnolia Wreath

We are obsessed with finding ways to include native Florida greenery in our decorating. Why not? There’s very little cost and you get to bring a bit of “Florida” into your home. Last week we visited our local nursery and found a potted Florida Southern Red Cedar for our Christmas tree. Now we need a “native” wreath to adorn the front door.

Here’s the best part….this project includes an outdoor walk, offering a nice relief from the holiday stress. And you deserve it!

Things You Need

Photo of materials to make a wreath
You will need an 18″ wire wreath, green vinyl garden tape (or wire), and scissors
  • 18-inch hard wire wreath (found at craft/hardware store)
  • Green vinyl stretch tie, or garden tape (found at craft or hardware store)
  • Garden clippers
  • Scissors
  • Greenery: 12-14 Magnolia stems (more if you are using other greenery)
  • (Optional) Wreath adornments: red berry sprigs, ribbons, shells, Christmas balls, lights

Preparing Magnolia Leaves for a Wreath

Plan a trip through the country, a walk in your backyard (or ask a friend) to collect the greenery. Take your garden clippers, gloves, and a grocery bag. We used Magnolia tree leaves for our wreath because we like the contrast of the green and brown colors. Plus the leaves don’t dry out and will last through the season. Magnolia trees are plentiful throughout Florida, but there are many alternatives to magnolia – so, use whatever is available to you – greenery is everywhere, no matter where you live. Be creative!

You’ll need around 12-14 Magnolia leaf stems, about 2 feet long. Here’s what a Magnolia leaf looks like: 

Photo of magnolia leaves
Use Magnolia leaves or whatever greenery is available to you

You can use any greenery you like if you don’t have Magnolia. We also like Southern Red Cedar or any Florida pine. Be creative. It’s all about creating an authentic and creative look.

Photo of a basket of greenery
Greenery can be found everywhere (L-R, Southern Red Cedar, East Palatka Holly, Magnolia)

By the way, if you don’t want to bother with a nature walk, visit your neighborhood florist and ask for Magnolia leaves or any holiday greenery they have on hand.

Create Your Wreath

Photo of a basket of greenery
Assemble your greenery (Magnolia leaves in the picture)
Photo of a wreath frame
Take the 18-inch round frame, place it on the table rim side down
Photo of a DIY greenery wreath
Leaving a 4-inch-long stem, tie it to the wire wreath, tucking the stem between the double wires with the green tape (once tied, cut the tape shorter, so it’s not very visible)
Photo of a wreath being made
Take the next stem, and place the greenery over the previously laid woody stem, moving around the circle and layering. Again, tightly tie the stem and greenery to the frame.
Photo of a wreath being made
Repeat these steps, layering the greenery one branch at a time, covering the woody stems
Photo of greenery making a wreath
Gradually move around the wireframe, layering
Photo of a wreath made from greenery
When the greenery surrounds the frame, look for any gaping holes and plug them with the remaining greenery
Photo of a greenery wreath
Next, flip the frame over and look for stems that need to be secured for a tighter hold
Photo of decorations for a wreath
Next (optional), add accents, like red berries, Christmas balls, bows, or ornaments
Photo of a wreath
Use a door hanger or create a hook to hang from your door. Waaala! Enjoy!

Leave a Comment