How to make a star anise wreath – 7 easy steps for beginners

Make a star anise wreath in under an hour with this easy step-by-step guide

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(Image credit: Future)

You can make this pretty star anise wreath for really quickly as a scented decoration idea. 

Perfect for year-round home-fragrancing, the twiggy base is also perfect as a Christmas wreath idea, into which seasonal foliage can be substituted. Make yours now for Christmas then refresh for spring, Easter and beyond.

It’s super easy to make with just a few store-bought basics, willow twigs and star anise. Why not have a go?

How to make a star anise wreath

You can easily make a Christmas wreath like this very quickly and with very few ingredients. And although star anise wreaths are an easy, pretty element, you can swap them out for anything from small pine cones to holly and berry twists for a similar effect. 

You will need:

1. Assemble your ingredients

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(Image credit: Future)

Ready all the craft elements and soak fresh willow in water for a couple of hours to make it pliable. 

2. Bend and flex

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Work the willow into a circular shape, twisting the branch back on itself to keep in place.

3. Twist again

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(Image credit: Future)

Add more willow until desired thickness, twisting the ends in as you go.

4. Add the star anise

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(Image credit: Future)

Glue the star anise separately to the wreath using a strong craft glue. 

5. Space out the spices

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(Image credit: Future)

Continue adding and gluing the spices until happy with the amount on the wreath. Top tip – an odd number usually looks more visually appealing than an even one.

6. Add a bit of color

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Use ribbon twisted around the wreath to add a seasonal shade. Wrap it tightly around the wreath – we used a wired ribbon to help hold the shape.

7. Hang up in your home 

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(Image credit: Future)

Enjoy the wreath in your home. Due to the size it can be easily positioned or hung on mantels, as Christmas door decor, or even balanced over handles and latches.

How long does a dried herb wreath last?

Dried herbs and spices last for months, although their scents will begin to fade after a couple of weeks or so. You can also make fresh herb wreaths which will dry on the wreath, prolonging their lives further. 

Sara Bird
Style Editor

Creative Director, Stylist, speaker, published author of books Home for the Soul and Gardens for the Soul and Style Editor at Future, Sara has been creating commercial and editorial images and content for favorite interiors and lifestyle brands for over 25 years, including Country Homes, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens.