Putting up Christmas wreaths is a classic way to get ready for the holidays. Putting up a “Merry Christmas” sign on the wreath makes it even more festive and gives your home’s outside a focal point. We’ll show you how to make a pretty Christmas wreath with a merry Christmas sign, ribbon, and other holiday decorations in this article.
Supplies Needed
To make this wreath you will need
- Artificial Christmas wreath base – 20-24 inches is a good size
- Merry Christmas sign or placard
- Assorted Christmas ribbons – red, green, plaid, etc.
- Christmas decor picks – pinecones, berries, mini ornaments, etc.
- Faux greenery – eucalyptus, pine, holly, etc.
- Floral wire
- Hot glue gun
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
Step 1: Prepare the Wreath Base
Start with a good quality artificial Christmas wreath base. It should be strong and full so that you have plenty of room to add decorations. Shape and fluff up the wreath base so the greens are even all around. If you need to, you can bend wire branches into shape or use wire cutters to cut off any extra stems.
Step 2: Attach the Merry Christmas Sign
The Merry Christmas sign is the focal point of this wreath. You can buy ready-made signs at most craft stores, or you can make your own out of foam, metal, wood, or cardboard. Use hot glue and/or floral wire to securely attach the sign to the front of the wreath.
- Make sure the sign is centered and positioned straight.
- For a foam sign, insert wires through the corners and twist to secure.
- For a wood sign, attach a wire across the back then twist that wire around the wreath frame in a few places.
Step 3: Add Christmas Ribbons
Ribbons add festive color and texture to the wreath. Cut ribbons into 10-12 inch lengths. Fold the ribbons in half lengthwise. Position 2-3 folded ribbons evenly around the wreath, wiring the ribbon loops onto the frame.
- Vary the ribbon colors and patterns. Good options include solid red, plaid, stripes, polka dots.
- Curl the ribbon ends with scissors for a finished look.
- Add a big bow for extra cheer! Wire it to the bottom or side of the wreath.
Step 4: Embellish with Christmas Picks
Next, tuck in Christmas picks and sprigs throughout the wreath for added holiday charm. Some good options:
- Fir sprigs
- Holly sprigs with berries
- Pinecones
- Faux red berries
- Mini pinecones
- Small ornament picks
- Wire picks in place and use hot glue if needed.
- Cluster 3-5 picks together in various spots to create little bursts of Christmas cheer!
Step 5: Infill with Greenery
Now it’s time to fill in any bare spots and give your wreath a lush, full look. Use faux greenery sprigs and small leaf clusters.
- Eucalyptus, cedar, pine, magnolia leaves all work beautifully.
- Alternate colors and textures for visual interest.
- Tuck sprigs deep into the wreath base and wire/glue in place.
- Work on the back and sides too for an even full wreath.
Finishing Touches
To complete your Christmas wreath:
- Fluff all the decorations so they pop out.
- Check for any holes and fill them in with more greenery.
- Make sure the sign, bows, and embellishments are securely attached.
- Make any final tweaks to the positioning of the decor.
Now it’s ready to hang on your front door or entryway and spread some Christmas joy!
Variations and Personalization
The great thing about Christmas wreaths is you can customize them to match your unique holiday style. Here are some ideas:
- Use decor in your favorite color palette – blue and silver, red and gold, etc.
- Include decorations with personal meaning like snowmen, angels, etc.
- Use oversized decorations like huge pinecones, large ornaments, or a big plaid bow.
- Add Christmas lights for some sparkle.
- Make it woodland-themed with deer, snowy pinecones and red berries.
- Give it a whimsical vibe with candy canes, gingerbread men, and polka dot ribbons.
The options are endless so have fun making the wreath your own!
Displaying Your Christmas Wreath
Christmas wreaths don’t have to stay on the front door! Think outside the box about where you can put your handmade wreath:
- Front door or main entryway
- Dining room – hang over buffet or on the wall.
- Family room – above fireplace or on the wall.
- Kitchen – on window over the sink or hang on a wall.
- Master bedroom – on window or wall beside bed.
- Foyer/hallway – hang in entry to greet guests.
- Garage entry into home
- Front porch column or railing
- Gate or fence by front walkway
Wherever you decide to display your Merry Christmas wreath, it will add a festive and welcoming touch. You’ll be sure to put everyone who sees it in the Christmas spirit!
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