Christmas wreaths for your front door

How to choose a Christmas wreath

Start with where the wreath will hang. A front door wreath is the first thing guests see, so a fuller shape and a wider spread read well from the street. An indoor wreath can be smaller and sit closer to the eye on a wall, a mirror or a mantel.

Next, think about the look you want. Snow and white flowers give a soft winter feel. Deep green cedar and pine give a classic Christmas look. Bare vine rings give you a base to add your own ribbon, picks or lights.

Finally, check the size against your door. A wreath that is too small can look lost on a wide door. A wreath that is too large can crowd the frame or block the peephole. Measure before you choose.

Sizes and measuring for your door

Wreaths in this category run from 12 in (30 cm) to 17.7 in (45 cm) wide. Here is what each size suits.

A 12 in (30 cm) wreath works on narrow doors, cabinet fronts, small windows and wall groups. The Grapevine Ring Wreath and the Woven Vine Ring both measure 12 in (30 cm) across, with a 10 in (25 cm) inner opening.

A 13 in (33 cm) wreath is a good middle size for standard interior doors and entryway walls. The Eucalyptus Snow Wreath has a 13 in (33 cm) outer diameter and a 3.1 in (8 cm) inner diameter.

A 14.17 in (36 cm) wreath sits well on a standard front door. The Cedar Hearth Wreath measures 14.17 in (36 cm) in diameter.

A 15 in (40 cm) frame gives you room to build a fuller wreath. The Green Spiked Wreath Frame is 15 in (40 cm) wide.

A 17.7 in (45 cm) wreath makes a strong statement on a wide front door or a large wall. The Quiet Pine Wreath is 17.7 in (45 cm) wide and is made for indoor use.

To measure your door, run a tape from the top of the door to the bottom and note the width. Leave space above the wreath for a hanger and below it for a kick plate or handle. As a rule, a wreath should take up about one third of the door width for a balanced look.

Materials and what they feel like

Most wreaths here are made from plastic and PE, which hold their shape season after season and do not shed like fresh cuttings.

The Eucalyptus Snow Wreath is plastic with green leaves and white flowers. It has a round shape and comes as a single wreath.

The Cedar Hearth Wreath is made from PE. It has a round shape and comes as a single wreath. It is compressed during packaging, so you need to unfold it by hand after it arrives. Give it a few minutes to open up and settle into its full round form.

The Quiet Pine Wreath is plastic with green pine needles on a round base. It is 17.7 in (45 cm) wide and is meant for indoor use.

The Grapevine Ring Wreath is plastic rattan with a woven vine texture and twisted woven strands. It measures 12 in (30 cm) across with a 10 in (25 cm) inner opening.

The Woven Vine Ring is made from plastic vines with a woven twisted vine texture. Interwoven strands form a round ring. It is 12 in (30 cm) across with a 10 in (25 cm) inner opening.

The Green Spiked Wreath Frame is green plastic with rows of spikes around the ring. It is 15 in (40 cm) wide and comes as a single wreath frame. The spikes hold picks, ribbon and greenery in place while you build.

Outdoor and indoor use

For a front door that faces sun, rain or wind, choose a wreath with a tight, sturdy build. Plastic and PE wreaths handle weather better than paper or fabric trim. Hang them under a porch overhang when you can, and bring them inside during heavy storms.

For indoor use, the Quiet Pine Wreath is a good fit. Its 17.7 in (45 cm) width suits a large wall, a stair rail or a mantel. The Eucalyptus Snow Wreath and the Cedar Hearth Wreath also work indoors on a door, a mirror or a window.

Bare rings like the Grapevine Ring Wreath, the Woven Vine Ring and the Green Spiked Wreath Frame are made to be decorated. Use them indoors or in a covered spot outside. Add ribbon, small ornaments or battery lights to match your room.

Care and storage

Dust is the main issue with artificial wreaths. Wipe leaves and needles with a soft dry cloth, or use a soft brush on a low setting to lift dust from deep greenery. Avoid water on plastic and PE wreaths, and skip harsh cleaners that can dull the finish.

If a wreath arrives compressed, like the Cedar Hearth Wreath, unfold it by hand and let it rest. Most shapes settle within a day.

Store wreaths flat or hang them on a wall hook in a cool, dry place. A breathable bag keeps dust off without trapping moisture. Keep them out of direct sun for long periods, since light can fade color over time.

Before you hang a wreath, check your hanger. An over the door hook works for most doors. For heavier or wider wreaths, use a nail or a sturdy adhesive hook rated for the weight. Test the hold before you let go.