How to Keep Your Holiday Wreath Fresh All Season Long

There is nothing quite like the scent of fresh balsam, fir, and cedar greeting you at the front door. A fresh holiday wreath is a living piece of art, and just like a bouquet of fresh flowers, it needs a little care to stay beautiful. With a few simple habits, your wreath can stay green, fragrant, and full from the first days of the season all the way to the New Year.

The most important thing to know is that cold is your friend. Fresh floral and evergreen décor thrive outside in temperatures around 36 degrees Fahrenheit. That is almost exactly the temperature florists keep their flower coolers, because cool air slows the loss of moisture and keeps stems and needles hydrated. Here in Northern Virginia, our late-fall and winter weather creates a natural cooler right on your front porch, which is why outdoor wreaths, garland, and porch arrangements often last weeks longer than the same pieces displayed indoors.

Heat and direct sun, on the other hand, are what dry needles out. Whenever possible, hang your wreath on a door or wall that is shaded for most of the day. Be especially careful with glass storm doors: when the sun hits the glass, the space between the storm door and your front door can heat up like a greenhouse and quickly turn a fresh wreath brittle. If you have a storm door that gets afternoon sun, consider hanging your wreath on an exterior wall, a porch post, or a window instead. Also keep wreaths away from dryer vents, heat lamps, and exterior lighting that runs hot.

Give your wreath a drink. Evergreens continue to lose moisture through their needles, so lightly mist the front and back of your wreath with water every few days, especially during dry, windy, or sunny stretches. Avoid misting when temperatures are well below freezing, and try to mist in the morning so the greens have time to dry before nightfall. If your wreath starts to feel dry, you can give it a refreshing soak by laying it flat in a tub or basin of cool water for several hours or overnight, then letting it drain before rehanging. Just remove any bows, ribbons, or decorations that could be damaged by water first.

For extra protection, every Fleurs-de-Lea wreath is treated in my studio with Crown and Glory, a professional floral preservative spray, before it is delivered. It forms a thin, clear coating that helps lock moisture into the needles so your wreath stays fresh longer. There is nothing extra for you to buy or apply. Your wreath arrives ready to hang and enjoy.

If you prefer to decorate indoors, place your wreath, garland, or centerpiece away from fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, and sunny windows, since indoor heating dries greens much faster than the cool outdoors. Mist indoor pieces more often, and consider moving an arrangement to a cool porch or garage overnight to give it a refreshing break. Never place fresh greenery directly next to an open flame or a lit candle.

Check your wreath regularly. Gently run your hand along the greens; fresh needles should feel soft and flexible, not brittle. A few fallen needles are perfectly normal, but heavy shedding is a sign your wreath is thirsty and needs a mist or a soak. Fragrant balsam and Fraser fir tend to hold their needles beautifully, while cedar and juniper add wonderful texture and scent.

With cool temperatures, a shady spot, and a regular drink of water, your fresh wreath can be a warm welcome to family and friends throughout the entire holiday season. If you would like a custom wreath, garland, or holiday centerpiece designed just for your home, I would love to create one for you. Browse the Holiday Inspiration gallery for ideas, then reach out to Lea Ruiz-Ramon at [email protected] or (703) 828-5518 to place your order.