How to Properly Store Decorative Wreaths to Keep Them Looking Their Best

Where to Store Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths

Decorative wreaths are a classic way to celebrate the holidays and seasons. However, proper storage is crucial to preserve your wreaths and allow them to last for years to come. Here are some tips on the best storage solutions for different types of wreaths.

Natural Wreaths

Natural wreaths made from fresh greenery, pinecones, and berries require more care than artificial wreaths. Here are some storage ideas to keep them looking their best:

• Hang upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area like a shed or garage
• Lay flat in a single layer on a screen or rack so air can circulate all around
• Place in a large paper or mesh bag and store in a cool spot
• Use drier sheets or natural potpourri to prevent mold and mildew growth

Artificial Wreaths

Artificial wreaths have more flexibility for storage options since you don't have to worry about natural materials drying out. Consider these ideas:

1. Slide wreath onto a round cardboard tube or wrapping paper roll for support
2. Stack wreaths by placing sheets of cardboard in between each one
3. Hang on a wall hook or wreath hanger mounted on the wall or ceiling
4. Lay flat in a large plastic bin or under a bed

Outdoor vs. Indoor Storage

Outdoor storage works well for natural wreaths that need airflow. Indoor spaces like closets keep artificial wreaths dust-free. Choose the option that best suits your wreath type and home storage availability.

Storing Wreath Accessories

Don't forget about coordinating wreath accessories like bows, pinecones, and ornament hooks. Use small storage containers like:

• Plastic bins or boxes
• Hanging shoe organizers
• Jewelry or tackle boxes
• Zipper pouches

Carefully packed away accessories will be ready to help decorate wreaths for holidays year after year.

With some forethought and proper storage, you can enjoy your decorative wreaths for many seasons to come. Follow these tips to protect your investment and reduce the need to buy replacements.

Protecting Your Wreaths from Damage

After spending time and money on beautiful wreaths for your home, the last thing you want is for them to get crushed, faded, or otherwise damaged before you get to properly enjoy them. Follow these tips to keep your wreaths looking their best for as long as possible.

Handle With Care

First things first, use care when getting wreaths down from storage and placing them for display. Things like:

• Avoid dropping wreaths or knocking them against walls and doorframes.
• Carefully unwind any wrapping like burlap or plastic sheeting.
• Fluff out squished branches, leaves, or other natural materials.

For example, last year I squished the leaves on my grapevine wreath when I hurriedly unwrapped it without paying attention. Taking just 5 extra minutes to gently reshape it made a huge visual difference.

Protect from Elements

Wreaths placed outdoors will be exposed to sun, wind, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. You can help mitigate the damage by:

1. Hanging under eaves or covered porches
2. Choosing protected wall locations over doors
3. Using clear plastic to create a barrier against precipitation
4. Replacing faded ribbons and dried out greenery regularly

One year I lost half the berries off my front door wreath because I didn't check the weather before a huge rainstorm hit!

Dusting and Cleaning

Regular light cleaning keeps wreaths looking fresher longer. Just don't use harsh chemicals or overly wet methods that could damage materials.

Proper Storage

How you store wreaths between seasons and holidays also prevents damage down the road:

• Allow all materials to fully dry before storage to prevent mold
• Wrap loosely in breathable fabric like burlap or muslin
• Cushion wire frames with acid-free tissue paper
• Keep natural and artificial wreaths separate

One Christmas I wrapped my wreath too tightly in plastic before storage. By next December half the leaves were crushed and brown!

Know When to Replace

Even with the best care, wreaths wear out over time. Some signs yours needs replacing include:

• Fading colors
• Brittle or broken materials
• Sagging wire frame
• Mildew, mold, or evidence of insects

Don't wait until a wreath is falling apart—replace at the first signs of wear. Your home will look its best and you'll get more years of use from new wreaths.

Protect your wreath investment by handling with care, keeping clean, storing properly, and knowing when to replace. With some simple maintenance steps, you can enjoy beautifully decorated doors, walls, and mantels for many seasons to come.

Creative Wreath Display Ideas

Hanging a wreath on the front door is classic, but why stop there? Use these creative display ideas to get more mileage out of your wreaths and decorate multiple spaces in your home.

Non-Door Spots

Think beyond doors when looking for places to add holiday cheer with wreaths:

• Above the fireplace mantel
• On an empty wall in the entryway or living room
• In the center of a round dining table
• On your patio or deck railing
• Atop cabinets or hutches

Last Easter, I used a faux flower wreath on my fireplace instead of the front door. It added lovely pops of color to my living room all season long!

Creative Hooks

Standard wreath hangers and hooks are fine, but you can also get creative with display methods like:

1. Hanging from curtain rods or ceiling hooks
2. Attaching wreath hangers to furniture legs or corners
3. Suspending from wall sconces or chandeliers
4. Displaying on easel stands or plate holders
5. Weaving ribbon through a macrame wall hanging

I picked up a cute little easel from a thrift store last year to display a mini fall wreath on my kitchen table.

Mix and Match

Varying wreath styles, sizes, and colors in your displays keeps things interesting. The key is cohesive themes that transition smoothly throughout the home.

Repurposing Wreaths

Reuse wreaths from past seasons or holidays to decorate in new ways:

• Spray paint or re-ribbon to match a new theme
• Take apart and reconstruct into swags or other decor
• Hang year-round as wall art
• Save portions like pinecones for future crafts

I disassembled last year's Christmas wreath and turned the greenery into a festive garland for the stair railing.

Adding Lights

Lighting takes any wreath display up a notch. Consider:

• White mini-lights or colored fairy lights
• Flameless candles for natural wreaths
• Battery-operated string lights
• Timers to control when lights turn on

I always weave twinkle lights into my Christmas wreaths—it makes them glow beautifully at night.

Don't limit yourself to just the front door. Use these creative display ideas to get the most out of your wreath collection and decorate your entire home for the holidays.

DIY Wreath Storage Solutions

Storing wreaths properly keeps them looking their best year after year. With a few easy DIY storage solutions, you can protect your wreath investment without costly professional storage units.

Natural Wreath Storage

Natural wreaths with real pinecones, leaves, and branches need breathable storage options. Try these ideas:

• Wire wreath form to a pegboard hung in garage or shed
• Hang inside large paper shopping bags
• Lay flat inside an old screen door or window frame
• Drape loosely with burlap or muslin fabric

Last fall, I made a DIY wreath hanger by wiring a cup hook inside an old wooden frame I found at a flea market. Worked perfectly!

Artificial Wreath Storage

Artificial wreaths can handle enclosed storage since you don't have to worry about moisture. DIY ideas include:

1. Stand upright in trash can or laundry basket
2. Alternate face down and face up in a stack separated by cardboard
3. Hang on wall mounted dowel rods or closet rod
4. Wrap around plastic laundry baskets or storage totes

One year I just stacked my artificial wreaths inside each other to save space - bad idea! The squished leaves and branches were a mess.

Repurposed Storage

No need to buy storage boxes—repurpose what you already have at home for free options.

Usage and Location Tips

Some other DIY wreath storage tips:

• Write usage and date details directly on storage containers
• Use clear bins to easily see contents
• Store wreaths close to where they will be displayed
• Label bins clearly for quick identification

I used an old trunk in my craft room to store Christmas wreaths and labeled the top with vinyl letters. So easy to access next December!

Preserving Greens

To help natural wreath materials last, you can:

• Spray with floral sealant like Crowning Glory
• Include dessicant packs in storage containers
• Mist with hairspray to hold moisture in leaves
• Trim any dead portions before storing

Simple steps like these will ensure your DIY storage keeps wreaths fresh for next year's holiday decorating.

Protect your handmade or purchased wreaths with easy DIY storage ideas. Your wreaths will stay organized, damage-free, and ready to decorate with for many seasons to come!

When to Swap Out Your Decorative Wreaths

Decorative wreaths are a classic way to celebrate seasons and holidays. But when is it time to swap out old wreaths for new displays? Here are some tips for knowing when to make a change.

Holiday Wreaths

Holiday wreaths like Christmas and Easter are very season specific. Some guidelines include:

• Display holiday wreaths 1-2 weeks before the holiday
• Keep up until 1 week after, or until January 1 for Christmas
• Swap for a more general winter or snowflake wreath after holidays

The exception is live Christmas wreaths, which should be displayed only 1-2 weeks for best longevity.

Winter Wreaths

Display winter themed wreaths like snowflakes, snowmen, and pinecones anytime from December through February. Transition to spring designs in March.

Spring and Summer Wreaths

Fall Wreaths

Fall wreath designs with harvest colors, leaves, and pumpkins can be displayed from late September through November. Switch to holiday or winter themes by early December.

Replacements

Some other tips for knowing when wreaths need replacement:

• Look for fading colors and wilting natural materials
• Switch themes if wreath looks dated or worn
• Freshen up spaces by changing wreath styles and colors

Follow these guidelines on when to swap out wreaths by season and you’ll always have festive, fresh decor on display.

Making the Most of Limited Storage Space

Lack of storage space is a common problem in many homes. When it comes to finding room for seasonal decorations like wreaths, getting creative with storage solutions is key.

Prioritize What Gets Stored

If space is extremely limited, consider storing only your most special wreaths:

• Handmade or expensive wreaths
• Wreaths with sentimental value
• Holiday specific wreaths that are used yearly

Generic or inexpensive wreaths can be repurchased each year if needed.

Use Vertical Space

Take advantage of vertical storage space by:

1. Hanging wreaths from walls, rafters, or ceiling hooks
2. Stacking wreaths on shelves
3. Placing wreaths in over-door hanging organizers

Get Creative with Containers

Repurpose common household items for wreath storage:

• Trash cans or buckets
• Laundry hampers or bins
• Boxes and shipping crates
• Old suitcases or trunks

Pack Wreaths Efficiently

Use these tips to maximize space:

• Store wreaths nested inside each other
• Use wreath forms as bases to stack multiple wreaths
• Place stuffing inside the wreath form to stabilize

Minimize Clutter

Reduce clutter by:

• Storing only wreath essentials like hooks and holiday bows
• Keeping storage neat and organized
• Labeling bins clearly to eliminate searching

With some advanced planning and creative solutions, even the tightest storage spaces can accommodate your wreath collection.

Tips for Storing Delicate Wreaths

Delicate wreaths made from light, fragile materials require extra care when storing to prevent damage. Here are some useful tips to keep them looking their best.

Natural Material Wreaths

Natural wreaths with flowers, berries, and thin branches need gentle handling and breathable storage:

• Allow to fully dry before storing
• Wrap loosely in muslin or burlap
• Hang or lay flat, do not stack
• Avoid plastic bags or wrap

Dried Wreaths

Desiccated wreath materials like dried flowers and grasses are prone to breaking:

1. Wrap each stem individually in tissue paper
2. Cushion with packing peanuts or bubble wrap
3. Store wreath flat, not hanging

Lightweight Wire Frames

Flimsy wire forms are easily bent and misshapen:

• Pad wreath frame with tissue paper
• Place in rigid container like cardboard box
• Do not stack or hang these wreaths

Fragile Decorations

Remove delicate decor pieces before storing:

• Glass ornaments
• Lightweight bows or ribbons
• Feathers, lace, or netting

Store these flat in rigid containers separated from the wreath form.

Positioning in Storage

Store delicate wreaths:

• Lying flat, never standing upright
• Evenly supported throughout, not hanging
• On top of storage shelves or piles, not underneath

With extra padding and gentle handling, even the most fragile wreaths can survive storage damage-free.

Multiple Wreath Storage Ideas

If you have a collection of wreaths and need storage ideas, there are several options to consider. Here are some creative ideas to help you store your wreaths:

1. Hang your wreaths on a wall using hooks or hangers. This is a great option if you have limited storage space and want to display your wreaths when they're not in use. You can use ribbon, roping, or carabiners to hang them, and even cover each with a clear plastic bag to keep them free of dust.
2. Use a wreath storage box to keep your wreaths protected from dust and damage. These boxes come in different sizes and can be found at most home goods stores. You can stack them in a closet or storage area.
3. Create a hanging wreath storage system using pegboard and rails. This is a great option if you have a lot of wreaths to store and want to keep them organized and easily accessible.
4. Use wreath storage bags to keep your wreaths clean and dust-free. These bags are especially useful if you're storing your wreaths in a garage or unfinished storage area. You can even store multiple wreaths in one bag.
5. Store your wreaths individually by hanging them on a rod or hook. This is a good option if you have limited storage space and want to keep your wreaths organized.
6. Use cardboard wreath boxes for a stackable storage solution. These boxes can hold each wreath individually and be stacked. You can place multiple wreaths in each box, as long as you layer with tissue or newspaper

• Where to Store Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths
• Natural Wreaths
• Artificial Wreaths
• Outdoor vs. Indoor Storage
• Storing Wreath Accessories
• Protecting Your Wreaths from Damage
• Handle With Care
• Protect from Elements
• Dusting and Cleaning
• Proper Storage
• Know When to Replace
• Creative Wreath Display Ideas
• Non-Door Spots
• Creative Hooks
• Mix and Match
• Repurposing Wreaths
• Adding Lights
• DIY Wreath Storage Solutions
• Natural Wreath Storage
• Artificial Wreath Storage
• Repurposed Storage
• Usage and Location Tips
• Preserving Greens
• When to Swap Out Your Decorative Wreaths
• Holiday Wreaths
• Winter Wreaths
• Spring and Summer Wreaths
• Fall Wreaths
• Replacements
• Making the Most of Limited Storage Space
• Prioritize What Gets Stored
• Use Vertical Space
• Get Creative with Containers
• Pack Wreaths Efficiently
• Minimize Clutter
• Tips for Storing Delicate Wreaths
• Natural Material Wreaths
• Dried Wreaths
• Lightweight Wire Frames
• Fragile Decorations
• Positioning in Storage
• Multiple Wreath Storage Ideas