Fresh holiday wreaths are a beautiful way to decorate your home during the winter season. Whether you hang them on your front door, above your fireplace, or on your windows, they bring a touch of nature and a festive look to your home. But because these wreaths are made from real greenery, they can dry out and lose their beauty if not cared for properly.
If you live in a cold place like Minnesota, your fresh holiday wreaths can last a long time with the right care. In this guide, we will show you some easy tips to keep your wreath looking fresh and beautiful all season long.
1. Choose a High-Quality Wreath
The first step to keeping your wreath fresh is choosing a high-quality one. Look for fresh holiday wreaths made from long-lasting greenery like balsam fir, pine, or cedar. These types of evergreens hold moisture better and stay green for weeks.
At Minnesota Wreaths, we offer hand-crafted wreaths made from fresh, local greenery. Our wreaths are thick, healthy, and made to last throughout the holiday season.
2. Keep It Cool
Fresh greenery lasts longer in cooler temperatures. If you hang your wreath outside, the cold Minnesota air will help preserve it naturally. That’s one big benefit of living in a northern state!
However, if you want to hang your fresh holiday wreath indoors, be careful with heat sources. Keep the wreath away from heaters, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. Warm, dry air will cause the needles to dry out faster and fall off.
Tip: If you want a wreath for inside your home, consider hanging it in a cooler room, such as an entryway, hallway, or shaded area.
3. Mist with Water Regularly
Just like a fresh bouquet of flowers, your fresh holiday wreath needs moisture. Lightly mist your wreath with water every couple of days to help keep the needles hydrated. Use a spray bottle filled with clean water and gently mist the front and back of the wreath.
Be sure not to soak it too much, especially if it’s indoors. A light mist is enough to keep it fresh without causing mold or mildew.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can dry out your fresh wreath quickly. Try to hang your wreath in a shaded or partially shaded area. If your front door gets a lot of sun during the day, think about moving the wreath to a more protected spot.
Tip: You can also hang the wreath inside a covered porch or under a shaded awning to keep it out of the direct sun and weather.
5. Use Anti-Desiccant Spray
An anti-desiccant spray is a special product that helps seal in moisture. It’s often used on live Christmas trees and fresh greenery to keep them from drying out. You can find this spray at most garden centers or holiday stores.
Apply the spray to your fresh holiday wreath before hanging it up. Follow the directions on the bottle for best results. This step helps slow down water loss and keeps your wreath green and soft for a longer time.
6. Bring It Inside During Harsh Weather
While Minnesota’s cold air helps keep wreaths fresh, strong winds and heavy snow can damage them. If a snowstorm or freezing rain is in the forecast, you may want to bring your wreath inside temporarily to protect it.
Once the bad weather passes, you can hang it back outside. A little care like this can help your wreath last much longer.
7. Avoid Crushing the Wreath
Be gentle with your wreath, especially when hanging it or moving it. Crushing the needles or bending the branches can cause damage and shorten its life.
Use a soft ribbon, wreath hanger, or hook to hang it safely. Avoid using nails or wire that might dig into the greenery.
8. Add Decorations Carefully
Many people like to add bows, ornaments, or lights to their fresh holiday wreaths. That’s a fun way to personalize your décor! But be careful when adding decorations—heavy items can weigh down the branches and cause them to break.
If you want to add lights, choose LED lights that don’t get hot. Heat from traditional bulbs can dry out the greenery faster.
9. Keep It Away from Pets
If you have curious pets, be careful where you place your wreath. Dogs and cats might try to chew on the greenery or pull off decorations. Some types of evergreen, like cedar or holly, can be harmful to animals if eaten.
Try hanging your wreath high enough so pets can’t reach it. This keeps both your wreath and your furry friends safe.
10. Know When to Say Goodbye
With proper care, fresh holiday wreaths can last about 3 to 6 weeks. Eventually, even the best-kept wreath will start to dry out. When the needles begin to fall off easily or the wreath looks brown and faded, it’s time to remove it.
You can compost the greenery or check if your local city offers a holiday greenery recycling program.
Final Thoughts
Fresh holiday wreaths bring beauty, fragrance, and holiday spirit to your home. By following a few simple care tips, you can keep your wreath looking fresh and festive all season long. From choosing high-quality greenery to misting it regularly, each step helps preserve its natural charm.
At Minnesota Wreaths, we are proud to provide premium, handmade wreaths crafted with care. Whether you’re decorating your door, fireplace, or giving a wreath as a gift, we’re here to help you make the season special.
With just a little effort, your fresh holiday wreath can stay green, full, and beautiful until the holidays are over. Happy decorating!
