How to Care for a Christmas Wreath

29th May, 2025

Eleanora

Style

Is there anything more festive than a beautifully adorned front door, crowned with a stunning Christmas wreath? It’s the ultimate wintry greeting, radiating warmth, charm, and a sprinkling of seasonal magic. But let’s be honest – keeping your wreath fresh and fabulous through the entire Christmas season can feel like an impossible feat.

Fear not! With a few handy Christmas wreath care tips, you'll keep yours looking fresh, fragrant, and altogether fabulous, long past Christmas Day.

We’ve gathered the best advice from our professional florists who are absolute artists when it comes to creating long-lasting, show-stopping Christmas door wreaths. So, grab your misting spray and some festive spirit, and learn how to care for a Christmas wreath like a pro.

1. Choose Your Wreath Wisely

Let’s start with the basics: what kind of wreath should you be looking for if you want it to last? You might be tempted to go all out with exotic blooms, but longevity is key if you’re hoping for a wreath that survives until New Year’s Eve (or at least Christmas Day).

For a wreath with real stamina, focus on durable flowers like carnations and chrysanthemums, which tend to hold up well in cooler weather. Or, if you want to play it really safe, consider an all-greenery wreath. Think lush sprigs of pine, holly, or ivy – the greenery not only looks fabulous but can stay fresh for two to three weeks with a bit of love and care.

That said, if you absolutely must have those luxurious orchids or delicate roses in your wreath, here’s the trick: order your wreath close to Christmas to ensure your stunning (but fussy) blooms are in prime condition for the big day. After all, nothing says "wow" quite like a Christmas door wreath filled with fresh, vibrant flowers welcoming your guests on Christmas Eve.

2. Water, Water, Water!

You might be thinking, “Wait, water a wreath? Isn’t that just for houseplants?” but your Christmas wreath needs hydration, too! This is the secret weapon to keeping it fresh and looking fabulous.

Every other day, give your wreath a gentle spritz with water, focusing on the foliage and any flowers. This will help the greenery to stay lush and the flowers to bloom for longer. Not to mention, if you’re using scented greenery like eucalyptus, that spritz will revive its festive fragrance, filling the air with a delightful, wintry scent. Just don’t go overboard – no one wants a soggy wreath! A light misting is all it needs to stay fresh and perky. Consider it your new mistle-wreath tradition.

3. Protect It from the Elements

Your Christmas wreath may be resilient, but it’s not invincible. Just like us, flowers and foliage don’t appreciate extreme weather conditions, especially when frost is on the way. So, if the temperature is set to plummet overnight, give your wreath a bit of shelter.

Pop it into a cool, sheltered place like a garage or shed overnight if frost is forecast. This will help to preserve the freshness of the foliage and prevent any delicate flowers from wilting or turning into sad little ice sculptures. Just don’t bring your wreath indoors for long periods. While it might seem tempting to give it a cosy spot, indoor heat will speed up the ageing process of flowers and foliage. Which brings us neatly to…

4. Keep Your Wreath Away from Heat

We all love toasty toes by the fire, but your Christmas wreath certainly doesn’t. Excessive heat is a sure-fire way to send your lovely blooms into early retirement.

If you're dreaming of hanging your wreath above the fireplace, stop right there! The warmth from the fire (or even central heating) can cause your blooms to wilt faster than you can say "Merry Christmas." Instead, hang your wreath in a cooler spot, ideally outdoors, where it can enjoy the crisp winter air. If you absolutely must display it indoors, choose a cool, draft-free area to minimise heat exposure. The great outdoors is the best place for your wreath to thrive.

5. Get Creative with Your Christmas Wreath

Now, if you’re the type who likes to put up the decorations as soon as the calendar hits December (and no judgement if you are – we see you, early bird!), you might be worried about how to keep your wreath looking fresh all month long. Here’s a creative solution: embrace the change!

If you notice your flowers starting to fade, simply replace them with new blooms. Not only does this keep your wreath looking fresh, but it’s also an opportunity to experiment with different colours and textures throughout the festive season. Imagine surprising your neighbours with a Christmas wreath that evolves from traditional reds and greens in early December to glistening whites and silvers closer to Christmas Day.

By swapping out fading blooms, you’re creating a dynamic, evolving decoration that’ll keep everyone guessing. Who says your wreath has to look the same all season long?

Extra Christmas Wreath Care Tips: A Few Final Flourishes

While we’ve covered the key steps to Christmas wreath care, there are a few more finishing touches you can add to ensure your wreath stays merry and bright:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Just like heat, too much sunlight can cause flowers and greenery to dry out. Try to hang your wreath in a shaded or partially shaded area.
Use Anti-Desiccant Sprays: If you really want to go the extra mile, consider using an anti-desiccant spray. This handy product helps lock in moisture, keeping your wreath hydrated for longer.
Skip the Hot Glue (If You Can): If you’re a DIY wreath maker, avoid using hot glue to attach fresh flowers as it can damage the blooms. Opt for florist wire instead, which will hold everything in place without compromising the flowers’ lifespan.
Enjoy It! Your wreath is a reflection of your festive spirit, so enjoy every moment of it! Whether you’ve crafted it yourself or bought it from your favourite florist (it’s us, isn’t it?), a well-loved wreath is a cherished part of Christmas tradition.

Final Thoughts on How to Care for a Christmas Wreath

A fresh Christmas door wreath is more than just a festive accessory – it’s a symbol of the whole season, welcoming visitors with cheer and setting the tone for your home. By following these simple Christmas wreath care tips, you can keep your wreath looking fresh, fragrant, and fabulous all season long.

So, grab that misting spray, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and let your creativity flow. With the right care, your wreath will continue to spread joy right through to the New Year – no wilting allowed! Merry Christmas, and happy wreath-caring!

Deck the halls delightfully! Check out our hand-crafted Christmas wreaths, and get ready to be the envy of your neighbours this festive floral season. Or, if Christmas flowers are more your bag, we’ve got those too (obviously, but we couldn’t miss a chance to share our favourite blooms, right?)

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