A frugal Christmas is a great idea - a recent study in Australia suggest $800 million is spent on presents each year that the recipient doesn't want. What a waste!
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5 Homemade Christmas Wreath Ideas with Style
Photo: Ms. Phoenix
‘Tis the season to deck the doors as well as the halls, but store-bought wreaths aren’t exactly the most frugal way to go. The trouble is, a fair number of the homemade Christmas wreath ideas available online are...well, tacky. Here are five that meet my personal style standards. (See also: Last-Minute, Stress-Free Holiday Decorating)
Red Twig Wreaths
Really, any primitive-looking twig wreath can be elegant enough, but I’m partial to the ones made with red dogwood branches. These twigs hold their color for years after harvesting and are available for free on any winter nature walk. With more naturally colored branches, I think a colored bow is in order. But the cool thing about the red twig wreaths is just how fantastic they look unadorned. While they make great Christmas wreaths (and holiday gifts), it’s my humble opinion that you can feel confident slapping these bad boys up in September and leaving them up until at least the beginning of April. That’s my idea of low-stress decorating.
Grapevine Wreaths
There’s a reason grapevine wreaths are popular. Their rustic elegance appeals to a wide variety of tastes, making them a sure bet for holiday hostess gifts and confident new-neighborhood home decor. If your back yard has lots of grapevines kicking around, you’ve got yourself a free decorating supply and gift idea, my friend. Go for it, and feel confident that it will be well received.
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Traditional Evergreen Wreaths
There’s a reason the classics become the classics. Evergreen wreaths have made the cut for years because of their simplicity, fragrance, color, and flexibility with adornment. There’s no need to go crazy with expensive tie-ons. Pine cones, a fabric bow and perhaps a brass French horn ornament you can use from year to year are enough to make a festive wreath. If you happen to have some of that artificial beaded fruit in your decorating pantry, it will take your wreath to the next level visually. But simple works just as well and smells fantastic.
Eucalyptus Wreaths
Not all of us have access to free eucalyptus branches. But if you do, then eucalyptus wreaths are a seriously stylish way to go. They also make a fantastic statement when hung on a front door and smell really great. Adornment can include berry branches or small gilded evergreen cones.
Pinecone Wreaths
Just my two cents, but I think the way to make sure pinecone wreaths look glam instead of gimmicky is to go large on diameter and vary the cone size. This adds drama and keeps your wreath from looking too uniform. The goal is have someone’s first impression be that an artisan put it together. A range of cone sizes and a gutsy diameter help achieve this.
These five Christmas wreath ideas are affordable for all and a definite must for those who are trying to achieve a classy Christmas on the cheap. Granted, the rural readers will have easier access to the nature supplies. City dwellers who want to try these ideas out might want to schedule a day trip or weekend getaway to the country and whip some up to bring home. If you have absolutely no way out of the city, I really don't think it's cost effective to buy all the supplies and make them yourself. If you really want that DIY experience, go for it. Otherwise, you might be better off supporting your local craft artisans at farmers markets and seasonal craft fairs.
What are your favorite Christmas wreath ideas for the holidays?
