9 Christmas Wreath Ideas to Welcome a Steady Stream of Holiday Guests
Whether your style skews classic or contemporary, the right wreath can be the showstopper in your seasonal decorations
’Tis the season to deck the halls, string the Christmas lights, and hang our favorite holiday decorations. These Christmas wreath ideas make it easy to envision a standout decor moment for this holiday season. Wreaths are, arguably, the most elegant holiday decor around. But while they may be traditional, they’re anything but boring. A wreath is an invitation to get creative and lean into your style, whether it’s classic or contemporary. (And it’s a beautiful symbol of infinite joy, with no beginning and no end.) Whether you hang them on a door, a mantel, or anyplace that needs a little Christmas right this very minute, these Christmas wreath ideas will add just the perfect, welcoming touch to your holiday decor. From traditional evergreens with red berries to more modern and foraged iterations, this classic adornment gets any home ready for the holidays.
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Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Lissack Interiors1/9Add lush berries
Fruit and berries are nature’s version of ornaments, and they turn any wreath into a celebration of abundance. “This wreath was very heavy on the berries, from big to small berries, rather than statement flowers,” says Melanie Lissack, owner of Melanie Lissack Interiors. “I used a lot of dried fruit slices because I liked how the orange sat nicely with the rest of the green, red, purple, and pink tones.” Red and pink ribbon pulls the entire berry wreath together, accentuating the pink of the Hypericum and the red pampas grass.
Photo: Irving Blanco2/9Mix contrasting greenery
For visual interest, use two different types of greenery, as Kate Hartman, owner of Kate Hartman Interiors, does here. “I like to mix in contrasting greenery: eucalyptus or cedar, layered into a boxwood or spruce wreath, instantly adds depth,” says Hartman. “Then finish it off with a draped silk bow for a look that feels effortless rather than stiff.”
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Photo: Courtesy of Simply Southern Cottage3/9Go small to make a big impression
A few smaller wreaths can have just as big an impact as one larger wreath, especially when placed over a mantel in the living room. “This fireplace design incorporates a trio of boxwood wreaths hung using fishing line,” says Sara McDaniel, a designer, renovator, and owner of Simply Southern Cottage digital brand and rental properties. “The boxwood accents are kept clean and unadorned while warmed up with candles and complemented with adorable stockings!”
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Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Lissack Interiors4/9Go free-form
A modern, wild, unstructured Christmas wreath might be the way to go with your holiday decor. Just look at this splashy but simple pampas grass wreath. “It’s made up from red pampas grass and this dyed pink foliage I discovered that year at the flower market, which was such a statement in itself, it didn’t need much else adding to the design,” Lissack says.
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Photo: Brenda Ramirez Photography5/9Layer for lushness
Building a DIY wreath is all about the layers of greenery and accents—this complexity makes the wreath feel more elevated and lush, says Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors. “I always aim for three types of greenery (one being the base wreath) and then some organic extras like berries, flowers, or pine cones, and then finally the ribbon or bow,” she says. Her favorite greenery go-tos include white/scotch pine, magnolia leaves, cypress branches, rosemary, and holly leaves.
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Photo: Courtesy of Lush Petals Florist6/9Go glam with gold accents
What are the holidays without a little sparkle? This wreath utilizes a champagne, gold, and rose gold color palette for an opulent pine cone wreath. “We opted for gold glass baubles as well as painted magnolia leaves with glossy and satin matte finishes to emphasize the premium quality of the wreath,” says Genia Silvia, founder and creative director of Lush Petals Florist. “Rose gold painted pine cones were put in clusters (rather than spread evenly around the wreath) to create a luxurious effect.”
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Photo: Courtesy of Aurore Lambert7/9Use blue accents for a wintry look
For a Christmas wreath idea that can extend past the holiday season, incorporate blues and greens. Here, Aurore Lambert, holiday stylist for PIEvents and Co., uses blueberries, pine cone accents, a sweet bow crafted from ribbon and printed with an evergreen tree design, and further accents with blue and green ribbon. The effect is more “winter wonderland” than “Christmas holiday.”
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Photo: Courtesy of Simply Southern Cottage8/9Go big!
A larger, showier wreath can act as the anchor to your outdoor holiday decor. “Snow-topped accent pieces with decorative ribbons make this wreath a showstopper for the front door; folks stop for a picture of the home in the town’s historic district,” says McDaniel. “Go big or go home is one of my design principles, and this stunning wreath accomplishes that.” Pro tip: Instead of hanging the door decor over the glass window, McDaniel added a small nail right underneath it for a wreath hanger that preserves visibility.
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Photo: Stephani Buchman9/9Add ribbon for warmth
Boxwood wreaths “provide texture, color, and just enough visual interest without taking away from the beauty of clean lines and light,” says Lindsay Thornton, owner of Cornerstone Design Build, who added them to this home’s breakfast nook windows in a way that perfectly complements the existing home decor. “Pairing them with something like a velvet olive green ribbon adds to the simplicity. This works especially well in transitional-style homes where boxwood can add a level of formality to a space while the simple ribbon can keep it from being overly done.” In other words, if a boxwood wreath seems a bit stiff or formal, add a velvet ribbon for some sweetness and softness.
Shop the Look: AD-Approved Wreaths
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to my Christmas wreath?
The beauty of a wreath is that you can truly add anything you want while you DIY—that’s part of the fun. “I’ve incorporated fresh flowers in water tubes, dried citrus, feathers, and even layers of ribbon to give store-bought wreaths new life,” says Ellie Christopher, owner and principal designer of Ellie Christopher Interior Design. “It all comes down to the mood you’re trying to create. Whether you’re after something natural and textural or sculptural and bold, the possibilities are endless.”
Do bows look better on the top or bottom of wreaths?
It’s a matter of personal preference—but if you want a statement-making wreath, place the bow on top, says Gabrielle Santiago, owner and principal designer of Gabrielle Santiago Design. “They’ll anchor your eyeline at the top and help you appreciate the smaller details as your eye moves downward,” she explains.
Otherwise, think about where your wreath will be placed to help guide where the bow ends up. “For wreaths on your front windows or front door, it depends on whether you want to accentuate height or balance proportions,” she says. “If your windows are square (not tall), place the bow at the bottom. If they’re tall, place it at the top.”
What does a wreath on the front door mean?
A wreath on the front door is a symbol of welcome. “It’s an unspoken invitation of peace and goodwill to anyone who walks through,” says Santiago. Complement your Christmas wreath with a beautiful garland, some twinkly Christmas lights, and maybe even a small Christmas tree or a beautiful poinsettia (if indoors!) for a festive entryway.
