Mistletoe has been associated with winter celebrations and legends for thousands of years. (1) The tradition of kissing under mistletoe had already been in Europe first with winter solstice celebrations, and then became part of Christmas traditions. Now we usually just see a sprig of mistletoe, but in the past it was common to see mistletoe balls or mistletoe wreaths. My husband and I saw a Victorian style mistletoe ball on TV, and I was inspired to do something more exciting when hanging our mistletoe this year. (2)
I really enjoyed making mistletoe wreaths to hang, and it’s so easy that anyone can do it. Here’s how.
First, get some mistletoe.
Obviously you will need mistletoe. If you have mistletoe growing on your own land, then I’m incredibly jealous and you can gather your own. Remember that mistletoe is slow-growing, and so only pick as much as you’ll actually use.
If, like me, you don’t have your own mistletoe, then you’ll have to buy some. I bought fresh mistletoe at the market, but many grocery stores sell it at Christmas time as well, or you can shop for it online or from florists. If you can’t find fresh mistletoe, you can buy fake mistletoe as well.
Second, gather other greenery.
There are no set rules on which plants to include in your mistletoe wreath. Use any evergreen plants that you have available to you. I made several this year, and each wreath was different. I walked around my garden with a trug and some clippers, and came back with clippings from ivy, roses, firs, St. John’s Wort, etc. Try to get some longer pieces. Also, make sure to pick a nice branchy bit that is strong enough to hold a shape, but still thin enough to bend easily.
Third, form a wreath.
Use the branch you just gathered and shape it into a circle. Then secure it into shape either with string or wire. Tie in several places until you’re happy with the circular shape. Then weave in and secure other pieces of greenery as desired. Remember that the wreath will be hung from the ceiling and so will be viewed from below. Consider making it upside down, or holding it up periodically to check how it will look.
Fourth, add string to hang.
Use either a think string or wire or a decorative ribbon to hang the wreath. Attach it to the wreath in four places (equally spaced) so that the wreath will hang straight.
Fifth, add the mistletoe.
The mistletoe will hang down in a bunch in the middle of the wreath. Again, use a string, wire, or decorative ribbon; attach it in four places in the wreath, and then secure a bunch of mistletoe in the middle so that it hangs down.
Sixth, add any desired decorative touches.
Mistletoe wreaths look beautiful made with just natural materials. However, you can also add some finishing touches if you like. On one of my wreaths I wrapped a (fake) string of pearls around the wreath. They were subtle, but added some extra elegance to the wreath.
Seventh, hang the wreath.
The best place to hang the wreath is either by a doorway or another heavily travelled spot (a hallway, for example). Make sure to hang it high enough that people don’t hit their head on it as they walk by.
Eighth, kiss someone.
Finally, stand under your new mistletoe wreath and admire it. Then find somebody to kiss and enjoy your holidays.
