Creating a Williamsburg Wreath is a simple and elegant way to celebrate the holidays. In this how-to, we will learn how to combine natural elements into a traditional icon of the holidays. These wreaths are called a Williamsburg wreath, because they were made popular by the living history museum located in Williamsburg, Virginia. They are usually greenery and fruit, wired into the frame and hung on the front door to celebrate the holiday season.
Here is the supply list to get started:
Evergreen Wreath- can be any size, but you will need to adjust the number of other fruits and things to add, depending on size
4 Apples, any variety
2 Oranges
1 Lemon
1 Lime
Mixed Nuts, in shell (optional)
Red Berries (cranberries, Holly berries or Nandina berries work well)
Small Magnolia leaves, tip end (1/3) snipped off to create a flat side
20 Gauge Floral Wire
Hot Glue Gun
To begin, arrange apples on top of the wreath base, followed by the oranges, then the citrus. Once you are happy with the way it looks, begin wiring on the fruit. Use your 20 gauge wire and “skewer” each fruit through the middle. Pull the wire through and loosely wire onto the wreath base. Wire just tight enough so the fruit will stay on to flip the wreath over. Continue until all the fruit is wired on.
Once the fruit is loosely wired, flip your wreath over. Now, tightly secure your fruit onto the wreath. Tuck in the ends of your wire, then flip the wreath back to the front once the fruit is tight.
Take your Magnolia leaves and spread hot glue on both sides of the flat end. Spread glue about a half inch wide on either side. Spread the branches of the wreath apart and tuck the Magnolia leaf inside, pressing lightly to secure. Work all the way around the wreath, until you like the way it looks.
Now, arrange your berries in clusters around the wreath. Once you like the look, begin to hot glue in place. Squirt a dollop of hot glue directly on to the wreath, then place berries on top. Use the tip of your glue gun to push them down into the glue. Repeat the same thing with your mixed nuts, if you are using.
Now your wreath is complete! This wreath will last throughout the holiday season if hung on an outside door, exposed to the weather. Wreaths hung indoors will not last as long due to the warm air. Also, if the cranberries or holly berries begin to shrivel and look bad, don’t hesitate to cut the bunch off and re-glue a new bunch in its place. These make a great gift! Enjoy your wreath and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
For further instructions, check out our video below!
