Whether you always hang a real Christmas wreath, or are on the fence about getting one, it is surprisingly simple to keep them at their best for the entire season. Interested in how to keep a wreath fresh? We’ve got two simple tips to help you become an expert Christmas wreath preservationist. (Sounds fancy, but it just means that you can keep that sucker alive until after Christmas!)
How to choose a wreath
First things first—when spending good money on a wreath, consider purchasing it fresh from a local tree farm. Not only is it an opportunity to support a smaller business, but they assemble the orders as they come in, and that’s as fresh as you can get. After all, large orders sent to big retailers are made ahead of time to fulfill their contracts, so the wreath is possibly two months old by the time the retailer gets it. Therefore, these wreaths may not last as long as you would like once you hang them on your door or wall, no matter what kind of after-purchase care you give them.
How to keep a wreath fresh
Wreath options are numerous (made out of any number of evergreens, conifers and boxwood) and usually adorned with little creative bits of Christmas nostalgia like acorns, horse chestnuts, berries and bows. But how do you best preserve this holiday staple so your wreaths can last throughout the festive season? According to Harbor Farms (a Maine-established business that has handcrafted high-quality Balsam fresh and real Christmas wreaths and centerpieces since 1986), a Christmas wreath that’s properly cared for will last through the holidays— and part of that care is dependent on climate. Therefore, the best tip to keep your Christmas wreath fresh is to hang it outside, avoiding direct sunlight if possible (but not behind a storm door). If you decorate the inside of your house with a wreath, make sure to hang it away from any heat sources. Heat will just starve the embellishment of its water requirements, dropping needles as a consequence. Water is the other essential component to making your wreath last longer. So, tip number two? Water it! Absorption actually happens at the cut ends of fresh greens, so just a few spritzes of water to the front and back of the wreath will increase its lifespan. Doing this just two to three days a week will maintain the Christmas wreath’s vibrancy and fragrance. And that’s it. Climate and water = fresh and perky wreaths!
How long will wreaths last?
It is estimated that fresh wreaths can last anywhere from three weeks to three months. Placing the wreath inside will shorten its lifespan, as will sunny and warmer areas inside of your home. Cool climates are best for a wreath’s ability to look fantastic longer. Wreaths in a colder state vs. a warmer state have a better chance of lasting well beyond Christmas—even New Year’s. With the right temperament, fresh-cut wreaths can even make it into March. (Now, that’s pushing into the Easter Bunny’s territory!) As time takes its toll on the wreath, however, some changes will become noticeable. So, if needles start flaking and losing a bit of pliability, it’s time to spritz more water!
Do some wreaths last longer than others?
Absolutely! Some of the longest-lasting greens are in the fir group (which includes noble and graser). Juniper, cedar and white pine are also long haulers. Boxwood is known to be the shortest lasting, but if purchasing one that has been preserved with glycerin, you can actually store one in a cool space for up to three years. Balsam, although beautiful, tends to drop its needles more quickly than others. There are so many different types of greens used in wreaths. But you can determine which type of wreath to purchase based on how long you’d like to have it up.
Are some Christmas wreaths more fragrant than others?
People who want a very strong-smelling, deep-pigmented evergreen tend to lean towards buying Christmas wreaths made of Balsam. Balsam is native to Maine, extending through the northeastern US and into parts of Canada. But like Balsam Christmas trees, the fragrance will fade over time. When this happens, it’s helpful to “scrunch up” some of the foliage and crush a few of the needles to release more of the oils that give your wreath its wonderful scent. Wreaths are so cheerful and lively and can be great additions to your door or home this holiday season. Some local businesses are taking pre-orders already, so check in with the company you are purchasing from to make sure that you can get yours on time this year. And with these effortless tips we laid out for you, your new Christmas wreath should last beautifully throughout the holidays—if not longer. Next up: The Countdown to Christmas Is On! Trim Your Tree With These 25 Best Christmas Tree Decor Ideas
