Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to bring a bit of the outdoors inside, British Garden Centres has some simple ideas for making your own wreaths and garlands using natural materials from your garden, local store or walks.

From holly and ivy to pine cones and berries, these everyday finds create festive decorations that look great and smell wonderful.

Creating your own decorations is a lovely way to save money and reduce plastic waste, while adding a classic Christmas feel to your home. Of course, if you’d prefer something ready-made, British Garden Centres offers a wide range of natural wreaths and garlands, and there are workshops on hand if you want some guidance.

Holly and ivy are the perfect starting point. Holly’s bright red berries are festive and classic, while ivy’s trailing leaves add a lovely full look. Wrap them around a simple wire frame or twist onto bendy branches to make a door wreath. For garlands, drape the greenery along the mantelpiece or staircase, misting occasionally to keep it fresh.

Fir and pine branches add that wonderful pine scent everyone loves. Snip some from your garden or gather fir tips and pine cones from a local walk – just be mindful to forage responsibly. Layer the greenery over a base, tuck pine cones in here and there, and fasten everything neatly with florist wire or twine. A simple red bow at the top adds a nice finishing touch.

Berries are an easy way to add colour naturally. Rose hips, hawthorn, viburnum and even mistletoe provide lovely seasonal reds and oranges and are available in your local centre. Use them sparingly to leave plenty for the birds or grow hedging shrubs in pots if space is tight. These bright berries really make wreaths and garlands pop.

Seed heads and twigs offer extra texture and interest. Dried alliums and hydrangeas add delicate shapes, and you can spray them with gold or silver for a subtle sparkle if you like. Twigs can be tied into stars or snowflakes - wrap a bit of glitter or fairy lights around them for a magical touch. Logs from the garden, drilled to hold tealights, make cosy table centrepieces.

Don’t forget stones! Painted simply with snowflakes or festive messages, they’re a fun way for the whole family to get involved and add a personal touch around the home.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “However you choose to decorate this year, nature offers endless inspiration for creating unique, sustainable Christmas decorations. Take a walk outdoors, gather your materials responsibly or visit your local British Garden Centre, and enjoy the simple pleasure of crafting something beautiful for your home.”