Tips and Tricks for How to Keep Your Christmas Wreath Fresh (2024)

If you’re anything like Ree Drummond, your Christmas decorations will only consist of live wreaths and trees—never faux! But how do you keep your fresh wreath, garland, swag or centerpiece looking great all season? “First, choose a wreath that feels flexible and has a nice, evergreen fragrance, which is one indication that it’s fresh,” says Andy Hunter, wreathmaker and owner of Lynch Creek Farm. “Feel the needles, too. They should be soft and appear green, not grey-ish.”

For the freshest possible wreaths and other holiday greenery, buy from a local Christmas tree farm, farmer’s market vendor, or a company that specializes in wreath-making. These wreaths typically are made right before they’re sold, not two months ago as often happens with wreaths shipped to big box retailers. The fresher your wreath is to begin with, the longer it will last in your home, says Hunter.

Looking for other tips on how to keep a wreath fresh? We've got you covered! From where to hang a wreath to the best types of wreaths you can buy—read on for everything you need to know about caring for your greenery so it looks beautiful throughout the holiday season. After all, there's nothing worse than a brown wreath come Christmas Day!

How do you make wreaths last longer?

Just like with keeping your Christmas tree alive, one of the best ways to keep your wreath fresh for longer is with water! Fresh greens absorb moisture through their cut ends, says Hunter. To increase their lifespan, spritz the front and back with water every two to three days (or more often if you like). This helps them stay fragrant and last longer. For other types of greens including holly, magnolia, and bay leaf, follow the same rules and mist regularly to keep them supple.

You also should hang live greenery in a cool, shaded place out of direct sunlight. “Sunlight is the number one factor that affects the lifespan of cut greenery,” says Hunter. If possible, keep your wreath, garland or swag under a covered porch. If decorating inside your home, choose a cool room away from direct heating sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, and sunny windows.

Centerpieces or mini trees made from boxwood or fir usually are set in floral foam. Make sure to check it every day or so, and add water to the reservoir.

How long do fresh wreaths last?

That depends! Fresh wreaths can last from three weeks to three months, based on conditions and how fresh they were when you first got them, says Hunter. Indoors, they may not look as nice for as long as they will outdoors. In a cool climate, wreaths can look good throughout the winter.

If you want your greenery to be extra-fresh for a Christmas party or holiday open house, find out if you can pre-order from local farms and speciality wreath makers. That way, you can pick up or choose a shipping date to arrive for the time closest to your event.

After the holidays, you can compost the branches or reuse them to provide a little extra protection for tender perennials in your garden during the coldest part of the year.

What are the longest-lasting types of wreaths?

How long your wreath lasts depends on many factors. But some types of fir such as Noble, Nordmann, and Fraser; juniper; white pine; and cedar tend to last the longest. Balsam often drops needles more quickly than other types. Boxwood tend to last the least amount of time, often only a week or so unless you purchase the kind that has been preserved with a substance such as glycerin. These will look good a few years if stored properly in a cool space.