Candle Wreath

When I’m building a wreath or styling a festive garland, I like to let the greenery do the talking. There is a rugged beauty in the twist of a willow branch or the sturdy weight of a Nordmann Fir that you just can’t replicate with anything artificial. To me, decorating for the holidays is about bringing the soul of the British countryside indoors. It’s about layers of texture, the scent of crushed pine needles, and the simple, honest beauty of living things. I’ve spent years learning which stems play well together and which will stay fresh the longest in a warm home, so you can just relax and enjoy the magic.

As a florist, I love designing these because they combine the two most atmospheric elements of the season: fresh, living greenery and the flickering warmth of a flame. It is a tradition that brings a sense of peace and ceremony to the home, acting as a beautiful focal point that draws people together.

Designing Your Candle Wreath

The beauty of a candle wreath lies in its balance. You want enough foliage to look lush and abundant, but you also need to ensure the design is safe and practical for a working candle.

• The Classic Advent Style: Traditionally, this features four candles nestled into a circle of Noble Fir and Holly. I like to tuck in small bunches of Cones and Dried Berries to give it a rustic, woodland feel. It is a wonderful way to count down the weeks of December.
• The Modern Snowy Ring: For a more contemporary look, I use silver-toned foliage like Eucalyptus and Senecio. Pairing this with white pillar candles and a few sprigs of White Waxflower creates a frosty, elegant “Winter Wonderland” effect that looks stunning on a modern glass table.
• The Scented Hearth Wreath: If you want your wreath to smell as good as it looks, I recommend weaving in Cinnamon sticks, Dried Orange slices, and fresh Rosemary. When the candle is lit, the gentle heat helps release the natural oils in the herbs and spices, filling the room with a subtle, spicy fragrance.

Choosing the Right Candle

The candle you choose completely changes the personality of the wreath.

• Pillar Candles: These are the most stable and long-lasting choice. A single, thick candle in the center of a wreath creates a bold, traditional look.
• Taper Candles: For a more elegant and formal dining experience, using three or four tall, slim taper candles held in place with spiked holders creates height and drama.
• LED Candles: If you have busy pets or young children, high-quality LED candles are a fantastic, safe alternative. They still provide that flickering glow without any risk to the fresh foliage.

Florist Tips for Safety and Longevity

Working with fire and fresh greenery requires a bit of common sense and a few professional tricks.

1. Safety First: Never leave a lit candle wreath unattended. Ensure that your candles are secured in proper holders and that no stray leaves or dry twigs are leaning toward the flame.
2. Mist Regularly: Because the heat from a candle can dry out the surrounding greenery, use a spray bottle to mist the foliage every day. This keeps the needles plump and prevents them from becoming a fire hazard.
3. The Glass Shield: If you are worried about the flame, place your candle inside a glass hurricane vase or a chimney. You can then build your floral wreath around the base of the glass. This protects the flowers from the heat and ensures the candle burns evenly without flickering in a breeze.

Conclusion

A candle wreath is a simple but profound way to mark the passing of the festive season. It brings a touch of nature and a glow of light to your darkest winter evenings, making even a simple midweek dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether you build yours with traditional evergreens or modern, frosted stems, it is a piece of decor that truly speaks to the heart of the home.