There are always endless trends on how we should be decorating our homes at Christmas, but one we hope to stay is the play upon the classic wreath tradition.
You'd typically see festive wreaths hung pridefully on a front door of course, but this year we are seeing more and more wreaths being used to deck the halls indoors – bringing wreaths out of the cold and using them to frame room focal points and create a cohesive festive scheme throughout a home.
Gisela Graham, expert on all things Christmas decor, explains 'Wreaths are traditionally hung on doors and in windows at Christmas to celebrate Advent and bring good luck into the home. But they’re far too versatile and beautiful to leave out in the cold! They definitely deserve a place indoors too, as part of your general festive decorations.'
We spoke with designers who agree a wreath is wasted just being used on the door, and these are the spots they suggest trying them out this year.
Bring a wreath into the entryway
The purpose of the wreath is to frame and highlight an area and bring an overall festive feel to a space. Wreaths work so well as Christmas decor as they look impactful placed almost anywhere. They're such a recognizable symbol of festivity, so popping one in an often-used area like an entryway invites guests in and ensures it won't go unnoticed.
Designer Kathy Kuo says 'The beauty of a nice wreath is that you really can hang it anywhere in your home and instantly add holiday cheer! Wreaths look great swapped into a gallery wall, on the outside of internal doors, and hanging in the entryway to greet visitors right as they walk into your home.'
If you're tight for space and worried about a statement wreath overwhelming a small area, a top tip is to try wreaths in various sizes. There are so many available, so don't assume they have to make a large declaration, as Kathy says, 'there's something out there for every space!'
Create a focal point above a fireplace
You would've undoubtedly seen designers hanging wreaths on top of mirrors, it's been a big Christmas decorating trend so far this season. The mirror creates the illusion of a fuller wreath that pronounces your centerpiece and hangs with impact and drama.
It's common to find a large mirror above the mantelpiece, so where better to put your wreath if yours is empty? Gisela agrees 'The most obvious inside location for a wreath is above a fireplace, in place of a mirror or other wall-hanging decorations. They add an instant focal point for the eye.'
It's the classic place (other than the front door) to hang one. Designer Emily Henderson concurs, saying 'I, of course, love putting a wreath over a fireplace. I love how cozy and festive it makes our living room feel. My one tip is to have fun with using ribbons. It makes all the difference.'
If you want to really up the Christmas vibes, try wrapping a garland around your mantel along with hanging your wreath. Both decor pieces are made from leafy green foliage, so would look perfectly coordinated. Go in with some lights to bring color and warmth around the Christmas fireplace for the ultimate holiday look.
Use wreaths to add a festive flourish to the kitchen
Wreaths in a kitchen provide a much-needed festive addition to an otherwise very practical space.
It's best to position your wreaths away from anywhere that needs constant access (like near the oven or in front of kitchen drawers), as they'll become a nuisance when you're busy cooking, particularly over the holiday season. A top tip is to hang them high on pretty architectural points in the room, like windows, doors, or on a central wall.
Emily Henderson's Christmas kitchen is perfectly festive whilst remaining practical. She explains, 'I am really leaning into putting wreaths in our windows indoors. It's not a new concept and it's a classic for a reason! I love how cozy it makes my kitchen feel.'
She uses green foliage around her wreaths and in a potted arrangement to create coordination and unite the colors. Also, note her DIY approach to embellishing her wreaths. She takes ribbons and strands of fabric to create charming, bespoke bows that hang beautifully inside the ring of leaves.
Decorate the backs of dining chairs
The dining room is usually the center of holiday gatherings and is where the all-important Christmas feast unfolds. If all of your guests gathered at the table, it makes sense to decorate this room with as much festivity as possible, and wreaths make an easy, no fuss-addition.
There are endless options when it comes to hanging a wreath in the dining room. Like designer Shea McGee, You could buy small rings and place them at the back of each chair, to frame each guest's seat and create a cheery table arrangement. Or, you could create a tablescape with a glorious statement wreath positioned in the center.
Gisela is a big fan of wreaths in this room. She says, 'Wreaths can look especially good at the end of the dining table, drawing attention to other ornaments, garlands, and even a nearby tree. If you don’t have a mantlepiece or shelf in the right position, then simply hanging them on a wall can be equally effective as part of your overall display.' Positioning your festive ring at the end of the table on an architectural point of interest mounts the table and gives an overall grand feel to the room.
Suspend a wreath
Gisela suggests a fun, alternative way of using wreaths that contrasts with the traditional hanging placement.
'If you’re feeling particularly creative, why not turn them horizontally and hang them with wire or ribbon over a console table in the entryway, a dining table, or even an island in the kitchen? Adding in extra stems of foliage will give you the perfect shape from beneath and the wonderful ‘halo’ effect provides a perfect hanging place for other decorations.'
A classic blend of Christmas berries and leaves for the ultimate festive wreath that would suit any room in your home.
This Faux Lit Mixed Berries Wreath is available in a small, 17" size, making the perfect accompaniment to your dining chairs.
For a fresh take on the classic Christmas wreath, try this delicate floral wreath woven with pretty dried flowers.
The experts have shown us that there are so many simple yet effective ways to style wreaths at home. Bring a touch of nature inside and evoke all the wintery feels this Christmas.
