If you have always loved homes decorated with evergreen wreaths in every window, let this be the year you achieve this classic look for your home. This isn’t the easiest project, especially if you have a two-story home, but it is so worth the effort.
There are some things to consider before you start. The type of window you have can determine how you hang your wreaths. If your window is encased with vinyl, you won’t want to break the surface with a nail or tack which you could use on windows with wood frames. If you have screens over your windows, you may need to remove them before you hang the wreaths. Here are some options for hanging your wreaths.
Shop Evergreen Wreaths for Sale Deciding What You’re Using to Hang Your Wreaths
- Adhesive Hooks. These hooks (the most common are Command™ hooks) are the most common way to hang wreaths. The hooks are used for multiple projects. Look for hooks specifically for use on glass and for outdoor use. Get the largest size which will hold a wreath up to about four pounds. If your wreath is heavier than that, you should not use this method. It is very likely to fail, and your wreath may be damaged in the fall.
Before using the hooks, wash your window and then use a little rubbing alcohol to wipe the area where the adhesive hook will be placed. This removes any possible dirt and also will remove any oil present on your glass. Any oil from car emissions will cause the adhesive to fail.
Decide where you want the wreath to hang on your window. Take into consideration whether the wreath will be attached directly to the hook or attached to the hook with a ribbon or wire. Some wreaths are too thick to hang securely to the hook. It is helpful to have two people for this, so one can hold the wreath up while the other stands back and can direct the first how to move the wreath to achieve the most pleasing look. A quick tip: It’s important to keep your placement uniform on each window. If all your windows are identical in size, make a jig to easily place the hooks on the rest of the windows. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit into the corner of the window and mark it where the top and bottom of the adhesive hook will be located. If you use a jig like this, you eliminate the need to measure each window.
Once you have everything measured and cleaned, simply remove the back piece from the hook. This part may have the word window printed on it or have black and white stripes. Peel the liner off, leaving the other intact. Try not to touch the adhesive or you may compromise it. Making sure you have the correct position, press the strip against the window. Many of these strips have a tab for easy removal. That tab should be at the bottom. Rub the strip for about 30 seconds to ensure the adhesive is completely in contact with the window.
Remove the liner from the hook section, place it on the first piece and press it to the window for 30 seconds. Make sure your hook is aligned vertically. Many manufacturers of this style of hook recommend waiting an hour before using. This allows the adhesive to bond with the glass surface. Using the hook sooner will probably result in failure of the adhesive.
After one hour, you will be ready to hang your wreath.
Important note: If you use clear hooks, you could in theory leave the hooks on the windows beyond the holiday season. The clear hooks will be less noticeable when not in use, and it would certainly be an advantage for the next year to already have the hooks in place.
- Ribbon. If your windows are double hung, this method of hanging your wreaths may be desirable. You will eliminate using a ladder to reach the window, as you can hang your wreath from the inside with this method.
Use a decorative ribbon made for outdoor use that is about 2-½ inches wide. Cut a piece about four to five feet long. The length is determined by the length of the window and how far down on the window you want your wreath positioned.
Take one end of the ribbon and put it through the center opening of the wreath. Bring it up to meet the other end of the ribbon. Secure together. Lower the top window enough to slide the wreath through to the outside, holding the ends of the ribbon. Close the upper window and secure the ribbon to the inside frame with a tack or small nail. An alternative to using a tack or nail is to tie the two ends of the ribbon into a knot large enough to keep it from sliding through the top of the window. The knot will keep the wreath from falling.
If you don’t like the look of the ribbon, you can replace it with a heavy-duty fishing line and attach it to the nail or tack, or you may be able to hook it onto the latch between the upper and lower panes. - Magnetic Hooks. These hooks come in sets of two–one will be outside and the other will be inside. Decide on the position of your wreath and secure the hook in place temporarily with tape. Take the second magnet inside to the window and place it on the window so the magnets hold to each other. The magnets should be back to back. Return outside and remove the temporary tape and attach the wreath. Obviously, this method will be simplified if you have two people–one inside and one outside. Then, you would not need to tape the magnet. The magnets work best on a single pane window.
- Suction Cup Hooks. There are suction cup hooks made specifically for hanging wreaths. Check the weight rating for the suction cup hook and compare it with your wreath. Once you’re sure it can hold your wreath, apply it much the same as the adhesive hooks by cleaning your window first. Then, simply suction the cup onto the window, give it a tug and you should be ready to hang your wreath. Note that sometimes with suction cups, it helps to have the glass a little damp before pushing the cup onto the pane. Give that a try if you’re having trouble getting the cup to stick to your window.
- Adjustable Tension Rod. There are two requirements if you want to try this method. First, the rod will have to match the window frame, so it will visually blend together. Second, there has to be a surrounding surface that projects out from the window frame to hold the tension rod in place. If your windows meet both requirements, this could be worth a try.
Place the tension rod in front of the area where the upper and lower sashes meet so that the rod is less noticeable. It should blend in perfectly if the colors match. The rod is twisted to increase or decrease the length of the rod. Place the rod between the sides of the window and twist to expand the length. The more you twist the rod, the tighter it will be. Attach the wreath to the tension rod with fishing line at the height desired.
All of these methods of hanging wreaths can work if done properly and by checking the weight limits for each hook. You may want to consider trying different methods at the same time depending on the location of your wreaths, especially if you have a two-story home. If you live in an area where high winds or severe winter weather could strike, you might want to consider additional anchoring to the window–perhaps some heavy-duty fishing line securing the bottom of the wreath to the window frame or even the shutters. The line is almost invisible, and it will keep the wreath from blowing off the hooks.
Additional Places to Hang Wreaths in Your Home
Once you have all the window wreaths up, what about using wreaths in other places, including indoors? Put wreaths on the doors to your outbuildings like the garden shed to extend the holiday feel out into the yard. Another spot for a wreath could be on the garden gate or garage doors. Of course, traditionally, a wreath on the front door to welcome visitors is always appropriate. It doesn’t have to match the window wreaths. This is a place to show a little personality as it is the one wreath that guests will see close up. Remember: If you have a metallic door, this could be a good spot to use the magnetic or suction cup hooks. There are also hangers that fit over the top of the door. They are flat on the top, so the hanger lies snugly against the top of the door. The door can still seal over the hanger when closed. The front of the hanger is bent up to hold the wreath.
You can also hang wreaths on the inside of your windows, too. Hang your indoor wreath on a window overlooking the side or back yard so that the back of the wreath, which may not be very attractive, is not going to be seen.
Here’s a quick list of other areas in your home you can hang a Christmas wreath:
- Over the fireplace. Indoors, a wreath hanging over the fireplace mantel is beautiful, but you could also lean it to one side of the mantel and decorate next to your wreath with seasonal pieces.
- On a mirror. Use a suction cup hook to hold a wreath in place on a decorative mirror. The wreath will have more visual impact because of the reflection.
- Tied to dining room chairs. Use ribbons to attach small wreaths to the back of your dining chairs. This is a fun alternative location for your wreaths that will add some whimsy to your room. Plus, they won’t interfere with seating and they keep the table space open for a coordinating evergreen centerpiece.
Shop Evergreen Centerpieces for Sale - Incorporate wreaths and garland on the stairs. Add wreaths to the Christmas garland on your stair rails. A wreath on the banisters will add the finishing touch to your sumptuous garland.
- Use as wall art. Hang a wreath on the wall as art. Use a beautiful ribbon and hang your wreath from the crown molding. Group several matching wreaths on the wall over a side table or the bed to create an accent wall piece.
- Lay wreaths on counters and tables. Lay your wreath or evergreen centerpiece flat on the table or counter and place a scented candle in the center with a hurricane lamp shade over it. Instead of the candle, use the center to display an antique figurine of Santa or a snowman.
- Place above your kitchen cabinets. If you have space above your kitchen cabinets, hang a wreath up there. Remember that because of the distance, detailed objects won’t be seen well. Opt for a wreath made of red berry covered branches or a wreath of jingle bells. This space is also a good place to stage your collection of snowmen or Christmas Santa collections. If you have a collection of Christmas village houses, this would be another choice if they aren’t too small. Don’t forget to add a string of white lights loosely woven among the figurines.
- Use wreaths to spell a Christmas phrase. Purchase three-dimensional letters to spell seasonal words like SNOW or NOEL, but exchange a small wreath for the letter “O”. Hang them on a wall, arrange on the mantel or decorate a small out of the way spot with one of these seasonal words.
There are lots of ways to decorate both in and out of the house. Be creative and sometimes think out of the box. Honor traditions during the holidays, but don’t be afraid to try something a little quirky once in a while. The unexpected can make the biggest impression and provide the most fun for your winter wreath wonderland.
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