The theme this year is very natural : no baubles or bling or glitter. Just interesting foliage and natural decorations. It creates a lovely abundant but understated wreath with flashes of colour.

Equipment: a 10” or 12” wreath oasis with a plastic base. Florists wire. Ribbon (about 2 metres).

Foliage: spruce branch (blue / green), other conifer foliage (green / yellow), tree ivy with seed heads, holly sprigs with berries, purple / brown bracken. You can also use trailing ivy, eucalyptus leaves, sprigs of bay trees etc.

Decoration: Pine cones (natural or painted). Orange Ilex berries. Pink pepper berries. Dried scented oranges: whole or slices. Dried white and pink flowers. Feathers. Ribbon.

Step 1: prepare the oasis: soak it in water until saturated and then place it flat on a dish on the table (it will be very wet). Make sure that the join (see staples at the back) is pointing towards you. This is the weakest section of the wreath and should be at the bottom to carry the least weight.

Step 2: prepare the foliage: cut the spruce / conifers / foliage down into individual sprigs with relatively narrow stems. Strip the bottom 2cm of each stem of all needles / leaves etc to leave a clean point to insert into the oasis. Sprigs in different shapes and sizes are good - it makes for a more natural finish.

Step 3: Add the top ribbon / wire: use about 1m of the ribbon to create a support for hanging it. Tie it round the top of wreath using a knot to secure it on the outside surface. Then calculate the hanging length you want and create a 2nd knot to secure it to the door.

Step 4: add the side foliage - bottom layer: Start at the point where the plastic base meets the green oasis and insert spruce and conifer sprigs along this line around the outside sides of the oasis, pointing outwards and downwards. This adds another few inches to the width of the wreath. The objective of this layer is to hide the base so it is not visible when hanging on the door. It helps to insert the foliage stem at a slight upward angle. Keep checking by holding the wreath up at different angles to make sure the base is hidden.

Step 5: add the side foliage - top layers: add more foliage in layers to cover the sides of the oasis. This can be done in a more random way: use different shapes and sizes, different directions, different colours and textures. This gives a more natural look to the wreath.

Step 6: add the top foliage: most of the foliage at the sides will be spruce / conifers but for the top you can start using a wider range of sprigs. Mix spruce with tree ivy (plus seed heads), holly sprigs, bay leaves etc. This foliage forms the base layer of the wreath decoration and should look natural: different shapes, sizes, colours, textures, inserted in different directions. Pointing some of them inwards towards the centre will hide the internal sides of the wreath. Build up this base layer of foliage leaving space for the decorations.

Step 7: Add the top decorations: it is best to have a design in mind when you do this vs just adding things randomly. Decide where your focus areas are and group things together to emphasise them. It is important to get the balance right between foliage and decorative elements or the wreath can look too fussy. Try not to be too symmetrical - asymmetry makes a much more interesting design.

Step 8: Pine cones: insert a piece of florists wire round the base of the cone, tucking it in behind the lower bracts. Then draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the pine cone to the oasis. Some shops have painted pine cones on wood sticks in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You can use these, cutting them to the length needed: different heights can create a natural looking cluster of cones.

Step 9: Lotus seed heads: insert a piece of florists wire through the base of the seed head - they are quite fragile and it should pass through easily. Then carefully draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the lotus seed head to the oasis. Be gentle with them as they can tear.

Step 10: Holly sprigs: these can be leaves and/or berries. Variegated holly foliage adds an interesting colour contrast to the wreath and the berries can add a pop of colour. Cut the sprigs as per foliage instructions (step 2) and add to the focal points of the wreath. You can also use faux holly sprigs for this. These are usually sold as a small branch and you cut it down into individual (and reusable) sprigs.

Step 11: Dried oranges (whole): these are usually spilt and scented. You can insert a piece of florists wire between the cracks of the skin and pass it through the centre of the orange. Then draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the orange to the oasis.

Step 12: Dried orange slices: it is best to group these in pairs. Use a piece of florists wire to pierce the centre of each slice. Then draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the orange slices to the oasis.

Step 13: Berries: either use the stem if it is strong / long enough or wrap a piece of florist wire around the stem of the berries. Then draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the berries to the oasis.

Step 14: Add the bow: use the rest of the ribbon to fold / tie an elaborate bow using a piece of florists wire to secure the knot, a bit like a large staple. Then draw the ends together and twist them to form a “stick” - you will use this to attach the bow to the oasis at a jaunty angle. And cut the ribbon ends at an angle - it is more professional that way.

It is best to work on the wreath standing up - you get a better perspective as you are building the layers up. I also find it helpful to hold it up in front of a mirror - seeing the reflection is a good way to assess the balance, any gaps and highlights where extra focus is needed.

Your wreath oasis will need to be kept moist by spraying it every few days and it should last until decorations come down in January. And remember to collect all the reusable elements and pack them away for next Christmas.