Each year, I head into London’s Notting Hill in December to capture the stunning wreaths adorning the neighbourhood’s doors—perfect for Christmas card inspiration!
The vibrant, colourful houses of Notting Hill and Holland Park are transformed each year with dazzling decorations, featuring wreaths of all sizes and styles. From timeless classics to creative, quirky designs, each wreath adds a unique touch of festive charm to the area. A wreath says a lot about its residents, and I can’t help but imagine who might be living inside—perhaps a bumbling Brit like Bridget Jones, or a charming bookshop worker sharing a flat with a peculiar man named Spike! The wreath is your oyster!
So, this season, who will claim the crown of the favourite festive wreath? I’ve handpicked seven of my personal favourites and ranked them according to my own preferences. But don’t just take my word for it—at the end of the post, you can cast your vote and choose your favourite too!
7. Frazzled Charm
Every year, this cosy little house embraces a timeless tradition: adorning its door with a rustic, perfectly imperfect wreath. Decorated with dried oranges, wild berries, and pinecones, the wreath exudes a charming, homely appeal. It’s the kind of decoration you could easily imagine hanging on the front door of Kate Winslet’s cottage in The Holiday. Warm, authentic, and effortlessly inviting—this wreath captures the true essence of Christmas. It’s giving frazzled British woman, the residence of Bridget Jones… need I say more?
6. A Leafy Wreath
My love for this wreath is partly tied to its vibrant backdrop. The bushy green foliage set against the cerulean door creates a striking contrast, while the vanilla-frosted bricks add a subtle coastal charm. I adore the wreath’s thick, leafy plumage, its generous size, and the intricate details delicately woven into the greenery. It’s plush, pretty, and full of character—an absolute showstopper! Weirdly, I just want to slip it on my wrist and tie my hair up with it like a scrunchie. Can anyone else relate?
5. Take a Bow
We stumbled across this beautifully simple wreath in a hidden alcove, tucked away down a quiet little alley. On a house with sandy, cracked walls, it was the only door adorned with a wreath—its striking red velvet bow stealing the show. This wreath doesn’t feel like it belongs in London; it’s more suited to a sun-soaked Spanish or Italian coastal town. I can almost imagine Monica Bellucci stepping out from this house as Malèna in the noughties. A simple, classic, and bold beauty, it’s effortlessly charming. A festive wreath that truly deserves to take a bow!
4. This One’s Nuts
Arguably the most elaborate and enchanting doorway in Notting Hill, this one pulls out all the stops—complete with two pristine Nutcrackers standing proudly on guard. It’s like this wreath has its own personal security detail, and honestly, I’m totally here for it! Traditional at heart but with a dash of festive flair, this doorway goes the extra mile to sprinkle a little extra Christmas magic. And yes, I absolutely want to knock, step inside, and see if the interior is just as fabulous as the entrance suggests!
3. Punk Princess
Well, really I mean Punk Queen, but let’s face it—princess just rolls off the tongue better. Honestly, at first glance, I hated this one. But the longer I looked at it, the more its quirk and originality won me over. The colour-matched wreath and door? A solid 10/10. And seeing Queen Liz decked out in a silver chain and Louis Vuitton? Strangely, it’s putting me in the Christmas spirit. It’s edgy, arty, and probably more at home in Camden or Brighton, but you’ve got to give it cool and distinctive points. It’s unconventional, unapologetic, and my number three pick for sheer audacity.
2. Rouge, Not Red
In this household, you just know that breakfast is served at 6am, accompanied by a side of yoga, the toilet seat is always down, and the whole family speaks French as a second language to navigate life at their Saint-Tropez second home. I can easily picture Blair Waldorf retreating here for the holidays, escaping from Chuck, who I can only imagine would hang a Cybertruck-style wreath on his door. But honestly, this beautiful, unconventional yet classic wreath is the perfect choice for such a sophisticated home—it’s effortlessly chic.
1. Mr Darcy
I’m ultimately a sucker for tradition and simplicity, and this wreath is practically a manifestation of everything I adore about both. Plush foliage, classic details, a prominent size, and sophisticated appeal—it ticks every box for me as a self-proclaimed wreath expert (yes, I really do need to get out more). The inhabitants of this house no doubt read Jane Austen and sip English breakfast tea by the fire. It feels like it belongs in the city, like it’s right where it’s meant to be. Pure, timeless charm.
Have Your Say!
Thank you for reading Calendar Girl Blog! For more plans made easy—like, in this case, creepily wandering the streets of Notting Hill to check out people’s doors—make sure to subscribe below and check out my socials linked here:
Calendar Girl 