Looking for a simple Christmas gift for a neighbor that feels festive, thoughtful, and useful? This easy clementine wreath uses just a few inexpensive supplies and takes only minutes to make.
If you love the wreath idea but want something sweet instead, you'll also want to see my Candy Truffle Wreaths. They use the same basic cellophane, twine, and ribbon technique, but with chocolate truffles instead of clementines.
This clementine wreath is one of those Christmas projects that looks much more complicated than it actually is. With six clementines, a piece of cellophane, twine, and a pretty ribbon, you can create a festive homemade gift in just a few minutes.
At about $3 per wreath, it's also an affordable option when you need several gifts. And because a 3-pound bag of clementines makes two wreaths, you can easily make a batch for neighbors, teachers, friends, and coworkers.
Why You'll Love This Clementine Wreath
- Easy to make. There are only a few simple steps, making this a great last-minute Christmas gift idea.
- Inexpensive. Each wreath costs about $3 to make, making it an affordable homemade Christmas gift when you need to make several.
- Healthy holiday gift. Fresh clementines are a welcome alternative to the abundance of sugary treats that come with the holiday season.
- Perfect for gifting. The finished wreath makes a cute presentation for neighbors, teachers, friends, coworkers, or family.
- Easy to make in multiples. A 3-pound bag of clementines will make about two wreaths, so you can make several gifts without spending much.
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Tips and Tricks
- Use similar-sized clementines. Choosing fruit that is approximately the same size will help your wreath have a more uniform shape.
- Don't skip the extra cellophane. Cutting the cellophane 34 inches long gives you a little extra room at the ends for gathering and tying. It's much easier to trim excess than to discover that your cellophane is too short.
- Keep the clementines close to the edge. Placing them close to the long edge before rolling helps keep the cellophane snug around the fruit and makes it easier to form the wreath.
- Leave about an inch between the fruit. The small spaces give you room to tie the cellophane with twine while keeping the clementines separated.
- Double-knot or bow the twine. I used a double knot between each clementine, but you can tie the twine in a bow instead. Small bows give the wreath a slightly more decorative look.
- Choose a festive ribbon. A bold Christmas ribbon makes the wreath look finished and festive while covering the point where the ends are joined.
What You Need
- Clementines: Choose six fresh clementines that are similar in size so the wreath looks even. A 3-pound bag will make about two wreaths.
- Cellophane: Clear cellophane is used to wrap the clementines together. You can buy cellophane by the roll at Dollar Tree.
- Twine: Use twine or ribbon to secure the cellophane between the clementines and to join the ends of the wreath.
- Ribbon: A festive ribbon adds a polished touch to the finished wreath. Red and white striped ribbon is perfect for Christmas.
How to Make a Clementine Wreath
Step 1: Cut the cellophane. Cut a piece of clear cellophane 12-14 inches wide and 34 inches long. The extra length gives you enough cellophane to gather and tie the ends.
Step 2: Arrange the clementines. Lay the cellophane flat on your work surface. Place six clementines in a straight row along one of the long edges, leaving about 1 inch between each clementine. Keep the clementines close to the edge of the cellophane.
Step 3: Roll the clementines in cellophane. Carefully roll the cellophane over the clementines until they are completely wrapped. Keep the clementines lined up as you roll so they stay in a neat row.
Step 4: Tie between the clementines. Use twine to tie the cellophane securely between each clementine. I tied mine with a double knot and cut off the ends, but you can also tie the twine in a small bow if you'd like. The ties keep the clementines separated and give the finished wreath its individual sections.
Step 5: Form the wreath. Bring the two ends of the wrapped clementine strand together to create a circle. Tie the ends securely together with twine, making sure the clementines form an even wreath shape.
Step 6: Add a ribbon bow. Tie a festive ribbon around the joined ends to cover the twine and finish your clementine wreath. Fluff the ribbon loops and trim the tails as desired.
A Healthy Christmas Neighbor Gift
I love giving homemade gifts during the holidays, but sometimes it feels like everyone is receiving the same assortment of cookies, candy, and other sweets.
This clementine wreath is a fun alternative. It's festive enough to feel like a Christmas gift while offering something fresh and healthy during a season when sugary treats are especially prevalent. You might also like my simmer pot potpourri gift idea!
Make one for a neighbor, teacher, friend, coworker, or family member. You could even make several at once and keep them ready for unexpected holiday gifting.
How to Store a Clementine Wreath
Keep the finished wreath in a cool location until you're ready to give it away. Since the wreath is made with fresh fruit, it's best to make it relatively close to when you plan to gift it.
Avoid leaving the wreath in direct sunlight or in a warm location for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Mandarins and clementines can both be used to make this wreath. Choose small, firm fruit that are similar in size for the best results.
This tutorial uses six clementines to create one small fruit wreath.
Use a piece of cellophane that is 12-14 inches wide and 34 inches long. The additional length gives you enough room to gather and tie the ends when forming the wreath.
Each wreath costs about $3 to make, making it an inexpensive Christmas neighbor gift. Cellophane can also be purchased by the roll at Dollar Tree.
A 3-pound bag of clementines will make about two wreaths, with six clementines used for each wreath.
Yes, but because this is a fresh fruit gift, I recommend making them relatively close to when you plan to give them. Store the finished wreaths somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight until gifting.
More Easy Christmas Gift Ideas
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Clementine Wreath
Equipment
Materials
- 6 clementines
- 1 piece clear cellophane 12-14 inches wide x 34 inches long
- Twine for tying
- Christmas ribbon for bow
Instructions
- Cut a piece of clear cellophane 12-14 inches wide and 34 inches long. The extra length gives you enough room to gather and tie the ends.
- Place six clementines in a row along one of the long edges of the cellophane, leaving about 1 inch between each clementine.
- Roll the cellophane over the clementines until they are completely wrapped.
- Use twine to tie the cellophane securely between each clementine. Tie each section with a double knot, or use small bows if preferred.
- Bring the two ends of the wrapped clementine strand together to form a circle. Tie the ends securely together with twine. Trim the cellophane ends to the desired length.
- Tie a festive ribbon bow around the joined ends of the wreath. Trim the ribbon tails as desired.
Video
Notes
- A 3-pound bag of clementines will make approximately two wreaths. Each wreath costs about $3 to make, depending on the cost of the ribbon and other supplies.
- Cellophane can be purchased by the roll at Dollar Tree.
- For the best results, choose clementines that are similar in size. Keep the finished wreath in a cool location and make it relatively close to gifting since it contains fresh fruit.
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