Here’s a question that I bet a substantial number of you have never thought about. Do you like to decorate your home with wreaths for certain seasons or celebrations, and if so, what type do you prefer? If this is something that you have always wanted to do and never yet got round to, then what is stopping you?
Wreaths are a tried and tested form of decoration that many of us will be at least somewhat familiar with. Ironically, that level of familiarity can make it difficult to choose one to suit your decorating project, as you are less likely to have thought about what they really look like compared to other forms of decoration.
If you’ve decided to get a wreath to decorate your home, but you don’t want to just grab the first one you see, then we’re here to help. By matching your preferences with what’s typically available, here’s how you can go about choosing the right wreath for your needs.
What are your preferences?
First, your practical and stylistic preferences.
Durability
One thing you’ll want to consider is how durable you want your wreath to be. Are you looking for something that you can use for years to come, every Christmas or Easter? Or are you happy to just use it for a few weeks and then get a fresh one the following year? Depending on the season you may need to consider whether your wreath will be displayed outside your house or inside, and what protection it has from the elements.
Materials
You’ll also want to consider what kinds of materials you want the wreath to be made from. You can get all sorts of wreaths, made from both natural and synthetic materials. Your choice of material can have a big impact on how long the wreath lasts, as well as how it looks and whether or not it has a scent – you’ll have to consider these things in line with your other preferences, along with questions such as the environmental impact of the wreath.
Seasonal
Another potentially important issue is whether you want a seasonal wreath or not. Some wreaths really shout “Christmas” at you, for example, while others will be far less seasonally specific. It may be a good idea to use plants or flowers that might be blooming at the time you plan to display your wreath – even if you are using synthetic variants of them. If the season is not so important then you have a wider choice of materials and colours to choose from.
What are your options?
Next, let’s take a look at the main options you’ll be able to choose between.
Foliage based wreaths
While you can find all sorts of wreaths made from evergreen foliage like spruce and pine, you can also try out a wreath with eucalyptus if you’re looking for something a little different. You can even try to make a wreath with materials from your garden or local park. Look for materials that are strong but malleable, such as ivy or certain reeds.
Synthetic wreaths
If durability is important, and you’re looking for a wreath that will last you for years, not weeks, then you’ll likely want to stick to synthetic materials. They may not look as nice as natural wreaths, and they tend to have a higher environmental impact, but they will last you for decades to come. That being said, it’s worth thinking about whether it’s worth it or not – it might last, but at what aesthetic cost?
Getting the right kind of wreath isn’t too difficult. By first thinking about your preferences, and then looking at what options are available, you should be able to find (or make) an option that’s perfect for you.
If you regularly buy or make wreaths for your home, I’d love to see your ideas. Please come over to the Mum’s the Boss Facebook page and share your images.
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