As the holiday season approaches, decorating your home with festive touches is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of the season. One of the most beloved and timeless decorations is the holiday wreath, a symbol of warmth, cheer, and tradition. To help you create the perfect wreath, we’ve gathered tips from the experts. From choosing the right materials to creating a balanced design, these insights will inspire you to make a wreath that’s both beautiful and uniquely yours.
Whether you’re adding a traditional wreath to your Hartford, CT home, a minimalist design to your New York City apartment, or a rustic wreath for your rental home in Boulder, MT, these expert holiday wreath ideas will give you the inspiration you need this season. So, get into the holiday spirit and start crafting.
1. Start with a neutral base and add pops of red in your holiday wreath
Nothing grabs attention quite like the bold, festive flair of red in your holiday wreath. Pairing vibrant red accents with a neutral base creates a perfect balance of warmth and style. Amy Baez, owner of Amy Baez Interiors in League City, TX, suggests, “Make red the focal point of your holiday wreath to captivate attention instantly. Start with a neutral base, such as natural greenery or a grapevine base, and layer in red elements like holly berries, or crimson ornaments.”
To elevate the look even further, Amy recommends incorporating texture with red velvet ribbon or painted pinecones. “This bold pop of color will create a festive, eye-catching statement that feels both classic and contemporary.”
Photo courtesy of Amy Baez Interiors
2. Add glam to your wreath with an oversized bow
An oversized bow can elevate any holiday wreath, turning it into a statement piece that captures attention. Whether you go for rich velvet or metallic accents, a large bow adds a touch of drama and elegance to your space.
Ashley Southworth, founder of Southworth Interior Design in Bakersfield, CA shares her enthusiasm. “A current trend we’ve been seeing this holiday season is incorporating oversized bows on practically anything— as a Christmas tree topper, fastened to the back of bar stools, even on parked cars. We’re here for it, and we say the bigger the better! One of the easiest ways to bring this trend to your wreath design is by letting the bow steal the show. Display one on a simple pine or cypress wreath—No extras needed.”
For a more coastal-inspired look, Heather Henderson from the Charleston, SC boutique, Carolina Girls, shares her recommendation. “In Charleston, we like to keep it simple, yet sophisticated. For a touch of holiday flair, try adding a bold red bow to a traditional oyster wreath. The vibrant pop of color against the neutral tones creates a festive and elegant look.”
Photo courtesy of Carolina Girls
3. Give your wreath a fresh twist with fruit
Adding fruit to your holiday wreath is a simple way to bring fresh color and a sense of tradition to your decor. Oranges, apples, or even pomegranates can be used to add rich hues and dimension, evoking a feeling of festive abundance. Whether you use fresh or faux fruit, this technique can create an interesting and inviting look for your front door or holiday displays.
Keely Vendig, owner of the home goods shop, Navy Blooms in Dallas, TX, explains, “An orange at the holidays is symbolic to the Gift of Gold given by St. Nicholas, and decorating with them can bring a sense of holiday tradition and warmth. Trim your wreaths with faux oranges (or any fruit!) to add a pop of color, a new texture, and a welcoming feel to your holiday decor.”
Photo courtesy of Navy Blooms Dallas
4. Transform your wreath with a metallic makeover
For a unique and personalized touch, try spray painting the leaves of your wreath. This simple trick adds a glamorous, festive element while still celebrating the natural beauty of greenery.
Jennifer Smith, Asheville, NC-based interior designer and owner of Jennifer Smith Design, shares her creative approach. “I love to bring nature indoors for the holidays. A dear neighbor allowed me to trim his old magnolia tree, and this year I decided to layer them around a wreath, but to make it more special, I spray painted some of the leaves silver and gold. This wreath took less than an hour and just $5 using supplies I already had.”
As a bonus, Smith recommends using extra painted leaves to adorn ginger jars on a mantle, creating a cohesive holiday look.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Smith Design
5. Personalize your wreath with cherished pieces
To make your holiday wreath truly one-of-a-kind, consider adding personal touches that evoke cherished memories. Lori Yusten, owner of Paisley Sky Interiors in Rapid City, SD, shares her holiday wreath ideas for adding that nostalgic touch. “One of my favorite ways to decorate a Christmas wreath is with sentimental items. I like to use a lifelike Norfolk pine wreath and attach old Christmas ornaments, jewelry pieces like brooches or pendants, traditional ribbons, or even small photo frames with family pictures. Anything that brings back memories of loved ones and your past Christmases together.”
6. Add a little surprise to your holiday wreath
To make your wreath truly stand out, try adding an unexpected twist. Unique or unconventional items can transform your holiday wreath into a conversation piece. The interior design team at Kirby Kelly Studio in Salt Lake City, UT recommends thinking outside the box. “Find something unexpected for your wreath decor—I found some gilded antlers and suspended them from ribbons.” Whether it’s antlers, vintage finds, or quirky ornaments, your wreath can become a memorable statement piece for the holiday season.
Photo courtesy of Kirby Kelly Studios
7. Infuse personality into your wreath
A holiday wreath is more than just a decoration; it’s a chance to showcase your unique style. Julie Estes, principal designer and owner of Carlisle Design Interiors in Carlisle, PA, encourages embracing your personal aesthetic. “The holidays are a fantastic way to lean into your own style, your own personal vibe. If you love vintage, you can add vintage ornaments or bells. Maybe you have a modern vibe? If so, monochromatic elements with lots of texture are the way to go.”
For those with a more specific style, Julie offers some creative holiday wreath ideas. “‘Grandma Chic’ is really popular right now which means you can be creative with old doilies, festive cloth napkins, or even handkerchiefs with special stitching. Finally, think moody with rich hues and dramatic touches like exotic feathers or animal-print ribbon.”
8. Craft a whimsical wreath with yarn pom poms
For a playful yet elegant twist on traditional wreaths, create one from yarn pom poms. These fluffy, handmade accents add a cozy charm, and can be tailored to fit any color palette or decor style. The team at Hem Collective, an interior design firm in Portland, OR, suggests, “For a wreath that will last for years to come, yarn pom poms are a great option. Mix various weights and shades of yarn to create a beautiful texture. For an elegant touch, top it with a velvet bow.”
Photo courtesy of Hem Collective
9. Place your wreaths on locker doors
Locker doors may not be the first spot you consider for holiday decorations, but they offer a creative and unexpected way to infuse seasonal cheer into your home. A wreath hung on a locker door can bring both charm and functionality, especially in high-traffic spaces like entryways or mudrooms.
Laura Marshall from the interior design firm Refined Renovations in Wauwatosa, WI, explains, “A simple green wreath with a frayed velvet ribbon blends nature’s simplicity with a touch of softness, offering a quiet nod to the season’s charm. Hung on locker doors, they add a warm, welcoming moment and invite guests to feel at home from the moment they step inside.” This minimalist wreath hanging idea pairs perfectly with the clean lines of locker doors, making them feel festive without being overdone.
Photo courtesy of Refined Renovations
10. Bring the outdoors into your home
For a nature-inspired holiday wreath, try creating a semi-foraged design. Blending foraged elements with curated materials gives your wreath a custom, organic feel while celebrating the beauty of your surroundings.
Janeen Arnold, founder of interior design company Salt of Maine Design Co. in Portland, ME, loves the creativity this method inspires. “We love making semi-forged wreaths. In Maine and most everywhere, you can find hidden woods to gather branches. Mix soft pine needles with eucalyptus, goldenrod for pops of gold, or pussywillows for neutral texture. Dried grasses or flowers are also a fun addition to holiday wreaths.” She suggests using extras for coordinating vase fillers and encourages embracing the process. “The sky’s the limit—be creative and, most importantly, have fun. Wreath making perfection should not be the goal; having fun in the process is all that really matters.”
Photo courtesy of Salt of Maine Design Co.
For Alison Melnick, founder of Catherine Rose Design & CO., wreath-making is also about connecting with nature. “I recently attended a wreath-making workshop and was able to play with nature, creating my own real wreath. Being a neutral girl to my core, I incorporated different greenery stems to add a lot of texture. It was fun adding in different stems from boxwood to douglas fir, and even ones with subtle berries,” she explains. “At the end, I added a bow – in gold of course – which elevated the wreath and made it feel unique and special.”
Photo courtesy of Catherine Rose Design & CO.
11. Search your yard for evergreens
Your backyard can also be a great place to find materials for crafting a beautiful, natural wreath. Clippings from evergreens are a simple and sustainable way to add texture and variety to your design.
The team at Logan’s Garden Hut, a local garden center in Fuquay-Varina, NC, offers their expert tips. “Spruce up a basic fresh wreath by adding clippings from any evergreens like magnolia leaves, boxwoods, holly, juniper, eucalyptus, along with accents such as pinecones and berries. Layer complementary ribbons to create a bow with depth and dimension.” They also recommend misting your wreath daily and keeping it out of direct sunlight to extend its freshness.
Photo courtesy of Logan’s Garden Hut
12. Craft a wreath out of twigs
For a unique take on holiday decor, try crafting a wreath out of twigs. This rustic approach is a great way to highlight natural materials while stepping away from the traditional evergreen base. Dried flowers, grasses, or small ornaments can be incorporated for added texture and personality, while sprigs of greenery or berries provide a festive contrast to the twigs’ organic look.
Brian, a floral designer from the Kingston, NY-based shop, Petalos Floral Design explains, “Taking a detour from the traditional evergreen wreath, this twig-based wreath has a variety of dried and fresh material. It’s a nod to Mother Nature and the bounty of the Hudson Valley.”
Photo courtesy of Petalos Floral Design
13. Use pine tree accents that shine
To truly embrace the holiday spirit, incorporate real pine into your wreath design. Fairfield County, CT lifestyle blogger, Sydney Yaeko explains her love for fresh, authentic materials. “When it comes to wreaths, there’s nothing better than real pine, real pine cones, and real berries. Decorate with your favorite ribbon, and spray with a little water every day to make it last as long as possible. Sure, you may have to sweep up pine needles by your front door, but it’s always worth it for that festive aroma.”
For an added touch, Laura Abrams from the San Diego, CA interior design firm, Laura Abrams Design, suggests adding faux elements to a traditional fir or pine wreath. “We like to embellish with pine cones and faux cranberries to bring in elements of nature. A velvet bow adds a touch of luxury.”
Photo courtesy of Laura Abrams Design
If your style leans more rustic, Glenn Wasman of Evolve – The Christmas Store of New York in Lyons offers creative holiday wreath ideas. “We encourage our customers to combine natural elements such as pinecones, bits of branches, and twigs interwoven with pieces of burlap and bits of twine for a rustic elegance look. Additionally, try hot gluing broken ornaments to a wreath frame for a one-of-a-kind creation.”
14. Give your wreath a subtle, festive look
If understated elegance is your style, consider a subtle approach to your holiday wreath. Starting with a high-quality, realistic base sets the foundation for a timeless design that can evolve with your tastes.
Kristin, owner of Dwelling Envy Interiors offering virtual services emphasizes versatility. “For me, crafting a beautiful and festive wreath begins with selecting a high-quality, realistic-looking base. I prefer to keep things versatile by purchasing a plain, undecorated wreath, which gives me the freedom to update its look each year to match my evolving style, taste, and home decor.”
For decoration, she relies on simple yet sophisticated accents. “Large satin or velvet bows, loosely tied, create an effortless, timeless look. To add an extra touch of sparkle for those long winter nights, I often incorporate white lights to create a soft, festive glow.”
Photo courtesy of Dwelling Envy Interiors
Similarly, Mallory Hoggard, owner and lead designer at Mallory Hoggard Interiors speaks to the minimalist Christmas trend many are embracing in their decor. “A simple wreath with an elegant bow is all you need to give the spirit of the holidays a modern welcome to your front door.”
Photo courtesy of Mallory Hoggard Interiors
15. Try a bohemian-inspired wreath
Blend holiday cheer with a touch of free-spirited style by creating a bohemian-inspired wreath. This design pairs natural elements with artistic flair for a look that feels both festive and relaxed. “Start with a wire wreath frame and layer magnolia leaves around it, securing them with floral wire for a lush, earthy base,” says Jennifer Wagener, an interior designer with Elmsbrook Designs in Rock Hill, SC. “To add texture, tuck in feathers of varying lengths—think pheasant or peacock feathers—to create movement and dimension. For a whimsical finishing touch, tie pieces of natural twine or macramé strands at the bottom to give the wreath a carefree, boho look.” To extend its life, she recommends using fresh magnolia leaves for their natural gloss, then preserving them with a quick clear-drying spray.
For another take on the boho style, the team at Timeless Designs by Melissa in Sioux Falls, SD shares alternative holiday wreath ideas. “Start with a simple grapevine base and layer pampas grass, dried lavender, and bunny tails for texture. Add festive touches like gold-painted pinecones or miniature bells, then finish with a soft velvet ribbon for a luxe, understated look. The neutral tones make this wreath ideal for the minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired holiday decor, and it transitions seamlessly into winter.”
Moreover, the team recommends hanging this wreath above a fireplace mantel or leaning it against a wall as part of a layered display with candles and holiday garlands for a truly boho-chic vibe.
16. Add a festive sparkle with Christmas bulbs
For a wreath that sparkles with holiday spirit, Christmas bulbs are a perfect addition. These colorful, nostalgic ornaments instantly brighten your decor, offering a playful yet sophisticated look. Pairing their shimmer with natural elements like evergreens creates an eye-catching wreath design.
Lisa Tostenson, owner of Lisa Tostenson Interiors, suggests a simple but striking approach. “String together Christmas bulbs with a thick wire. Add as many or as few as you like, and finish it off by wiring in evergreen sprigs.” Whether you go for a minimalist arrangement or a more abundant display, this combination of bulbs and greenery brings a cheerful, timeless holiday aesthetic that radiates joy.
17. Purchase a unique, handmade felt wreath
If crafting isn’t on your holiday to-do list, consider a ready-made option that combines style, sustainability, and purpose. Neighborly, a modern home decor shop located in Chicago’s Wicker Park and Lincoln Square neighborhoods, offers a fair-trade felt Mistletoe Wreath that is sure to add that festive touch to your home. Handmade by female artisans from around the globe, this wreath not only brings holiday cheer, but also supports fair wages and stable work for their families. Additionally, this fun wreath is reusable year after year, making it a sustainable addition to your holiday celebrations.
Photo courtesy of Neighborly
18. Steps to keep in mind when following these holiday wreath ideas
Whatever style or materials you choose for your wreath, a few key principles can help ensure a beautiful and balanced design. “Remember the basic principles of form, color, texture, and balance,” says Dwight from Touch of Elegance Floral Designs in Roanoke, VA. “To give it a festive touch, add pine cones—real or fake—along with bows and ribbon, and consider incorporating fairy lights for extra sparkle. Keep the wreath slim and refined, avoiding too much bulk. To attach your items, use hot glue, wire picks, or pipe cleaner wire. Above all, embrace creativity and have fun with the process.”
Holiday wreath ideas for your home
As you explore these stunning wreath decorating ideas, remember that the most meaningful designs are those that capture your personal style and the essence of the season. Whether you’re drawn to natural greenery, bold pops of color, or a more rustic, handcrafted charm, the possibilities for creating a wreath that’s uniquely yours are endless. Embrace the creative process and let these holiday wreath ideas become a festive statement that welcomes everyone into your home.
