Whether you make your wreath, pick up a wreath base at a grocery store or ask a florist to custom design a holiday wreath for you, there are a few tips to make your wreath look amazing. The first thing to think about is style. What is your style? And, what is the decor style of your home? Next, think about your personal preferences. Do you like a more traditional, rustic, modern, and colourful look? Whatever your design style is, spend some time figuring out what your style is. Or, if you are having difficulty ascertaining your style, perhaps think about a theme. Themes can include religion; maybe you would like to recreate a mini-nativity scene, naval, gardening or hobbyist-themed wreath.
The next consideration is scale; where are you hanging your wreath? Door, wall, post or gate? A wreath should look proportionate to the space where it is hanging. Not too big or not too small. If you are hanging your wreath on a door, the wreath should not go to the edge of the door but have a space around the wreath to see the door.
The next thing to think about is type, a question that loops back to style. Do you like a more traditional wreath, mixed evergreens or perhaps you appreciate a more rustic look that might use a base of grapevine with a few additions of evergreen boughs? Or, perhaps, a faux wreath base. Whatever wreath base type you choose, the most interesting wreaths have a lot of different textures and varied coloured tones. Wreaths displayed outside tend to fade in the mid-winter sun, so if you start with a more robust colour palette, the colour will generally fade a bit over the winter. Below are a few considerations of different items that can be added to a wreath base:
- Evergreen boughs (real or faux or a combination) I love pine, cedar and juniper evergreens.
- Berries (real or faux) Ilex or Sumac is my go-to real berry look that weathers well through the winter.
- Bow (Satin, burlap or none) I love a traditional plaid ribbon with ribbon ends tucked around the perimeter of the wreath.
- Ornaments or decorative elements-a few Christmas baubles in gold and red or iced branches?
- Pinecones (real or faux or a combination) natural is so chic.
- Dried elements-Lagurus or bunny tails and bleached Ruscus are fun additions to wreaths.
- Live elements that dry nicely
- Lights-battery-operated LED lights can be fun to add a twinkle to the wreath.
Most wreaths in our store average from $85-150. We just finished our workshop series in November that offered wreaths and outdoor urns workshops. Keep an eye on our Events at AVF Calendar on our About Us page.
I’d love to hear your tips on creating your holiday wreath.
Karen
