I’m not into elaborate holiday decor this year, for me simpler is better: natural evergreens with a bit of sparkle thrown in. Eucalyptus is having a moment right now, it’s everywhere in magazine and blog photos – funny how a simple floral filler found in bouquets (one many have tossed out when arranging flowers) can become de rigueur. I’m on board with the trend if you can call it that. I used bunches in vases for simple centerpieces last week, and over the weekend made a simple wreath with stems I picked up at my local florist.
I love the smell and the curvy coin sized leaves that grow symmetrically from the host branch. Eucalyptus has several varieties, this one is silver dollar eucalyptus, it has a lovely scent that lasts for weeks. The color is divine, the underside a brighter green, the tops of the leaves a pale green that seems to be lightly dusted with white. Like any floral arrangement, I find the stems more elegant when used alone and clustered together.
Making a eucalyptus wreath is easy peasy, you need a metal wreath form found at any craft store, two large bunches of eucalyptus, ribbon of choice, wire clippers, and floral wire. I consider floral wire an essential tool this time of year – remember this festive focal point ornament garland created with it!
I attached the eucalyptus three stems at a time around the circle form. Secure the branches with floral wire and twist the wire together, hiding it in the back. In January I’ll clip off the stems so I can reuse the wreath form again someday.
I spray painted a few sprigs with gold spray paint for added flair and tied a burlap and gold ribbon to it too.
In my home it hangs in my dining room hutch adding a pleasant scent to the house.
A lighter background shows off the leaves a little better, hence the faux brick wallpaper backdrop :) Eucalyptus is universally beautiful year round, it would make an equally nice spring wreath too.
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Lovely wreath! So pretty and so simple :)
Glad to hear your getting back into the groove of things and hope you had a wonderful trip!
Happy Monday!
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Décor
xx
I’m making a similar wreath with cedar branches. I’m wanting to drape on top of a mirror. What would you suggest I use to hang the wreath? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
LUV this!! “Hearts!!” franki
Great idea! I gravitate toward simple decorations too (not that I get my way with that), and this looks like the easiest thing to pull together!
So funny that eucalyptus is making a comeback–it was a big 80’s trend too and I still have my branches! Yay!
I’m visiting Bavaria region of Germany right now (dreamy) and my biggest take away is the simplicity of Christmas. Yes the markets are glorious and Christmas goodies and treasures abound. But shops and streets and cafes and homes are simple. I love it.
What a pretty wreath! I love the gold sprigs and also the gold and burlap ribbon — that kind of jazzes it up a bit. :-) Love the idea of making this for Spring, too! Thank you for mentioning that.
That is a very pretty wreath Kate! I love the simplicity of it. Simpler decor is my goal this year. It seems the older I get I want to simplify. Less is more!
This is so pretty! Early 90s’ I made small eucalyptus wreaths using a metal clothes hanger as the base–tight budget! Wove a gold ribbon through branches. Still have one that I use every year–memories of Christmas Past!
Mighty handsome and the lovely scent practically wafts from my computer screen.
I’m all about the simple this time as year as well. The season is already busy and cluttered and it’s nice to come home to a place that is festive but simple! Love the wreath and saving in my ideas for next year<3
So pretty Kate. I am all about simple this year too…and this is just lovely!