Berries and Wreaths

A ring of foliage and a few dots of color: it's the easiest decoration to get right, all in a single piece. Here you'll find pine wreaths ready to dress, berry branches and garlands, guelder rose foliage and clips to pinch on.

Dressing a wreath that's already green

A bare pine wreath takes three or four dots of color, rarely more. Clip them onto the front, then stagger them in a triangle, like two, six and ten o'clock on a clock face: the eye travels around instead of stopping. A cluster of guelder rose carries a lot of weight in the whole, so count it as two.

The wreath laid flat

A wreath doesn't have to be hung. Laid flat in the center of a table, it becomes a ring of greenery whose middle stays free for a candle holder or a low vase. On a sideboard, it frames the object you want to show off. Allow for the space around it: a circle needs room to be seen.

How high to hang it

On a door, the center of the wreath sits roughly at eye level, a little above the middle of the door panel: any lower and it seems to slide toward the floor. A long ribbon passed over the top of the door holds it without drilling into the wood. On a bare wall, go higher still and leave space around it.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a dressed wreath or a bare one?

A dressed wreath can be hung as is. A green wreath takes a little time and gives you a display that changes, since the clips can be moved and removed.

Do the clips hold on all types of foliage?

They pinch onto a stem, so the denser the foliage, the better they hold: artificial pine remains their most secure base. On fine foliage, attach them by the stem with a discreet wire.

Can a wreath be left outdoors?

Under a sheltered porch, yes. In full sun and rain, the colors fade and the frosting gets marked.