From Plain to Festive: How to Decorate a Fresh Christmas Wreath

The holiday season is incomplete without a beautifully decorated Christmas wreath welcoming guests at your front door. While store-bought decorated wreaths can be quite expensive, you can easily make your own stunning and unique wreath at home for a fraction of the cost.

It’s easy to do yourself and gives your home a personal holiday touch when you decorate a fresh Christmas wreath. With some imagination and a plain green wreath form, you can make a wreath that stands out and shows off your style.

In this simple guide, we will walk you through the steps of turning a basic wreath into a gorgeous holiday decoration Whether you want a classic elegant look or a fun whimsical style, these tips will help you create a wreath that wows.

Choose a Fresh Wreath Form

The first step is selecting a plain wreath form that will serve as the base for your decorations. You can find inexpensive plain wreaths at most craft stores, big box stores like Walmart or even your local grocery store during the holidays.

Look for a full wreath made of fresh pine, cedar, or fir branches that looks lively and not dried out. Pick a size that fits your space – a 22-24 inch wreath is standard for most front doors. Make sure the wreath has enough density and greenery to support the decorations you’ll be adding.

For a more natural look, gather pine branches and laurel from your yard to make your own wreath form. Create a ring shape and secure with floral wire.

Gather Supplies for Decorating

Next, collect an assortment of materials and embellishments to decorate your wreath form. Get creative and choose items that fit the style you envision. Here are some ideas:

• Pinecones – Large and small, natural pinecones are a classic wreath decorating item.

• Holly, magnolia leaves, cedar, eucalyptus – Add other greenery for texture and color variety.

• Dried fruits – Orange slices, lemons, limes, cranberries add pops of color.

• Berries – Juniper berries, rose hips, hypericum berries in red, orange, and yellow.

• Flowers – Poinsettias, amaryllis, paperwhites, hellebores, roses.

• Herbs and spices – Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, sprigs of rosemary.

• Ornaments – Ribbon bows, bells, baubles, snowflakes, buttons.

• Foraged finds – Interesting seed pods, dried leaves, acorns, feathers.

Secure Decorations onto Wreath

Now comes the fun part – placing all your foraged and purchased decorative elements onto the wreath! Start by laying out your supplies and experimenting with arrangement before attaching items securely.

Use these methods for applying decorations:

• For fruit, flower, leaf, and pinecone stems, wrap floral wire or pipe cleaners around them and twist them around the branches of the wreath.

• Hot glue—Let kids help safely attach plastic decorations and ornaments with hot glue.

• Wired ribbon – Wrap ribbon around wreath and tie bows to create color and texture.

• String, jute, twine – Tie botanicals, spices, and dried fruits on with natural twine.

Incorporate Holiday Themes

Choose motifs that convey the festive style you want for your front door wreath. Here are some fun holiday themes to inspire your design:

• Classic Christmas – Red berries, plaid ribbon, pinecones, poinsettias, and bells create an elegant traditional look.

• Woodland Winter Wonderland – Twigs, pinecones, feathers, and snowy berries evoke a magical frosty forest.

• Farmhouse Rustic Chic – Lush greenery, dried citrus slices, and natural jute bow give a laid-back cozy vibe.

• Glam Holiday Chic – Go dramatic with gilded magnolia leaves, sparkly ornaments, and lush red flowers.

• Coastal Holiday – Fishnet, sand dollars, seashells, starfish, and driftwood create beach vacation vibes.

Finishing Touches and Accents

Once your main decorations are securely attached, add those special details and accents that really make your wreath unique.

• Bow– Finish off your masterpiece with a big beautiful bow for extra cheer. Use wired ribbon in your theme colors.

• Lights – String battery-operated fairy lights throughout your wreath for a magical illuminated glow.

• Glitter, snow, ornaments – Add sparkle with vinyl snow spray, glitters, glass ball ornaments.

• Personalize – Incorporate photos, charms, favorite souvenirs that customize the wreath as yours.

• Door hanger – Create a coordinating decorative hanger on the back that complements the wreath theme.

Display Your Fabulous Wreath Proudly

Once your wreath looks exactly how you envisioned, it’s time to hang it up on your front door, side door, over the mantel, or anywhere else you want to spread some holiday cheer! Use a sturdy wreath hanger to display your wreath.

Fluff the decorations and rotate the wreath so the fullest, most decorative side is prominently displayed towards the front. Stand back and admire your handiwork! Your custom decorated wreath is sure to impress visitors and lift your holiday spirit.

With these simple tips and creative inspiration, you can easily turn a basic wreath form into a gorgeous focal point for your holiday decor. Let your imagination run wild and have fun designing an eye-catching wreath that reflects your personal style. The compliments will keep coming long after the season is over!