10 of the best Christmas wreaths for your front door

Few things say Christmas like a beautiful wreath. There’s a reason they’ve been the go-to Christmas decoration for centuries – they’re the perfect way to welcome guests to your home or freshen up wintry rooms.

Whether you want a traditional arrangement, a contemporary design, or even a kit to make your own, we’ve found a range of great wreaths to bring festive cheer. From simple, unfussy wreaths, to fragrant table arrangements, and even one that lights up, there’s something for everyone this yuletide season.

As ever, at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, we’ve made sure that everything we feature is high-quality, good value, and as eco-friendly as possible. All of the wreaths below are made of fresh, real foliage, so you won’t find any unsustainable plastic among our selection.

For a simple, fun family project, why not make your own wreath? Check out our quick video guide below.

Why do we have wreaths at Christmas?

Christmas is filled with traditions that help us get into the festive spirit and hanging a Christmas wreath on the door is one of them. As with most traditions, there are various different meanings behind the hanging of a Christmas wreath.

Wreaths are typically made from evergreens, which signify strength and eternal life, while the round shape is believed to symbolise the circle of life. For some Christians, the wreath is representative of Jesus’ suffering and is meant to symbolise the crown of thorns worn on the cross and red berries are often used to represent His blood.

In Christianity, wreaths are hung on front doors to invite the spirit of Christ into the home, and they can also be used to observe advent. Traditionally in advent, a candle was added on each day of the countdown, with Sundays traditionally marked with a white candle.

However, it’s also suggested that the origin of the wreath can be traced back to the Ancient Romans who wore and hung wreaths to celebrate a victory.

How do I hang a wreath?

Hanging a wreath can be tricky. For most wreaths, it’s fine to loop some string around the top of the wreath, feed it over the top of your door, and tie it to a hook or the door handle on the other side. Alternatively, if you’re hanging your wreath on a glass door you can try a suction hook while metal doors or door knockers can be compatible with magnetic hooks. There’s also a wide range of specialised wreath hooks for doors, but it’s a good idea to make sure they fit before you buy.

Best Christmas wreaths for the festive season

Browse our selection of the best Christmas wreaths available this festive season.

We adore the pun but love Arena’s ethical approach to cut flowers more – they score a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Ethical Company Index. Not only that, but the flowers they deliver are high-quality and long-lasting – this wreath has a foam base, so you can water the foliage to keep it looking fresh.

Price: £40

Buy the Berry Christmas Wreath from Arena Flowers

For a no-nonsense wreath, try this classic from Primrose. Its noble fir foliage is decorated with red berries and pinecones, and it’s tied with a big red bow. It’s also available in 20cm and 31cm diameters.

Price: £24.99

Buy the 25cm (10in) Classic Red Bow Christmas Wreath from Primrose

Festive floral decoration isn’t just for front doors. Garlands are a fantastic way to spread greenery and freshness throughout your home during the coldest, darkest time of the year. We love this modern take on a traditional accessory, where mistletoe and holly are updated with on-trend succulents and eucalyptus.

Price: £45

Buy the Succulent & Eucalyptus Garland from Cox & Cox

One of the surest ways to evoke a festive atmosphere is with scent. Packed with cinnamon, dried clementines and oranges, this wreath means your guests will be greeted with seasonal smells as soon as they come to the door.

Price: £40

Buy the Yuletide Spice Wreath from Arena Flowers

For a contemporary wreath, try this from Lights4Fun. This graceful, simple circle is entwined with eucalyptus, delicate blueberries, and LEDs that give a warm glow. We think this is a wonderfully understated half-moon wreath.

Price: £21.99

Buy the 35cm Eucalyptus Christmas Half Wreath Micro Light from Lights4Fun

Wreaths aren’t just a way to welcome guests, but make useful decorations throughout the home. We love this potpourri wreath from Fortnum’s, packed with seasonal spices like star anise as well as interesting dried limes and chillies alongside the more traditional dried orange and pinecones. This handmade wreath also makes a fragrant table arrangement for Christmas dinners.

Price: £55

Buy the Christmas Potpourri Wreath from Fortnum & Mason

For a fantastic family activity this Christmas, check out this DIY wreath from Bloom & Wild. Packed with the usual pine foliage and red berries, it also comes with delicate limonium and tender grevillea for you to arrange to suit your taste.

Price: £45

Buy the Christmas DIY Wreath from Bloom & Wild

A great way to support local florists is through Interflora. They source their bouquets and wreaths through florists local to you, so you know you’re supporting a business in your immediate community. However, this means that wreaths will vary from florist to florist, so check it’s within budget before you buy.

Price: £40

Buy a Christmas Wreath through Interflora

Twinkling lights are a staple of every Christmas, and this wreath from Waitrose Florist comes with LEDs woven between its traditional fir branches. Speckled with holly berries and pine and spruce cones, it offers gentle, warm light wrapped up in a red ribbon.

Price: £50

Buy the Christmas Wilderness Door Wreath from Waitrose Florist