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The Many Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Wreath

Feliz Navidad Wreath Hanging in a Mirror

Christmas wreaths are a hugely popular element of Christmas decorating traditions in most homes. The options for decorating and displaying your gorgeous Christmas wreath are as varied as our homes and families themselves.

Be inspired by some of the many ways you can create and decorate your own wreath this Christmas.

A quick history of the Christmas wreath

Just as the concept of the Christmas tree is said to have its origins in northern and eastern Europe, and Germany in particular, it is said that the Christmas wreath stems from those parts too.

It was standard practice to trim the Christmas tree, either to give it a more uniform and visually appealing shape or to help it fit into the house! One of the many accounts of the history of the Christmas wreath explains that the first Christmas wreaths were constructed from these offcuts of the Christmas tree. Rather than being thrown away, the trimmed pieces were made into a wreath.

Christmas wreaths today

The Christmas wreaths that we are familiar with today appear a little more manicured than tied together offcuts from a tree. Not only that, but the scope of what defines a Christmas wreath has evolved such that in some cases the wreath does not comprise any greenery at all.

One thing is for sure though. Regardless of their historical beginnings and regardless of what material they are made out of today, Christmas wreaths are an iconic and well-recognised symbol of Christmas and an ever-important cornerstone of Christmas decorating.

Christmas wreaths for every style

There are so many options when it comes to choosing, or creating, the perfect Christmas wreath for your home. A quick trip to the shops, or search online, will open up a world of pre-decorated, ready-to-go Christmas wreath possibilities.

Whilst there are certainly some amazing choices on offer, the best way to create a truly unique Christmas wreath that is all your own, is to decorate it yourself.

So, what do you need to know about decorating your own wreath? Let’s take a look at the things you’ll need to consider.

Which type of wreath/hoop base to use

As mentioned earlier, there are many different options and materials when it comes to choosing the type of wreath you’d like for your Christmas decorating. A big, important part of determining the type of look you want to achieve with your Christmas wreath is the base that you choose to work with.

For many, the popular choice is likely a lush, green, “traditional” looking wreath base. And there are so many gorgeous options to work with in that realm. Foliage-inspired Christmas wreath bases can be found to mimic certain specific tree types such as different species of pine tree, fir and even eucalyptus.

Looking for something a little different for your Christmas wreath? Perhaps you’d like to try a gold metal hoop instead. Rustic, twig-look wreath bases can be used to create something really interesting too or a completely bare wire frame is the perfect lean slate to let your creativity shine.

If you are considering adding lights to your wreath, a pre-lit wreath base could be a great starting point.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the square (or circle!) too. You’d be surprised at how easily you can create a great Christmas wreath base with the most unexpected things. For example, pool noodles are a popular choice for Christmas wreath makers. They can easily be formed and fixed into the necessary circular shape and the foam material is the perfect canvas to work with when adding lost of pieces to your wreath.

Bigger doesn’t always mean better

Once you’ve decided on the type of wreath base you’re going to use, be sure to consider the most appropriate size too. Bigger isn’t necessarily always better. Think about where you are going to position or hang your Christmas wreath once it’s done and the combined weight of the intended base and added embellishments. The size of the base will also help inform how many, or how little, embellishment pieces you need to have on hand for the decorating process.

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise

Now that you’ve chosen you preferred base, it’s time to customise and accessorise by choosing the decorations and embellishments that you will add to your Christmas wreath. This is where things really start to get interesting. If you thought that there were lots of base choices, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you discover the possibilities for decorating your wreath.

Obvious pieces might include gorgeous flowers, sprays, pinecones and other natural-like items. There are many different ways that you can use these, and not just on a leafy green wreath either. Ribbons and bows are a great way to add colour, texture and interest to your Christmas wreath.

 

If you’re wanting to really get creative and create a really unique and special wreath that is all your own, consider the not-so-obvious choices for accessorising. Novelty picks, tree decorations and other Christmas décor pieces such as pom-pom garlands can produce some amazing results.

Don’t just limit your thinking to Christmas items either. What other craft items that you love could you use on your Christmas wreath?

Make it stick

So you’ve got your base and chosen your embellishments. Before you go any further think about how you are going to attach your pieces to the base. Depending on the type of wreath base and decorative pieces that you chose, some good options might include hot glue gun, cable tie, craft wire and twine or string.

Personalise it with a plaque

You’ve taken the time and care to decorate your stunning Christmas wreath, tell everyone just who it belongs to by adding a beautiful personalised plaque to the arrangement.

Hang, stand or lean?

Now that your gorgeous Christmas wreath is all done, the final piece of the puzzle is to put it on display. Traditionally, wreaths are hung on the front door, but as you might have come to guess, there are many other options too.

Feature your wreath as part of your internal Christmas décor theme by hanging on the wall or from a cupboard, using a wreath stand on the floor or a side board, or simply propping it up against the wall with a selection of other coordinated décor pieces to create a lovely vignette.

Whichever size, style and display option you choose, Christmas wreaths are an important part of the history and tradition of Christmas time and Christmas decorating.

The Christmas Cart is running wreath-making workshops over the coming weeks at Narellan Town Centre in Sydney, New South Wales. Check out the session times and hurry to register your spot as places are filling fast.

At The Christmas Cart we have a huge range of Christmas décor and craft pieces, as well as gifts and keepsakes available online. Explore the website and visit our Inspiration Gallery and blog to inspire your wreath decorating as well as discover many other Christmas tips and decorating ideas too.