Christmas tree may already have been set up in the living room and year-end celebrations are fast approaching! You might be keen to bring out Christmas decorations and garlands. And if, this year, for a change from the traditional pine crown or hips, you made a natural crown? Adorned with ivy and conkers or chestnuts gathered on autumn walks? Join us in this tutorial to create a Christmas crown with ivy and conkers to bring rustic elegance and traditional charm to your front door or interior.

natural crown

Materials Needed

To make your crown you will need the following items, to be found in the garden or on autumn walks:

  • Ivy: for example common ivy (Hedera helix) for its attractive dark green foliage, or its variegated cream form such as Hedera helix 'Little Diamond'.
  • Conkers or chestnuts: it is worth noting that chestnut is edible, whereas conker is not (for more, read our article "Chestnut and conker, what are the differences?").
  • A crown base: prefabricated and ready to use or DIY, made from flexible branches (wisteria, willow, hazel, woody climbing stems of vine…) or a metal hanger bent into a circle.
  • Wire or string: to secure natural elements firmly to the crown.
  • A pair of gloves: ivy can irritate the skin, so we recommend handling it with gloves.
  • Decorative accessories (optional): ribbons, small Christmas baubles, hips, pine cones and other ornaments to personalise your crown.
Materials for homemade crown

Assembling the Crown

1- Start by gently wrapping ivy strands around the crown base and secure them with wire or string. Make sure to cover the base evenly for a natural, full look.

2- Attach conkers or chestnuts to the crown. You have two options: either use a hot glue gun, or drill using an awl or a small drill bit, then thread wire through the hole. The second method is more durable in the long run.

Attaching ivy to the crown and gluing chestnuts

3- If you wish, personalise your crown with additional decorations and let your creativity speak! You will find some decoration ideas in the following section. Don’t forget something to hang your crown (hook, ribbon, string…).

4- And there you have it! All that remains is to hang your crown on your front door or in your living area.

natural Christmas crown

Customising the Crown

Your Christmas crown is ready! But you can personalise it further by adding a personal touch:

  • Natural elements to complement the conkers and ivy, such as pine cones, red berries (from hips, Cotoneaster lacteus or holly), cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices.
  • Burlap or velvet ribbons add contrasting texture and colour to your crown.
  • LED fairy lights can be woven through the crown to give a warm, welcoming glow.
  • And of course traditional Christmas garlands and baubles!
Christmas crown