Do you ever pull out your holiday decorations to discover some looking worn, broken or needing repairs? And, I’m not just talking about lights not working, LOL! Before packing them away last year, I finally got around to updating and refreshing my Christmas wreaths.
That amounted to 12 faux evergreen wreaths in need of some degree of holiday love. Ten hang from ribbon on windows in the front of our Georgian Colonial style home. One larger Christmas wreath adorns the front door.
Most are exposed to harsh winter elements — wind, snow, rain, ice and strong sun exposure. Dry rot is another problem; from storage in the attic. Over time, ribbon and bows fade, become stiff, crack and tear. Florist wire rusts. And, faux evergreen wreaths begin to drop needles like live greens.
Tastes change too. Or, the color paint on the front door, shutters or house.
But, who has the time or inclination in late November and early December to redo Christmas wreaths and other decorations? Bah humbug! The “secret” to finding the time, is to work on the Christmas wreaths — post-holiday — to ready for the following year. It’s also when you can take advantage of great sales on materials.
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Now Dasher, Dancer, Prancer & Vixen
Several years ago, I discovered this gold reindeer, Christmas wreath hanger at my favorite local hardware store (Rolliers).
I also snagged a garland and clusters of jeweled fruit, reindeer picks, shatterproof ornaments, outdoor gold ribbon, and a canvas wreath storage bag.
All on holiday clearance prices!
Okay, I confess, it’s not like I needed a wreath hanger at the time.
But, it did make for a gorgeous embellishment to easily refresh the rather tired look of the Christmas wreath on our front door. I’d been wanting to update it for years, but never seemed to find the creative inspiration or time before.
It was the simplest update of all — just replace the old wreath hanger with the new.
Voila!
And, most importantly, it would perfectly compliment the trio of gold animated deer in the front yard.
You know me, ever the Queen of Theme!
Snow Day Project
Then I got to work — in early January! That way, Christmas wreath 2.0 was ready to go the next holiday season.
First, I removed the large, faded burgundy ribbon bow and ribbon, along with broken pinecones, and now tarnished gold embellishments.
The underlying Blue Spruce, faux Christmas wreath, was still in reasonably good shape. So, I took the bare wreath out onto the porch, and shook out all the loose needles and glitter into the backyard.
At the top, I positioned the reindeer hanger — which I now leave on even when storing the Christmas wreath. It goes into that large canvas bag (with room for extra garlands). Leaving the hanger peek out of the zipper, allows hubby to easily suspend it in the attic rafters.
Then, I wrapped the fruit garland several times around the wreath — from one side of the reindeer hanger to the other.
Using florist wire, I attached the various jeweled fruit clusters, shatterproof balls, and reindeer picks. Lastly, I made a large metallic bow and placed it on top of the reindeer hanger.
Here it is on the outside of the storm door during a snowfall. Since taking this picture, I have removed the bow. It distracts from the reindeer hanger and the ribbon tails just flap around in the breeze.
On Comet, Cupid, Donner & Blitzen!
Do you know the story, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie?” Updating the Christmas wreath then led me on a search to find a pair of gold reindeer figures — to decorate planters flanking the front door.
I wanted the animated deer, wreath and urns to all tie-in together, with my gold reindeer holiday decorating theme.
See the detailed tutorial, and learn how to style and assemble your own at, DIY Reindeer Christmas Planters.
A year later, and I was at it again! This time to embellish the other ten outdoor Christmas wreaths. There’s four hanging on windows along the first floor, and six on the second. Since they all have to be done at the same time, it’s a much bigger job and investment.
So, I came up with a plan, and broke it up into a two-year process. First came the new ribbon and bows. Year two was adding the reindeer heads, glittering balls and other embellishments.
Step 1: New Ribbon & Bows
In the over thirty years we have lived in our home, I think this is the second generation of faux wreaths we’ve purchased. It’s hard to wait until post-holiday clearance sales when you need ten of the same shade and size.
The original set were a couple of inches smaller, in classic dark evergreen. Since then, I switched to faux Blue Spruce. Next time around, I’ll go even bigger!
During that time, we’ve also changed the color scheme of the front door and shutters on our brick home. First, they were burgundy, then hunter green, and now shiny black. Most of our neighbors have red bows on their Christmas wreaths. But, shades of red wouldn’t do against our brick color.
About every eight years, I’ve needed to replace the faded and torn bows on the ten Christmas wreaths. The bows you see now, I made myself; saving over $100.
Tip: If you aren’t a bow maker, most craft and garden centers will make you one for about $10 — as long as you purchased the ribbon there.
Not only are the bows in a beautiful burgundy shade with a velvet-like finish, but they have a gold-edge trim which creates some sparkle when the floodlights hit them.
Step 2: Add Embellishments
More creative inspiration struck when I came across glittery, gold reindeer head picks (Michaels) before Thanksgiving last year. At 50% off, I had to go to multiple stores to find ten. These were easily added by bending the wire behind each bow and around the wreath frame.
After Christmas, I decided I wanted to add more glitz and sparkle to show off the wreaths better at night.
So, I picked up an 100-piece package of various size and finish gold, shatterproof ornament balls (Michaels, 75% off post-holiday clearance). I ended up adding nine to each wreath, plus a few of the largest balls to the front door wreath.
It was the same day I picked up cheap supplies for making the DIY Christmas Cocktail Ornament Balls.
First, I set-up a folding work table. Then I organized the various gold balls in groups of nine on the floor — so I’d have balance across all ten Christmas wreaths. Next I went into assembly-line mode; wiring the ornaments to each wreath frame.
Here’s what the finished Christmas wreaths look like — although not normally set on a plaid blanket lol!
A single brass candlestick with faux flame also flickers in each window.
Very colonial, but with my golden reindeer theme carried throughout the outdoor Christmas decorations.
Dash Away, Dash Away
I’ve carried the reindeer theme inside too. It just sorta evolved over time. Since the boys were very young, I’ve had four reindeer stocking holders on the fireplace mantel.
Each holds a unique needlepoint stocking I made. Have you made stockings for family members? I spent an average of nine to ten months making each one. Sometimes I tease that’s why we “only” have two children lol!
So, when I found another, larger reindeer head, I knew it was time to redo the family room Christmas wreath too.
The original was a custom creation I splurged on from a talented local florist. It had a hunt theme and looked gorgeous way-back-when. This was in the days when that Ralph Lauren look was all the rage. I had burgundy hunt print wallpaper and forest green carpet. But, storage in the attic over many years had it looking pretty tired.
Using the same steps described earlier, I removed all but the real pinecones. Next, I wrapped two different garlands around the faux greenery. The first is a fabulous berry garland, and the second has snow-tipped branches. A length of black and red plaid ribbon is weaved all around the Christmas wreath.
Pretty seasonal picks and clusters of red fruit, along with metallic pinecones were wired into place. After that, I added a string of tiny battery-operated lights that resemble snow-tipped twigs.
Finally, I created a large bow for the top of the wreath. Because the ribbon is not wired, the bow consists of loops to look full.
It was have-to-have ribbon, found at Old Allegheny while Previewing Favorite Christmas Shop Kicks Off the Season. So, not on sale. But, sometimes a splurge is worth it right?
It was a year later that I discovered the reindeer head (Michaels).
Wish I had a picture of it in the evening to share with you. It looks lovely adjacent to the live Christmas tree in the corner of the room.
Do you have any Christmas wreaths or decorations needing a 2.0 makeover? Maybe it’s too close to the holiday to begin a new project, but you’re just in time to snag some clearance deals on materials. Then, before you pack everything away for next year, spend a little time in January crafting.
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P.S. Thank you to all who sent words of comfort, support and sympathy for my Sweet Scottie Dog: Fuzzy Funny Valentine.
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Did you lose two dogs this year ? That would break my heart.
Big job you just accomplished with updating wreaths. I like the deer heads. If someone doesn’t have an attic, be careful of storing in blue plastic tubs-they smell like plastic the next year. I use desiccates in my storage boxes. I measured and purchased some big round trashcans to store Christmas wreaths I find in after Christmas sales. Thanks to computers giving retailers instant sales numbers, there isn’t as much left over each year. You practically have to live in Michael’s stalking every day for the grab bag sale. LOL
Merry Christmas to all
Oh no Myrna, just Fibber. The pictures I shared are him at different ages. He also sometimes is newly groomed or all shaggy. In the new year, I’ve decided to start volunteering at the no-kill shelter where we donated Fibber’s food, toys, meds, and bedding.
Thanks for sharing your storage experiences and tips. Hubby uses an old broomstick to hold the ten window wreaths on and then sets it in the rafters. Works for us as the attic isn’t weight bearing. If you missed it, I shared, Shop, Pack and Store Holiday Decorations, Tableware
A heart does break upon the loss of a beloved pet as they are huge members of the family…may memories of Fibber and the happy life he had with you bring some comfort as you grieve his loss. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort during this season of sharing with family and friends.
Oh Alayne, thank you for those lovely sentiments. I do have so many wonderful memories of his 10 1/2 years, including holding him in one hand when he was just 9 hours old. Then, I’d visit at the breeder’s home with him about every week. So he and I were together almost from his birth to peaceful passing. Today, I bought small plaid frame ornaments with a heart-shaped cutout for photos. I’m going to put a pix of Fibber in each one for hubby and I, and each of our sons’ Christmas trees.
I’m sorry to hear of your loses. Thankfully we have fond memories of them.
I love your refreshing of the greenery. The window wreaths are a very special touch!
I don’t use plain blue storage tubs anymore having replaced them with holiday colored ones but I never had trouble with lasting odors because in the south bugs are the problem and I’ve always put bay leaves throughout the box. Even cardboard boxes have remained safe by using bay leaves.
Thank you Robin. Fibber brought lots of joy, laughter and love into our lives. Appreciate you sharing your wreath storage tips — I never knew that about bay leaves! What a great, green way to deal with bugs.
Thanks for the great tips Debbee – your wreaths are beautiful! Sending you comforting wishes, going through this holiday. ?
Barbara, glad you liked the wreaths. Was especially glad I had done the updates last January, as I lost my usual delight in crafting and decorating for the holidays when my Scottie boy died unexpectedly. Appreciate your kind sentiments. Hope you have a fabulous New Year!
Hi Debbee! These are such wonderful ideas to refresh your wreaths BEFORE you put them in the attic. You do a very good job of shopping on clearance, etc. I saw your post over at the “Love Your Creativity” blog party.
Oh Kitty, I love the thrill of the hunt and a sale! I’m also fortunate to live close to a Galleria that has Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, etc. so I can “stalk” items until they go on sale or clearance. Although most times I go with a plan, I will pay full price for a “find”; something special or unique.
You do a lot of work with wired ribbon. Do the bows ever collapse? I have some chair swags with wired ribbon and the bows refuse to stay full. Can you suggest any solution?
Hmm, not wired ones. I’m wondering if perhaps your loops are too large to support the weight of the ribbon? Especially if you use sheer ribbon? I tend to make bows with many smaller loops. As far as the outdoor ones, I always use outdoor weight ribbons that are thicker and tend to have a shot of plastic underside. Regardless, whenever I bring seasonal wreaths out for an occasion or holiday, I always have to poof and reshape them a bit.
Debbee, your wreathes are beautiful – I’m a sucker for anything reindeer – ha! Pinned! I was so sorry to read about Fibber last year – pets are such a special part of our lives, and its so hard when they leave us. My condolences for your loss.
My outdoor and mantel decor didn’t start out with a reindeer theme, but kinda evolved as I found things over the years. I’m not one that changes things up much, just refreshes or updates decorations. Thank you for remarks about Fibber Kim. Nearly a year later and I still think about him everyday. A year of COVID has not helped with missing his companionship, cuddling and antics. And, 8 months in search of a Scottie puppy have come up empty! Will renew my search after Christmas.
I love the wreath with the deer in the middle it is so unusual. pinned
Glad you like it Anita! I found that deer years after the gold reindeer stocking holders. I was so excited when I found it to add the existing wreath.
Love the reindeer head in the middle of the wreath! I have one similar that I haven’t really done much with and your post gave me several ideas. Thanks!
One of the things I like best about blogging is getting/inspiring ideas from others. Delighted the reindeer head may find a place in your holiday decorations this year Gena. Happy holidays!
Debbee, I’m sad to read of your loss. I know the grief lingers, but distractions are good. Darling photo of your sweet Scottie!
Your wreaths is gorgeous! I need to refresh one for this year. I finally found the one I’ve been missing for some years. It was hanging in a plastic bag in a guest closet all this time! The wreath it’s self was not important, but it had a wonderful MacKenzie-Cihlds reindeer hanging in its center. A friend had given me the reindeer years ago, and I immediately used it for a wreath. I guess in hind sight that I thought hanging it in a closet was the safest spot. ??? You can imagine my delight when I happened to look in the bag thinking it was placemats.
Thanks so much Sarah — nearly a year later and I still get misty-eyed. Plus, I thought by now we’d have a new puppy, but finding a Scottie has been an impossible and heartbreaking quest so far.
I love MC! Like you, to find enough storage for all my stuff, I’ve tucked items under beds, in closets and under skirted chairs. It’s always great to rediscover something. For me it’s been tablecloths and vintage ornaments. Can’t wait to see what you do with your wreath. Be sure to share!
The photo of the wreath on your window with the bits of snow is so charming. Love that you carry a theme! I am always so wishy washy about themes. Aw your sweet pup at the end.
Hi Marie, so nice of you to stop by! Sometime this month — when it snows — I’ll have to take a few pictures of the front of our home that show all 11 wreaths in daylight and at night. My friends and family call me “the queen of theme” because I just can’t help myself. I guess there are worse problems to have lol! Theme or not, I think it’s more about people expressing their own creativity, likes, and preferences. It’s been a long, difficult year since I lost my fabulous Fibber McGee. But, a Scottie litter is due in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully there will be a puppy for me to look forward to in early 2021.
Oh my !!! Totally in love with your festive decor! Thank you for sharing with us at Meraki Link Party.
Thank you Naush. It’s nice to at least be able to “deck the halls” to create some festive holiday atmosphere.
Your wreath refreshes are absolutely beautiful! I really appreciate the way that you broke them down into stages to make them manageable and affordable. I also love the reindeer theme! I have always hoped to add a set of light-up reindeer to our decor ensemble. Maybe next year!
Your sweet boy is absolutely adorable!
Thank you Becky, and happy New Year! I’m sitting here watching the Rose Bowl parade, having packed away those wreaths for next year. Except the front door wreath which this afternoon I will add lots of metallic gold, unbreakable balls for more sparkle.
Oh my Debbee, I love the ornament cocktails, so cute! Thank you for sharing your wreath update ideas too, but those ornament cocktails are the bees knees!
Thanks Cara! Trying a new holiday cocktail in those ornament “glasses” is our new holiday tradition! This year was a pomegranate gin frizz.
Great wreath ideas! But next time you refresh a faux wreath – or any faux decor for that matter – please do not “take the bare wreath out onto the porch, and [shake] out all the loose needles and glitter into the backyard.” Perhaps shake it on to a garbage bag or sheet inside your home then gently let it slide off into a trash can..? Just some food for thought.🙂