This easy on-trend holiday table decor idea takes minutes – and you probably already have everything you need

Traditionally, wreaths are hung on the front doors of homes to invite guests inside during the holiday season. But for 2024 we've noticed wreaths are increasingly becoming part of the indoor decorating set up as they perfectly hang above a mantel, on a window, or at the center of a dining table.

When it comes to Christmas decorating, the dining table is one of the most integral areas to get right. It's the centerpiece of the all-important Christmas meal where the family gathers around enjoying food and drink and spending quality time together. And if you're pushed for time on the big day, this nifty DIY creates the perfect table piece in a matter of minutes.

Dehanne Knee (A.K.A @nowherenearmartha) posted a step-by-step guide for creating a mini-wreath for your table from an unexpected source – rosemary. She told us, 'Once you get the hang of it, each wreath will only take a few minutes from start to finish (including the ribbon!) It’s a great hack if you are after something quick that will be the talk of the table.'

Using herbs and foliage is a great way of incorporating scent within your decorations. Dehanne continues, 'I was inspired by the charm of holiday greenery and the idea of bringing something handmade and fragrant to the table. Using rosemary felt perfect, it’s aromatic, symbolic of remembrance, and doubles as a subtle nod to the season.'

We've put together a simple step-by-step guide to recreate these mini-rosemary Christmas wreaths for your table at home.

1. Cut your rosemary stems

This first step is straightforward, just cut your rosemary into long stems. If you grow herbs in your garden, head outside and cut some sprigs off with gardening shears. This hack works perfectly with pre-bought fresh rosemary too, and it usually comes pre-cut in long stems. Dehanne's top tip is to 'choose flexible rosemary stems as they're easier to shape without snapping.'

Dehanne adds, 'The fresh rosemary adds a touch of greenery, a hint of natural fragrance and a handmade feel that instantly makes the table feel more thoughtful, inviting and festive. It’s simple but so elegant!'

2. Manipulate your stems into a circle

You want your wreath to have an even and instantly recognizable circular shape. To ensure accuracy and avoid a skewed outline, Dehanne recommends using a bowl as a guide as it 'helps to keep the wreaths uniform.'

Grab a small bowl and place your stems around its circumference, wrapping and gathering them in a small circle. The bowl acts as a mold and ensures the rosemary is neatly aligned into a perfect circle. It's important to tightly hold your sprigs when shaping them as if they come loose it will ruin the circular shape. To create a larger wreath, use a wider bowl and more rosemary to create a luscious wide circle.

3. Wrap wire to hold in place

Wrap thin wire around your rosemary wreath to keep the branches in place for that crucial circular shape. Dehanna explains, 'Secure the ends tightly with floral wire or twine, and don’t be afraid to trim for symmetry once it’s done.'

Floristry wire is best as it both blends into the foliage and tightly holds the leaves. Rachel Bull, head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, says 'All you really need are the right wires to make sure the wreaths hold together. For this you don't need particularly strong stub wires. I would suggest 22 guage would be fine for this project.' Rachel recommends this crafting wire from Amazon.

4. Finish with a velvet bow

This step is entirely up to you, it's all about adding some type of fun accessory to your wreath to enhance it. Dehanna uses a traditional red velvet ribbon to create a Christmas feel that pairs perfectly with the leafy green foliage. A top tip is to use varying types of ribbon to create a colorful array of mini wreaths to sit at each guest's seat. It's crucial to add a pop of color and vary the texture of your mini wreath to create a bold and festive statement.

Like all DIYs, what you choose to incorporate in your design is entirely your decision. Bows aren't the only thing you could embellish your wreath with, a sprig of holly or a festive flower could make a pretty, natural accompaniment to your leafy ring.

What rosemary alternatives can you use?

Rosemary isn't the only herb that works for this mini-wreath, the goal is to create a leafy green ring that's festive in color and smell so try alternating with other sprigs of festive foliage.

Rachel Bull suggests, 'You can recreate this mini foliage wreath with many different types of greenery. The beauty of the rosemary is its heady fragrance, of course, and its flexible yet robust, woody stems. I would love to try this with eucalyptus – silver dollar or baby blue varieties would work best as they have smaller leaves.'

'The perfume you'd get from making these with eucalyptus would be heavenly, and I guarantee guests will comment on the relaxing scent of your dining space. Another freshly fragrant evergreen foliage I would try is Sweet Bay. Use the younger growth as this will be softer and easier to manipulate into a circular shape. You could also try lemon Cyprus, which releases a glorious zesty scent when cut and lasts for weeks out of water.'

Shop mini wreaths

Bring the outdoors in with this easy mini-wreath hack that incorporates fresh foliage and festive velvet bows. These pretty little rings can be placed all over your home for an invitingly fresh welcome.