12 Holiday Wreaths to Add a Festive Touch to Your Home

On your window, mantel or front door, a spectacular wreath will really add a big dose of holiday spirit to your home. The practice of decorating with Christmas wreaths is said to have started with the Romans who hung them on their doors as a sign of victory and to demonstrate their status in society. Catholics used Christmas wreaths with four candles for the Advent season, as did other Christian denominations.  Most often, they are associated with Pagans, who also used wreaths with four candles, however these symbolized the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water.

When choosing a wreath, you don’t have to go green and red or traditional. There’s a style and color scheme for every taste — make it yourself or buy one that’s ready to hang. We checked out the selection at our local floral and home decor boutique, Experience and Creative Design, and found lots of different options for your home. Here are a dozen of our favorites:

Traditional

Classic greenery adorned with natural winter elements like pinecones and red accents is always an appropriate choice for the holidays. This type has links to Pagan culture because they were known to bring twigs and boughs into the home during the long, dark winter because their religion and customs center around nature and the faith that light and spring will return.

This round of lush pine boughs is accented with frosted holly, red berries and large pinecones. The lavish wreath is accented with a nest and a cardinal, which is a common winter bird in many snowy, northern areas. It’s a luxe arrangement for a traditional red and green color scheme.

Traditional colors and greenery look grand on a rich brown wooden door.
Traditional colors and greenery look grand on a rich brown wooden door.

Add a country twist to a traditional wreath like this one with a big plaid bow. The muted green and beige hues — and just a touch of gold — give a nod to the season without being too obvious. Holly sprigs tucked among the pine boughs and a few bundles of shiny balls add a little pizzazz to the green wreath.

This would be really nice on a door as well as on a window like this one.
This would be really nice on a door as well as on a window like this one.

Natural

Also traditional but more rustic and organic, this example eschews red accents for natural elements. Pine cones, white berries and other white flora, along with some twigs, are combined to make this very casual wreath.  It is less precisely arranged but still has a plush feeling that would be wonderful on a farmhouse-style door.

Even paired with shiny accents like these pillar candle sticks, it is still a very natural decoration.
Even paired with shiny accents like these pillar candle sticks, it is still a very natural decoration.

Another example of a natural wreath is this one that uses a sparing amount of greenery and an abundance of pine cones and branches. The pine boughs form a more sparse, spiky base that lets the pinecones and twigs take center stage. This is a very rustic and natural choice, best paired with earthy, casual accessories.

This works for a door or wall, but is particularly nice on a window.
This works for a door or wall, but is particularly nice on a window.

Natural doesn’t have to equal pine cones and this traditional fir wreath shows how. With the addition of an unexpected ring of succulents,  it is both different and trendy. It can also grace your door for a longer time period than a traditionally bedecked holiday wreath. Add a bow that has spring colors and you can leave it up even longer!

An all-green palette and the absence of traditional bling make this wreath extra natural.
An all-green palette and the absence of traditional bling make this wreath extra natural.

Shine and Chartreuse

Of course green comes in many shades and this wreath is all about a brighter hue. Underneath, a base of traditional pine boughs lays the foundation for a variety of chartreuse ornaments, sheer organza ribbon, and snowy white accent foliage that has some extra sparkle. The verdant decoration celebrates nature and gives a hope of spring with its pale colors of newly emerging plants.

Ball ornaments that are shiny, along with some that are matte, accent the wreath.
Ball ornaments that are shiny, along with some that are matte, accent the wreath.

Ocean-Inspired

For something completely different, try this wreath that is fashioned from pieces of driftwood and embellished with vines, leaves and green plants. This wreath has a highly organic vibe and would work for coastal home or a casual country house. It is devoid of the stereotypical Christmas embellishments and evergreen elements but still adds a festive air and would be grand paired with some elegant holiday accessories.

Thinking outside the box when choosing a wreath can help make a dramatic impact.
Thinking outside the box when choosing a wreath can help make a dramatic impact.

Silver and Gold

Traditional holiday metallics take on a different feeling when they stand on their own instead of being paired with greenery. This lavish wreath is composed of lacy branches coated in glittering gold and accented with bundles of coppery ornaments that add extra bling. The ample, multi-looped bow is another sumptuous accent.

Non-traditional wreath colors can make a dramatic statement.
Non-traditional wreath colors can make a dramatic statement.

A similar color scheme can be incorporated in a less glitzy wreath. This version features many small pine cones, dried hydrangeas, gilded leaf accents and clusters of shiny, copper ball ornaments. Lengths of raffia are scattered throughout the piece, increasing its volume as well as its delicacy.

This is rustic and lush, with just a bit of bling.
This is rustic and lush, with just a bit of bling.

Of course, combining a wreath of traditional green fir tree boughs and plenty of gold decor is always appropriate! This lush arrangement sports golden berries, balls and sprigs of gilded accents. It’s decidedly flashy, with just the right amount of glimmer!

Using accents and ornaments of one color is an easy way to put together a stunning wreath.
Using accents and ornaments of one color is an easy way to put together a stunning wreath.

Pretty in Pink

Non-traditionalists can opt for wreaths that use colors other than the usual red, green and metallic combinations. This lustrous wreath is done in millennial pink and has plenty of sparkle, which all comes together in a lighthearted and lively arrangement. The placement of shimmering accents that spring from the main wreath add dimension and playfulness in an unexpected composition.

Shades of pink make for an eye-catching alternative holiday decoration.
Shades of pink make for an eye-catching alternative holiday decoration.

Winter White

White fir boughs became popular with the advent of flocked Christmas trees, which were all the rage in the late 1950s and 1960s, according to Mental Floss. While General Mills marketed kits so that you could flock your own tree at home using your vacuum cleaner, these days, people tend to leave the process to the professionals. This is really popular in areas of the south where it is too warm to snow. Or, you can opt to purchase artificial trees and wreaths made of white fir branches.

This frosty white wreath features the most popular metallic combination — silver — in the form of ball ornaments, glittered accent leaves and a beaded crystal garland.  Even if you live in an area with snow, it’s the perfect way to bring some beautiful frostiness into your decor.

Ribbons dangling from the back add interest without detracting from the white and silver color scheme.
Ribbons dangling from the back add interest without detracting from the white and silver color scheme.

Whatever your style or color scheme, you can find a gorgeous wreath for your home.  Mix it up and try something different this year. Go rustic or natural — or even pink or blue.  Whatever makes you feel most festive!