The UK's most beautiful Christmas Wreaths

No matter how late we are to decorate our Christmas tree inside the house, we are always one of the first around the neighbourhood to hang an evergreen wreath on our front door. And at times, we have gone as far as hang a wreath outside most of our windows too. The wreath is a great Christmas symbol and these days you can find it in a range of materials and colours in most high street shops, as well as your local florists. You can also make one yourself for a truly unique take.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Wreaths are an integral part of Christmas traditions. In ancient times, Celts used to celebrate winter solstice and the return of of the sun with boughs of holly (they celebrated 'Yule'). Romans gave branches of evergreen to friends and relatives wishing them health. However the true origin of the wreath is not completely determined and many also attribute it to pre-Cristian Germanic people who gathered evergreen to make wreaths and lit fires as a sign of hope for the new light. Christians then kept these traditions alive.

And as for the circular shape given to them? It is said that this structure originates from the "coronas" (=crowns) that the ancient Romans wore on their heads during festivities. Remember the golden olive tree crowns on Ceasar's head? Something like that.

The circle of the wreath can mean many different things, like eternity, unity and even perfection. It also symbolises the sun. And the use of evergreens symbolizes never ending life.

Another decoration

With these symbolisms long forgotten, the wreath is now a decorating ornament, a creative outlet for those who choose to make their own, and one that can set the tone for the decorations inside your home. It can certainly make you smile, be elegant or cheeky and as for its materials? You can only be limited by your imagination! Here are some DIY examples from blogger buddies (before I also show you what else is available in the high street and well known florists!).

Blogger DIY wreaths

Donna Ford of Skirtingboardsandchandeliers made two wreaths for a tenner, check it out here.

Becky Pink of Pinkscharming opted for pink and berry coloured flowers and her instructions can be found here.

Carrie from WishWishWish found this wreath on a London front door. Divine or what?! Check out what else she saw around a festive London, here.

High street Wreaths

If you can't make it, then you have to buy it. And depending on how much you want to spend you can go for simplicity or extravagance!

Below: Dried Oranges Wreath from John Lewis & Partners

Below: Pine berry wreath from John Lewis & Partners

The designer florists wreaths

These wreaths take it to a whole different level as you can tell. They are made by the professionals and can serve as inspiration for everyone else and as a special treat to yourself and family. The best looking doors have these wreaths on them!

Julian Winslow photography for Zita Elze. You can find her work here.

One of my favourite designer florists is Jane Packer here in London. Her gorgeous hat boxes full of rose blooms are superbly elegant and make gorgeous gifts, as do these festive wreaths. Below are Artemis (with the apples and white berries) and Morpheus (bottom picture).

Photography above and below: Jane Packer London. And if you prefer something is glorious red with berries, these will not disappoint! Filled to the bream with baubles and berries, they make the perfect companion for a dark coloured front door!

Also from Jane Packer are these gold themed wreaths perfect for a decor that is a bit 'the Great Gatsby'. The top is called Pluto (as it has a little black in there too) while the bottom is 'Zeus'. Photography: Jane Packer London.

Wreath Photo: Jane Packer, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Below: Neill Strain Floral Couture Christmas wreaths are the most exquisite expression of festive elegance and opulence. Designed to hang on your front door or to lie flat as a table centrepiece (perhaps to encircle a candle), each wreath is hand-made at their studio with lush, fresh seasonal foliage and their selection of luxury baubles and ornaments.

Wreath Photo: Neill Strain, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Wreath Photo: Neill Strain, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Wreath Photo: Neill Strain, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Wreath Photo: Neill Strain, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Below: Sprigs of playfully pink Hypericum berries will look stunning on your door when sun-kissed on a fresh, frosty winter morning. Surrounded by rich Hypericum foliage and topped with navy blue ribbed grosgrain ribbon, this wreath adds the perfect welcome to all your guests this season.

Wreath Photo: Hayford & Rhodes, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Crisp 'White Coco' Hypericum berries invoke exciting memories of a white Christmas. Sumptuous green foliage symbolises new beginnings and the purity of nature. Black ribbed grosgrain ribbon adds an elegant, understated finish.

Wreath Photo: Hayford & Rhodes, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Fresh foliages hand dipped in the seasons hottest metallic shade really brings The Luxe Door Wreath to life. Make this Christmas a stylish one with this truly luxurious design also by Hayford & Rhodes.

Wreath Photo: Hayford & Rhodes, infographic: Seasons in Colour

A Christmas classic, the Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart Red Berry wreath is a festive mix of red ilex berries, cones, eucalyptus and wonderfully scented pine. At 18 inches wide, it will definitely make an impression! The Lavender wreath combines pine, olive, eucalyptus, dried lavender and lichen.

Wreath Photo: Wild at Heart by Nikki Tibbles, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Standing proudly on the corner of Fulham Road and Old Church Street for over a quarter of a century, The Flower Stand has become a Chelsea landmark, famous for its colourful, vibrant floral displays featuring the best quality flowers in London. But did you know they also do wreaths and can deliver to your door? Their wreaths are from £75.

Wreath Photo: The Flower stand, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Miss Pickering has a very loyal following on Instagram and it's not hard to see why. Her beautiful creations and photography make her one of our favourites to follow for Christmas Wreaths and more.

Wreath Photo: Miss Pickering, infographic: Seasons in Colour

Wreath Photo: The Real Flower Company, infographic: Seasons in Colour