Thanks guys!
Mmario - I humbly confess - I cheat a little and buy the pre-made twig wreath base and decorate it. I used to make them out of wire coathangers and holly and ivy, but it hurt and took too long, and looked crap. Also, I don't have access to vast expanses of countryside and free vegetation any more. I was seriously thinking of giving in and buying a ready made one, but I do like decorating them myself.