Make Your Christmas Wreaths Last Longer With These Care Tips

The holiday season has this funny way of sneaking up on us, doesn't it?

One minute you're carefully hanging that perfect wreath, feeling so proud of how festive everything looks.

Then you know that sinking feeling when you walk past your front door in late December...

And that gorgeous wreath you hung with such excitement three weeks ago now looks like it's given up on Christmas entirely?

Droopy. Sad. Maybe even a little embarrassing when the neighbours walk by.

We get it. Between school concerts and family chaos...

The last thing we need is our decorations letting us down halfway through the season.

But here's what we've discovered after years of watching wreaths go from stunning to sorry.

It's not about being perfect. It's about knowing the tiny tricks that keep your festive styling looking intentional and beautiful right through to New Year's Day.

Because when your home looks effortlessly put-together during the holidays? The photos look better. The gatherings feel more special. And you actually get to enjoy the season instead of stressing about it.

Understanding What You're Working With

Not all wreaths are created equal, and honestly? Knowing the difference can save you from some serious December disappointment.

You've basically got two camps here.

Fresh greenery: The real deal with pine, eucalyptus, or those gorgeous native gum leaves. They smell incredible and give you that proper Christmas magic feeling. But they're essentially slowly dying from the moment you hang them up. 

Artificial wreaths: These look surprisingly real these days. No watering, no dropping needles all over your entrance, and they'll look exactly the same next Christmas. They're basically the reliable friend who always shows up looking put-together.

However, both can look absolutely stunning all season long if you know their little quirks.

Fresh ones need a bit of daily love, kind of like a houseplant that happens to be shaped like Christmas. Artificial ones are more "set and forget", but they still need some TLC to avoid looking cheap by New Year's.

The secret isn't picking the "right" type. It's understanding what you've got so you can treat it properly.

Daily Care Tips for Real Wreaths and Garlands

Fresh wreaths and garlands are gorgeous, but they're basically high-maintenance houseguests. They need just a little daily attention to stay looking their best all season.

Here’s how to take care of them:

Morning mist routine: Grab a spray bottle and give them a gentle spritz each morning. Front and back. If you've got foam-based pieces, do the finger test. If they feel dry, they probably need a proper soak.

Keep them cool: This one's huge. Away from heaters, direct sun, and brutal air con drafts. Heat is basically kryptonite for fresh greenery. The cooler and more shaded, the longer they'll hold their colour.

Support the weight: Fresh foliage gets heavy, especially once you add baubles and decorations. Invest in proper wall hooks or sturdy ribbon ties. Those sticky hooks? They'll fail you right when you least expect it.

Clean up the mess: Use a handheld vacuum or soft brush for fallen needles. And don't yank at loose bits. Snip them cleanly with garden scissors to prevent more damage.

The truth is, just a few minutes each morning keeps your real greenery looking lush and photo-ready right through the holidays.

Artificial Wreaths and Garlands

Artificial wreaths and garlands are honestly the heroes of busy holiday decorating. No daily watering, no dropping needles, and no stress about them slowly dying on you.

But they still need a little love to avoid looking cheap and dusty by Christmas morning.

The dust situation is real: A soft brush or microfibre cloth works wonders. For those fancy pieces with glitter and beads? Try using a hairdryer. It gets into all those tiny spaces without messing up the decorations.

End-of-season check-up: Before you pack everything away, give each piece a quick once-over. Bent wires, loose decorations, wonky shapes. Fix it all now while you're thinking about it. Because trust us, future you will be grateful when you're rushing to decorate next December.

Refresh without buying new: Sometimes all you need is a different ribbon or a few new baubles to make last year's wreath feel completely fresh. 

Quality artificial pieces can honestly last for years when you treat them right. Perfect for anyone juggling a family without time for high-maintenance decorations.

How to Store Your Christmas Wreaths and Garlands the Right Way

Once the holidays are over, most of us just want to get everything packed away and forget about it until next year.

But how you store your wreaths and garlands actually makes a huge difference.

Here's what works:

Clean before you pack: Strip off all the hooks, ribbons, and anything that'll go bad over the year. Give artificial pieces a gentle wipe down. Fresh items? Let them air out if you're keeping them short-term. Otherwise just compost them.

The right container matters: Proper storage tubs with fitted lids are your friend. They keep out dust, bugs, and accidental damage. Avoid soft bags for wreaths because they won’t help the wreath hold their shape.

Support the shape: Wrap garlands in tissue or bubble wrap for cushioning. For wreaths, stuff the centre with padding to keep them round. Or hang artificial wreaths on hangers in a spare wardrobe. This works brilliantly to prevent warping.

Cool and dry storage: Garages work if they're dry and don't get crazy hot. But honestly? A wardrobe or linen cupboard inside gives better protection from fading and warping.

Good storage is honestly one of the most overlooked steps, but it makes such a difference in how your decorations look and how easy setup feels next year.

Create Lasting Holiday Memories

It's not about having the most expensive decorations or the perfectly coordinated colour scheme.

It's about creating those little moments where your kids' eyes light up. Where your guests feel genuinely welcomed. Where even you get to pause and actually enjoy the season instead of just surviving it.

Every gentle misting, every careful storage decision, every thoughtful placement... It all adds up to creating a home that feels as special as the memories you're making inside it.

Ready to discover what that kind of holiday magic looks like?

Explore our Christmas wreaths and garlands - designed to help busy mums create the warm, welcoming holiday homes their families deserve.