Holiday greetings

Welcoming boughs

You need:
61 cm (24-in) long branches: 5 of silver fir, 7 of curly willow, and 7 of silk oak
6 magnolia-leaf clusters
4 pepper berry clusters
2 coconut pods or large pinecones
Medium-gauge florists' or hobby wire
Secateurs

To make:
Start with 61 cm (24-in) long branches: 5 of silver fir, 7 of curly willow, and 7 of silk oak; 6 magnolia-leaf clusters; 4 pepper berry clusters; 2 coconut pods or large pinecones. On work surface, place three of the fir branches (tips up) in a bunch. With cut ends overlapping approx 25.5 cm (10 in), place remaining fir branches (tips down) on first bunch to form swag bottom. Using medium-gauge florists' or hobby wire, wire ends together at each end of overlap. At back, thread second piece of wire through first; twist ends together to form hanging loop. Using secateurs, clip curly willow, silk oak and magnolia to desired length; at front, tuck stems in so foliage conceals wire. Wire on berries and pods.