Emily Henderson's DIY Christmas wreath is 'non-traditional' for a modern look – it's so simple to recreate with just ribbons
If you prefer non-traditional Christmas decor, this wreath styling has you covered


A wreath is a traditional and quintessentially festive decor idea that can be styled depending on your decor taste, whether you prefer a traditional look or a more modern take on a Christmas wreath.
They can, however, be seen as a tricky DIY craft if you're not familiar with decorating with foliage. Thankfully, there are much easier ways to style a wreath for those who favor minimalist Christmas decor ideas.
Interior designer Emily Henderson has shared her very own Christmas wreath which channels a simplistic and modern look. We spoke to the interior guru to hear more about how to make a Christmas wreath, and it's a lot simpler than you might expect.
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Emily's wreath is all about using oversized pieces of wreath ribbon to decorate it, as shown in the video. You can opt for whatever color or pattern best suits your decor theme, whether that's red for a classic festive look or a monochrome stripe for modern Christmas decor ideas, as shown by Emily.
The next step is to tie this ribbon around the top of the wreath, leaving the ribbon hanging so it's long in length. You can then add a second riboon which the designer explains creates a 'layered look'. Again, opt for whatever color you prefer, but choosing a contrasting color will add interest and layers to the overall look. Once your ribbons are attached, add a statement ornament to hang from the top.
'I really loved how our kitchen window wreaths turned out,' Emily Henderson tells H&G. 'What made the difference for me this year was finding a patterned fabric by the yard I loved and then cutting it down to my desired size. It's way more affordable than spools of ribbon too!'
'I also went for a slightly unexpected non-traditional color palette that was cheerful but not too bright and by adding an ornament, it also made it feel more "Christmas" in the best way. It was also important to me that the ribbon didn't look too perfect because I prefer a lived-in look – yes, even in my ribbons.'
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Style your own modern Christmas wreath
Below, we've rounded up some items for you to shop to help you on your way with creating a similar DIY Christmas decor wreath – guaranteed to make your home feel endlessly festive.
Looking for some more festive inspiration? We've rounded up lots more Christmas decor ideas to help you on your way – from tablescapes to decorating the fireplace.

Emily is a freelance interior design writer based in Scotland. Prior to going freelance in the spring of 2025, Emily was Homes & Gardens’ Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interiors and home decor for the Homes & Gardens website. Having gained specific expertise in this area, Emily is well-versed in writing about the latest color trends and is passionate about helping homeowners understand the importance of color psychology in home design. Her own interior design style reflects the simplicity of mid-century design and she loves sourcing vintage furniture finds for her tenement flat.
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