Using a fresh evergreen wreath is a traditional choice, both because it smells wonderful and because it is a touch of Nature, adding its beauty to the season. A faux wreath, on the other hand, can be put away and used again next year, and it doesn’t drop needles when it gets dried out. It’s really your choice – the artificial wreaths look very realistic, but don’t smell nearly as nice! You might also look for holly as an alternative to evergreen boughs, whether real or faux.

Every Wreath Deserves a Ribbon (and a Bow)

This is the first step in creating your personal masterpiece. So many types of ribbons are available for the holiday season, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. But if you have given some thought to the theme of your decorations this year, it will help you to choose your ribbon. For example, if you are going with a traditional Victorian look, a plaid taffeta ribbon and large bow would look smashing in red and green.

Another traditional look is the red velveteen ribbon and bow – these are very generic, however, and might need some “bling” to make the ribbon stand out. How about adding a bit of glitter? Or sprinkling sequins in multi-colors on the bow, held in place with spray fabric glue?

If your theme is more contemporary and sleek, look for metallic ribbon in silver, gold, or purple.

Wired ribbon is preferred when making a bow that will hold up to the elements, and it can be found in multitudes of colors and patterns and finishes. It comes in a variety of widths as well, so pick a ribbon 3” wide or more for visual impact. Long “tails” give the bow some elegance as well.

Ornaments Add Sparkle

You could just stop there, with the bow. However, it’s really very easy to glam up your wreath with little extra effort.

For your traditionally styled wreath, gather pine cones, twigs with berries or dried flowers and attach them to the wreath with hot glue or florist wire. Dried baby’s breath is particularly effective against the color of the evergreens.  One of my favorite flowers to use at Christmas is the red rose – in this case, artificial works best.  Wind the stem around the frame of the wreath so that the rose appears to nestle among the pine needles.

Sleigh bells work well with traditional themes, and add a musical note when the front door is opened.

For modern wreaths try using white or silver snowflakes, silver bells, white “icicles”, or gilded faux fruits.

Color Outside the Box

A different color palette might be teal blue ribbon on a silver wreath, with silver star-shaped ornaments tucked around the wreath. Perhaps hot pink is your favorite? How about making a wreath by winding a pink feather boa around a wire frame, and adding a rosette formed by small silver or mercury glass-type ball ornaments?

A white wreath with red-and-white candy canes and a red bow would be charming on a front door painted red!

You will find an enormous array of Christmas accessories at your local hobby or craft store, with which to decorate your wreath for the front door.  Look for the unusual – small doves in white or covered in beads, red cardinals that are feathered or sequined; poinsettia picks in just about any color you want; miniature nutcrackers and drummer boys, angels and Santas, and tiny plastic musical instruments – all will add dimension and style to your design.

And your wreath won’t look like any other wreath on the block! Happy creating!