A piece of home décor that’s close to my heart, seasonal wreaths have a charm that instantly elevates any room, can be customised to suit your own personal style, and provide a warm welcome to your guests. They’re a Suffolk Nest tradition for a reason…

The origin and meaning of wreaths 

Nowadays, we’re used to seeing wreaths displayed on doors on or walls year-round. Whether they’re honouring an event like Christmas or Easter or welcoming the changing seasons throughout the year, seasonal wreaths have become an essential piece of home décor. 

But did you know that wreaths have roots in the ancient world? 

The very first wreaths were items of clothing rather than home décor. The earliest examples were crafted from jewellery and other adornments and styled as head pieces, which eventually evolved into laurel wreaths worn by Romans. However, the Ancient Greeks were the first to hang wreaths from their doors. They made their seasonal wreaths from crops like wheat, and they served as a tribute to the Gods in the hope that they would grant a healthy harvest. 

By the 16th century, wreaths were starting to look more like the ones we know and love today. Johan Hinrich from Germany is credited with crafting the first advent wreath, which was used to count down to Christmas. These wreaths were used as table centrepieces and decorated with candles lit each Sunday during advent. 

Today, wreaths can be purely decorative, but they also have many different meanings. Their circular shape can symbolise eternity as well as the circle of life and the cyclical nature of seasons. These meanings have led them to be associated with celebration, hope, and remembrance. 

Making the first Suffolk Nest wreath 

Wreaths will always occupy a special place in my heart. They have become a Suffolk Nest signature and, each season, remind Chris and I of the early days of our business and how far we’ve come in the last five years. 

Before the pandemic, we were known for our wreath-making classes, and they were our most popular offering. Of course, when we entered lockdown, we had to cancel all our upcoming events and find a new way forward. To help people stay inspired and indulge their creativity while stuck at home, we decided to create a DIY wreath kit. Back then, we didn’t have a website so I announced the kits on my Instagram stories with no idea whether anyone would be interested. In the end, the response was overwhelming, and we had over 100 orders in a matter of hours! 

What followed were some chaotic but incredible days as Chris and I compiled all the kits by hand at home while also taking care of two children under two! Each kit had 19 different elements that we had to source and pack, which meant staying up until 3am almost every night. The kits also led to our first Instagram Live and fostered the close community that is still an integral part of The Suffolk Nest today. 

How to style your own wreath 

No matter whether you choose a wreath crafted from lush foliage, branches, or fallen leaves, you can put your own stamp on it with careful styling. 

There are several ways you can make your wreath unique. One of my favourite ways to personalise a wreath is to add a ribbon. You can choose a fabric that reflects your sense of style, from elegant silk to vintage-inspired velvet, and then tie it at the top of your wreath. Add more layered by hanging a string of bells alongside your ribbon or experiment by weaving pinecones, berries, or seasonal dried fruits into the foliage.  

Where you choose to display your wreath is also completely up to you and will depend on what would best suit your space. You could hang it from an internal door, display it on the wall above a fireplace or sideboard, or lay it flat as a table centrepiece. 

Our wreath range

Faux Autumn Wreath 

An ideal way to welcome the new season, our Faux Autumn Wreath perfectly captures the transition from summer into autumn with layers of vividly coloured eucalyptus. With a 70cm diameter, it’s a striking statement piece with a beautifully rustic appearance and distinctive texture. The wreath is crafted on a sturdy vine base and comes equipped with a convenient loop for easy hanging, but I’d recommend displaying it indoors (it looks especially effective against a solid white or cream wall) or in a sheltered spot outdoors to ensure it stays looking its best for as long as possible. 

Faux Fallen Leaves Wreath 

Our Faux Fallen Leaves Wreath is a unique design that celebrates the vibrant colour palette of autumn and the carpet of crunchy leaves underfoot that characterises spending time outdoors at this time of year. With its layers of autumn leaves, this wreath is an elegant choice and perfect partner for natural materials like wood panelling. It is set on a sturdy vine base for durability and comes with a loop to make hanging it above your fireplace or on a door effortless. 

Faux Olive Wreath 

If you’re looking to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your interior décor year round, our Faux Olive Wreath is the perfect choice. It captures the essence of the Greek Islands with its wonderfully realistic faux olive stems in vivid green, dotted olives, and lush texture. It sits on a natural vine base and has a secure hanging loop so it’s easy to display whether you choose to hang it from a sheltered door, wall space, or wood panelling. 

Faux White Willow Wreath 

When you need a wreath that has that wow factor, look no further than our Faux White Willow Wreath. Its delicate white willow branches create a mass of soft texture and a stunning appearance that transcends seasons. I love the way it looks set against a dark background, but it can be equally effective adding a new tone to a neutral space and accessorised with a ribbon in a rich shade of red or brown. It is constructed on a sturdy rattan base to stand the test of time and has an in-built hook for easy hanging.