How to Decorate a Fresh Christmas Wreath for the Holidays

A fresh evergreen Christmas wreath is a classic symbol of the holiday season. The aromatic scent of pine or fir fills up a room and evokes nostalgic memories of celebrations past. While a plain green wreath has simple rustic beauty, decorating one can add extra flair and personality for an eye-catching focal point. With an array of natural elements or colorful accents, you can create a custom ornamental wreath to match your style.

Follow these tips to learn how to decorate a fresh Christmas wreath for a festive display inside or outside your home.

Start with a Fresh Evergreen Base

The starting point for wreath decor is a fresh evergreen base. Opt for one made from noble fir, Douglas fir, pine, cedar, spruce or other conifer cuttings. Check that the greens are pliable, not dry or brittle. Soak the wreath in water upon bringing it home to maximize longevity.

Measure the inner and outer diameters to select decor proportionate to the size, A 22 to 24 inch wreath is a typical interior door size Larger 30 inch wreaths make a statement over the mantel or on the front door

Fluff and shape the evergreen cuttings to create a full, uniform wreath before decorating. Trim any excess stems sticking out awkwardly.

Incorporate Faux Eucalyptus and Magnolia

For soft texture and varied shades of green, incorporate faux eucalyptus stems and magnolia leaves. The slender silvery eucalyptus foliage provides nice contrast and visual interest against the darker evergreen boughs.

Magnolia leaves add a pretty accent, playing off the wreath’s natural elements. Cluster a few leaves spaced evenly around the wreath, wiring them in place with floral wire if needed. Or tuck them into the boughs randomly for an organic look.

Vary the eucalyptus length and bend stems to give movement. Place in small groupings around the wreath, twisting stems together or wired to the frame for stability. Let some trail off the edges for a casual touch.

Embellish with Pinecones and Holly

No Christmas wreath would be complete without classic pinecones and holly berry branches. Take inspiration from nature and tuck in small pinecone clusters among the greenery. Individual sprigs of holly berries add festive pops of red and work wired into the frame or bound to eucalyptus stems.

For more visual interest, look for unique pinecones in assorted shapes, sizes, and colors beyond the standard brown variety. White-painted pinecones resemble snow dusted on evergreen boughs. Large pinecones make a dramatic statement.

Add Pops of Color with Berries and Ornaments

Don’t be afraid to incorporate colorful berries, ornaments, and ribbons to personalize your wreath decor. Red winterberries, either natural or faux, mesh well with the green foliage. For a more unique look, add other hues like purple or metallic berries.

Small Christmas ball ornaments in complementary colors like red, gold, silver or white blend in nicely. Tuck them into the greenery, randomly spacing 3-5 ornaments around the wreath. Wrap wire ornament hangers around stems to secure them.

Wide satin ribbons in red, green, or seasonal patterns like plaid or gingham are timeless options. Wire ribbon ends to the wreath frame in a fluffy bow or loose cascading streamers.

Arrange Decor in a Balanced, Organic Layout

When adding assorted decorative elements, take care to disperse them throughout the wreath in a balanced composition. Visually divide the wreath into sections and decorate each area for harmony.

Aim for an organic aesthetic by using natural groupings and variety. Avoid rigid symmetry or overly uniform placements. Layer the decor 3-dimensionally with some pieces prominently displayed on top and others nestled into the background greenery.

Step back periodically to check proportions and make adjustments until you achieve the perfect decorative wreath for your holiday style.

Preserve Your Decorated Wreath

Extend the lifespan of your ornate Christmas wreath with proper care. Lightly mist the greens every few days with water to prevent drying out. Avoid direct heat exposure like fireplaces or heating vents.

When the natural evergreens expire, replace just the base greens if desired to reuse your decorations the next season. The key elements like eucalyptus, pinecones, and ribbons will last for years to come if stored properly.

Extra Tips and Inspiration

• Incorporate winter foraged finds like lichen covered twigs or crabapple branches for organic texture.

• Try unique wreath shapes such as a tree form rather than a ring.

• Adorn with gift bows, fabric flowers, cinnamon sticks, or dried citrus slices.

• Accent with plaid flannel ribbons and mini wooden pine tree cutouts for a rustic farmhouse style.

• Craft miniature wreaths on grapevine frames as ornaments to display on your decorations.

With a dash of creativity and seasonal accents, you can take a basic fresh wreath up a notch. Customize one to highlight your favorite colors or print to embrace the spirit of the holidays. Let these ideas spark inspiration as you learn how to decorate a fresh Christmas wreath that reflects your personal flair.