These Florist-Approved Tricks Will Help Your Christmas Wreath Last Longer (2024)

If your idea of decking the halls includes all of the Christmas wreaths, listen up: There's a good chance you're not giving your holiday wreath the TLC it needs. Just like preventing your Christmas tree from transforming into a blanket of pine needles, every fresh wreath needs some maintenance.

Fortunately, we contacted an expert who knows a thing or two about flexing the green thumb you didn't even know you had. Read on for her tips on how to make your wreath last this holiday season.

Choose a Fresh Wreath

When you're looking for the perfect wreath that will last, make sure that the one you choose is actually fresh. If the wreath you are looking at looks dry or even (gasp!) is already a little browned, skip it.

One way to see if a living Christmas wreath is not fresh is to give it a little shake. If a bunch of needles fall out, then the wreath is most likely a few weeks old. Another way to test its freshness is to smell it. If it's fresh, it should smell like a Christmas tree that's been newly cut.

Fluff Your Wreath Once You Get It Home

Stembel also stresses the importance of a good shake if your wreath got compacted in transit. "Remember to give your wreath a good zhush once you get home," she said. "Just like a good blowout, get your fingers into the foliage and add some air back to the shape."

You can do this simply by working your fingers against the directionality of the greens, fluffing as you make your way around the wreath form.

Keep Foliage Hydrated

According to Stembel, the minute you've selected a fresh wreath to bring home, the upkeep starts with keeping your foliage hydrated. "Revive the original intensity of your wreath's fragrance by lightly spritzing it with water once or twice a week," she said.

Mist your wreath as much as a couple of times a day for the best results. Use a spray bottle filled with water for this, and keep the spritz intensity to its lightest setting—you're looking for a misting (not a downpour).

Soak Your Wreath Before Hanging

Another way to ensure your wreath stays hydrated and happy is to give it a bath when you get it home. Soak your natural wreath in your bathtub or large bucket in room temperature water for 24 hours to hydrate your wreath before hanging it up. This method ensures deep hydration, so your wreath can stay fresh for longer.

Avoid Heat and Direct Sunlight

The location of your wreath makes a difference in its lifespan, too. Hanging up your wreath in the wrong spot will cause it to decline much quicker. "If you prefer your wreath to stay greener longer, keep it out of direct light and heat," Stembel said.

Indoor

"Indoor spots like above beds and sofas will be less exposed to the elements, and your wreath will stay lusher, longer," said Stembel. Place wreaths away from heat sources (vents, fireplace, etc.). Windows, doors, and mirrors are all great places to consider hanging your wreath.

Outdoor

When placing your wreaths outdoors, typically on doors and windows, avoid placing your wreath in direct sunlight, as it will cause the wreath will dry out quicker. If you must place your fresh wreath in direct sunlight, be diligent to keep it hydrated so it will last all season.

Cover Your Wreath During the Night

While you don't need to cover all of your wreaths, consider trying this nighttime routine for wreaths that are indoors to protect from the heat, especially ones that are closer to a heat source. Mist your wreath right before bed and then cover it with a plastic bag. A trash bag works well for this, especially one with a drawstring. This routine will keep your indoor wreaths fresher for longer.

Simply put it on from the bottom, then pull the drawstring to close it up at the top. Covering your wreath with a plastic bag helps keep the moisture in at night, resulting in a fresher wreath. In the morning, remove the bag and give it another spritz of water.