Wreaths can be made in a variety of sizes, with a number of materials. They can be used to accent a cluster of votive candles of varying heights, hurricane lamps or around candelabras. Use your imagination!

Materials needed:

• Green Styrofoam ring or floral oasis in a ring shape. (If you can't find either of these items, most craft stores have the white Styrofoam rings in various sizes, these will also work.)
• Assorted silk greenery. (Ivy works well.)
• Scissors
• Floral pins or stick pins
• Glue gun
• Floral moss
• Assorted silk flowers, berries, fruits and other ornaments in your choice of colours
• Wire cutters (to cut down the stems of your silk flowers)

Depending on the thickness of your Styrofoam rings, you might need to stack two together to get the height that you want. If this is the case, use a few of your floral pins (typically they come in a U-shape) to hold them together.

Cover your entire ring in floral moss. You will need to keep some extra moss aside to fill in gaps later. Don't cover the underside of your rings, you need the base to remain smooth so that it will sit properly on the table.

Once you have covered your rings in the moss, start positioning your flowers. Remember to start with the largest flowers first and work your way around the ring. Vary the heights and placement of the flowers. Remember, there is no "back" to a floral wreath. Your guests will be able to see all sides of it. (You'll need your wire cutters to cut down the stems of the flowers.)

If any of your flower stems don't appear to be staying in the ring, you can cover the ends of the stems with glue from your glue gun and then insert them into the ring. They should stay put.

Place your berries and other ornaments around the ring where you'd like them to appear.

Once you've placed your flowers, berries and other ornaments around the ring, it's time to start filling it up with greenery. Depending on the size of your wreath and the number you're making you may need quite a bit. Keep filling in the gaps so you can no longer see the Styrofoam of your ring. When you're finished you should have a full, lush floral ring. You may add greenery to the inside of the ring, but keep them low to avoid catching in the flame of the candle or hurricane lamp.

Hints:

Make a practice ring first to see how it goes, (and determine how much it will cost to make each wreath) BEFORE you buy all of the materials to make more.

You're not limited to using only green ivy, vary the types of greenery you use in your wreath. This will vary the texture and enhance the look.

Look out for sales on silk flowers, greenery, berries etc. Use your imagination, scout around your house and craft stores for items that can go in your wreath. (E.g.. beads from Christmas ornaments, ribbons etc.)

Remember not to make the wreath too high or too wide. If it's too high, you run the risk of it catching fire in the candle flame. If you make it too wide, you'll be taking up A LOT of space on your table. Remember, the table will be set with cutlery, glasses, china, placecards etc. Be sure to keep this in mind when determining the size of your wreath.

Vary the sizes of the flowers you use. E.g.. A few open roses, some rose buds, accents of tiny flower blooms and/or berries. Variety in texture, size and colour will enhance the look of your wreath.

Most types of silk flowers will work in this arrangement.

You may add ribbons, small to medium size only to your wreath. Make a small bow first, then, use a small piece of floral wire, to loop behind the knot of the bow. Twist the two ends of the floral wire together. Add a dab of glue to the ends and insert into your wreath.

Good luck!