When we think of wreaths, most of us typically envision a traditional wreath
made of greenery. This is usually accompanied by a bow of some sort and possibly
pinecones. While these traditional Christmas wreath will always be steadfast
favorites, there are many other ways to decorate and use wreaths. By taking a
fresh approach to an old decoration, you can create something really unique and
special that will be a centerpiece in your home for years to come. Here are a
few things to consider when you rethink your idea of wreaths:
This will
likely have the biggest impact on the structure and material of your wreath.
Obviously if the location is outdoors, it must be made of weatherproof
materials. Indoor wreaths are primarily impacted by their location in the home,
as their construction and decorations will likely reflect their
surroundings.
How Will It Be Displayed? Traditionally, wreaths have been
hung above fireplaces and on front doors. However, the sky really is the limit
on where your wreath might go. Here are a few different ideas to
consider:
Window: Facing outside, inside or both by using a double-sided
wreath hanger, such as ribbon, chain, or rope.
On a mirror: The size of
your mirror will dictate the size of your wreath.
From a lighted wall
sconce: Anywhere in the home, even the bathroom!
Dining room chair: Small
wreaths can really dress up the back of a dining chair when tied with bright
ribbon.
Easel: Prop a large, lighted wreath on an easel in one corner of
a room. This works great when you have limited wall space, and can replace a
tree in a small area.
Table: Lay it on a table and put candles or a bowl
of fruit in the center.
Lighted hutch: A wreath propped up in a lighted
hutch or curio cabinet is an unexpected surprise any time of year!
Tree:
Wreaths of different materials can be used to decorate a Christmas tree for an
added touch of elegance or whimsy.
Packages: Use a small wreath tied to a
ribbon to dress up a special gift.
The location of your wreath will
usually determine its size. Wreath sizes can vary greatly; however, most indoor
wreaths range in size from 6 to 48 inches. An outdoor wreath used as a focal
point on a home's exterior might be as large as 72 inches in
diameter.
Material
The material of your wreath will greatly impact
its overall design and appearance. While the options are endless, below are some
ideas to start with:
Greenery: Fresh or artificial
Natural
materials such as pinecones, nuts, wheat, straw, grapevines, fresh or dried
herbs, fresh or dried flowers, shells, leaves.
Manmade materials such as
Christmas balls, fabric, ribbon, paper or
metal.
Decorations
Finally the fun stuff! Your imagination is the
limit when it comes to a wreath's decorations. When decorating your wreath, it's
important to consider the location (for example, an outdoor wreath should have
weatherproof decorations), and who will be enjoying it. Below are some ideas to
help get you started.
Living Room: Same color and possibly same
decorations as your tree.
Kitchen: Try decorating with cookie cutters,
kitchen utensils, herbs, cinnamon sticks, etc.
Children's Room: Hand made
ornaments, toys, candy canes, etc.
Hobby related wreaths: Sports team
colors or paraphernalia, sewing or needlecraft implements, antique cars or
tractors, gardening tools, etc.
Whatever your choices, remember to have
fun and use your imagination! Your finished wreath will be one-of-a-kind, and
you will want to protect it so that you can use it in the future. Be sure to
consider this when you are storing it away by using products that are durable
and convenient. There are many wreath storage bags and boxes on the market today
that will keep your wreaths protected while in storage. By choosing an
appropriate storage container, you'll ensure that your wreath can be enjoyed for
years to come.
Ellen Bell works for The Christmas Tree Storage Shop, a
retail website offering seasonal storage solutions for all your holiday
decorations, including Christmas
wreath storage products. Visit us to find a wreath
storage box or bag to protect and store your holiday wreaths.
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