December 18, 2025

Christmas with Willow Crossley: Wreath Making & the Joy of Gathering

There’s something about the Cotswolds at Christmas that feels instinctively comforting, honey-stone cottage lights at dusk, quiet lanes edged with hedgerows, fireplaces lit early as the light fades sooner. At Homeowners Michele and David's August cottage in Minster Lovell, that seasonal magic came to life through a wreath-making workshop hosted at the heart of the home. With festive bakes laid out in the farmhouse kitchen, tables set for making in the dining room, and friends gathered, the afternoon was a celebration of togetherness. Led by renowned florist Willow Crossley, and joined by Karolina, August’s Head of Interior Design, the workshop became both a hands-on introduction to wreath making and a source Christmas decorating inspiration, offering a gentle reminder that festive styling isn’t just about how a home looks, but how it brings people together.

Moments Made by Hand

For Michele and David, hosting at Christmas is about creating space for people to slow down. “This house naturally invites everyone into the kitchen and around the table,” Michele shared. “Especially at this time of year, it’s when everyone gathers without rushing, and the moments you’ll remember most are made.”

The wreath-making workshop unfolded just like that. Friends and family moved easily between the kitchen and dining room, chatting as they worked, pausing to admire each other’s creations. Leading the afternoon was Willow Crossley, a florist known for her instinctive, seasonal approach and a career that has seen her create florals for houses such as Dior, private clients including the Beckhams, and even royal households, yet here, her focus was entirely on the joy of making together.

For Willow, this is what makes wreath making so special. “This time of year can feel rushed,” she explained. “But sitting together, working with your hands, catching up, it’s grounding. It gives everyone permission to pause.” Each wreath became both a keepsake and a marker of time spent together. “Even starting with the same materials,” Willow added, “every wreath turns out completely different. That’s always my favourite part.”

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Inside the Wreath: Willow’s Materials & Seasonal Choices

For the workshop, Willow selected materials that feel both festive and practical. “I always choose foliage that lasts beautifully out of water,” she said, “so wreaths can be enjoyed all season long.” The mix included berried eucalyptus, soft blue conifer, wax flower, and other varieties of eucalyptus, known for their silvery, whisky-toned leaves, alongside whole dried limes and oranges for scent and warmth. Velvet ribbons added a tactile softness, while straw bases ensured the wreaths were fully biodegradable once the season passes.

FESTIVE DECORATIONS: Layering for Winter

For Head Interior Designer Karolina, Christmas decorating should always respond to the house itself. “I tend to start with the interiors,” she shared. “The architecture, the furniture, the palette, that’s what guides everything.”

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In the Cotswolds, that often means leaning into tradition and texture. “It’s naturally rustic,” she said. “Fireplaces, wallpaper, cosy corners, it already feels Christmassy.”

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One of her simplest yet most effective techniques is ribbon. “Long, draping ribbons are such an easy way to elevate a space,” she explained. “Velvet ribbons in deep greens or burgundy, cascading from a tree or garland, they’re classic, elegant, and instantly impactful.” Paired with warm white lights, her non-negotiable, they bring softness and movement without overwhelming a room.

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Karolina also explains that, at Christmas, texture becomes the perfect tool, not because of how it looks, but because of how it changes the way a space is experienced. In winter, when days are shorter and rooms are lived in more slowly, layered materials such as wool and linen, with blankets casually draped rather than neatly folded, help homes feel softer, warmer, and meant to be settled into. Complementing these layers, greenery woven through shelves and mantelpieces brings freshness and depth, while subtle sparkle in lights can be introduced sparingly. “You don’t need much,” Karolina said. “Just a few considered touches that feel intentional.”

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Bringing the Cotswolds Landscape Indoors

When it comes to decorating a second home, or arriving just days before Christmas, Karolina’s advice is refreshingly simple: forage. “Go for a walk with some shears,” she suggested. “It’s one of the easiest ways to make a space feel festive.”

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In the Cotswolds, that might mean gathering ivy, holly, pine, yew, or evergreen sprigs from hedgerows and woodland edges. Arranged loosely in vases, tucked onto mantels, or layered into wreaths and garlands, they bring the landscape indoors in a way that feels authentic and unforced.

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Willow often builds on this with small additions from a florist, perhaps a few stems of seasonal flowers or extra foliage, but the foundation remains the same. Working with what’s seasonal and close at hand allows a home to feel naturally connected to its surroundings, giving festive decorating a deeper sense of meaning.

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As the afternoon in Minster Lovell drew to a close, wreaths were hung, tables cleared, and the cottage settled back into its winter rhythm, full of scent, texture, and the quiet joy that comes from creating something together.