18 DIY Christmas Wreath Ideas That’ll Make Your Door the Star of the Street

There’s just something magical about opening your front door to a handmade Christmas wreath—suddenly, your whole house feels like it’s wrapped in holiday cheer! From rustic pinecone beauties and sparkly ornament explosions to cozy fabric wreaths and eucalyptus dreams, these DIY projects are perfect for anyone who wants to ditch the store-bought stuff and create something truly special. Whether you’re into minimalist Scandi vibes or full-on glitter madness, there’s a wreath style waiting to make your neighbors seriously jealous. Stick around, because the best ideas are coming up next!

What You’ll Discover

Classic evergreen and pinecone wreaths bring natural, rustic charm to traditional holiday décor with simple DIY techniques
Ornament ball and ribbon wreaths offer colorful, customizable options perfect for beginners and quick afternoon projects
Modern minimalist and dried element wreaths provide contemporary alternatives with sustainable materials and Scandinavian-inspired designs
Specialty wreaths like candy cane, fabric scrap, and succulent versions add unique personality and year-round versatility

Classic Evergreen and Pinecone Wreaths

Nothing beats the smell of fresh evergreen branches hanging on your door—it’s like Christmas punched you right in the nose, in the best way possible! Creating a traditional evergreen wreath is easier than you’d think, even if you’ve never crafted anything fancier than a paper snowflake. All you need is a wire wreath frame, some fresh pine or fir branches, floral wire, and maybe a few pinecones you snagged from the backyard.

The trick is to layer those branches in the same direction, overlapping them as you wire them down, so everything looks lush and full. Once your base is solid, tuck in some pinecones—either natural or spray-painted gold for a fancy twist. Want to level up? Add some red berries, a plaid bow, or even tiny ornaments nestled between the branches. This wreath screams “classic Christmas” and will last for weeks if you keep it outdoors in the cold.

Tips for Making Your Evergreen Wreath Pop

Here are some ways to make your evergreen creation stand out:

Mix different types of greenery like cedar, pine, and fir for varied texture
Spray pinecones with white paint for a snowy, frosted effect
Add cinnamon sticks tied with twine for a cozy, spiced scent
Wire in some eucalyptus branches for a modern farmhouse vibe
Attach a weather-resistant ribbon that won’t get soggy in the rain

Ornament Ball Wreaths

If you’ve got a stash of Christmas ornaments collecting dust in the attic, it’s time to give them a glow-up with an ornament ball wreath! This project is ridiculously fun and perfect for anyone who loves color—think shiny reds, golds, silvers, or even a rainbow explosion if that’s your jam. You’ll need a wire wreath frame (foam works too), tons of shatterproof ornaments in various sizes, and a hot glue gun or sturdy wire to attach everything.

The beauty of this wreath is that there’s no wrong way to do it. Some people like to cluster ornaments tightly so you can’t see any gaps, while others leave a little breathing room for a more relaxed look. Play around with textures too—mix matte, glossy, and glittery balls for visual interest. Pro tip: use different sizes of ornaments to fill in the weird spaces and make everything look intentional instead of like you just threw ornaments at a frame and hoped for the best.

Color Scheme Ideas for Ornament Wreaths

Want your wreath to match your home’s vibe? Try these combos:

Classic Christmas: Red, green, and gold for that traditional holiday feel
Winter Wonderland: Silver, white, and icy blue for a frosty look
Rustic Glam: Copper, cream, and natural wood tones for farmhouse chic
Bold and Bright: Hot pink, teal, and lime green for a modern twist
Elegant Neutrals: Champagne, beige, and soft gold for understated sophistication

Rustic Burlap and Ribbon Wreaths

Burlap wreaths bring that cozy, farmhouse feel to your front door without looking like you raided your grandma’s craft closet—in a good way! These wreaths are super forgiving for beginners because burlap is thick and hides mistakes like a champ. You can either wrap burlap ribbon around a foam or wire frame, or get fancy with the bubble technique where you create poufy loops and attach them with wire.

The ribbon method is faster—just wrap, glue, and you’re done in under an hour. For the bubble technique, cut burlap into squares, pinch the centers, and wire them onto the frame row by row until it looks like a fluffy burlap cloud. Either way, you’ll want to jazz it up with a big bow, some wooden letters spelling out a festive word, or rustic embellishments like pinecones, twine-wrapped ornaments, or even tiny wooden signs. The beauty of burlap is that it works for the whole winter season, not just Christmas, so you’re getting serious mileage out of this project.

Candy Cane and Peppermint Wreaths

Who says wreaths have to be all serious and traditional? A candy cane wreath is basically Christmas in dessert form, and it’s guaranteed to make people smile—or crave peppermint bark, which is also a win. These wreaths are perfect for kids to help with, and they come together faster than you can say “sugar rush.”

You’ll need a foam wreath form and about 50-60 mini candy canes, depending on the size. Unwrap all those candy canes (yes, all of them—put on a podcast), then hot glue them one by one around the wreath, alternating the direction of the curved ends for a fun pattern. Some crafters like to arrange them all facing the same way for a cleaner look, while others mix it up for a playful vibe. Once you’re done gluing, tie a big red bow at the top, and boom—instant holiday cheer. Just keep it indoors, because outdoor heat or cold can make the candy canes sticky or brittle, and nobody wants a melted peppermint disaster on their door.

Alternative Candy Wreath Ideas

If you’re feeling adventurous with your sweet tooth, try these variations:

Use peppermint swirl candies hot-glued to a red foam base for a swirly effect
Create a rainbow wreath with different colored candy sticks for a Candyland vibe
Mix candy canes with white and red ornaments for a cohesive peppermint theme
Add artificial snow spray for a frosted candy cane forest look
Wrap the wreath with cellophane and give it as a gift—it’s too cute not to share

Minimalist Scandinavian Wreaths

Not everyone wants their wreath to scream “CHRISTMAS!” from three blocks away, and that’s where minimalist Scandinavian wreaths come in clutch. These beauties are all about simplicity, natural materials, and a color palette that whispers instead of shouts—think whites, grays, soft greens, and natural wood tones.

Start with a simple wooden or wire hoop (or make one from a bent branch if you’re feeling extra rustic), then add subtle touches like eucalyptus, olive branches, or dried grasses. The key to nailing this look is restraint—less is definitely more. Maybe add a single leather cord, a few dried seed pods, or one minimalist ornament in white or brass. Skip the glitter, skip the bows, and definitely skip anything that lights up or makes noise. The result? A wreath so effortlessly cool it looks like it wandered out of a Danish design magazine.

Dried Citrus and Natural Element Wreaths

Dried orange slices on a wreath aren’t just gorgeous—they smell amazing and last way longer than you’d expect! Creating a dried citrus wreath is easier than it sounds, but you’ll need a bit of patience for the drying part. Slice oranges, lemons, or even limes into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick), then either dehydrate them in a food dehydrator or bake them in the oven at a low temperature for several hours, flipping occasionally until they’re completely dry and slightly firm.

Once your citrus slices are ready, wire them onto a grapevine or wire wreath base, mixing in other natural elements like cinnamon sticks, star anise, bay leaves, and dried flowers. The whole thing looks rustic, smells like a holiday candle, and gives off major “I’ve got my life together” energy even if you absolutely don’t. Plus, this wreath style works through the whole winter season and can even transition into spring if you swap out some elements. Just keep it indoors or in a covered area so your beautiful citrus doesn’t get soggy and sad.

Best Natural Elements to Pair with Citrus

Make your citrus wreath even more stunning with these additions:

Cinnamon sticks tied with jute twine for warmth and spice
Whole star anise for delicate, geometric visual interest
Dried bay leaves for subtle greenery and herbal scent
Pine cones in varying sizes for texture contrast
Dried flower heads like lavender or baby’s breath for softness

Fabric Scrap and Felt Wreaths

Got a pile of fabric scraps that you’ve been hoarding like a craft dragon? Time to turn that stash into a cozy fabric wreath! These wreaths are perfect for using up leftover fabric from other projects, and they’re so soft and tactile that people will want to reach out and touch them—which is either endearing or annoying depending on your personal space preferences.

There are a few methods to choose from. The rag wreath technique involves cutting fabric into strips, tying them onto a wire frame, and fluffing them up until the whole thing looks like a colorful fabric explosion. For a cleaner look, try making felt flowers or shapes and hot-gluing them onto a foam base—felt is forgiving, doesn’t fray, and comes in every color imaginable. You can create anything from simple felt balls to intricate flowers, leaves, or holiday shapes. Mix textures by combining cotton prints, felt, burlap, and even flannel for a wreath that’s uniquely yours and uses materials you already have lying around.

Eucalyptus and Silver Dollar Wreaths

Eucalyptus wreaths have taken over Pinterest and Instagram, and honestly? They deserve the hype. There’s something effortlessly elegant about that silvery-green color and those perfectly rounded leaves that just screams “I’m sophisticated but approachable.” Fresh eucalyptus lasts for weeks and dries beautifully, so your wreath just gets better with age instead of turning into a brown, crunchy disaster.

You can buy fresh eucalyptus bunches at most florists or grocery stores, then wire them onto a frame or directly onto a grapevine base. Layer the stems in one direction, overlapping them generously so you get that lush, full look. Want to keep it modern and minimal? Stop there. Want to add some holiday flair? Tuck in some white berries, a velvet ribbon, or even some metallic gold leaves for subtle sparkle. The best part is that eucalyptus smells incredible—fresh and spa-like instead of Christmas-tree-lot overwhelming—so your entryway will smell like a fancy hotel lobby all season long.

Glittery Glamour Wreaths

Sometimes you just need a wreath that sparkles like a disco ball had a baby with Christmas, and that’s where glittery glamour wreaths come in to save the day. These wreaths are all about drama, shine, and making absolutely sure your door doesn’t blend into the background. We’re talking sequins, glitter, metallic sprays, rhinestones, and anything else that catches the light and makes people reach for their sunglasses.

Start with a foam or wire wreath base, then cover it with glittery ribbon, metallic mesh, or even pre-glittered branches from the craft store. Add oversized glittery ornaments, sparkly picks with gems or sequins, and don’t be shy about layering different textures of shine—mix glitter, sequins, and metallic finishes for maximum impact. A huge glittery bow is basically mandatory here, and if you want to go full maximalist, add some battery-operated fairy lights or LED ribbon to make your wreath glow like a Christmas miracle. Just maybe skip this one if you have a lot of wind—glitter cleanup is not for the faint of heart.

Ways to Add Maximum Sparkle

Turn up the glam factor with these dazzling additions:

Spray paint pinecones with metallic gold or silver paint
Wrap sections with sparkly tulle or organza ribbon
Hot glue rhinestones or crystal gems in clusters
Add mirrored ornaments that reflect light
Use glittery pipe cleaners to create custom star or snowflake picks

Succulent Living Wreaths

Succulent wreaths are the gift that keeps on giving—they’re gorgeous, they’re alive, and they’ll stick around way longer than that evergreen wreath that’s already dropping needles all over your porch. These living wreaths are perfect for people who want something different and don’t mind a little plant care (emphasis on little, because succulents are basically the houseplants for people who kill houseplants).

You’ll need a special wreath frame designed for succulents, which has a wire structure and space for soil and moss. Plant small succulent cuttings directly into the frame, packing them tightly so the whole thing looks lush and full. Succulents come in amazing colors—greens, blues, purples, pinks, and even silvery grays—so you can create cool patterns or gradients. The best part? With proper care (occasional watering and bright light), your succulent wreath will last for months, even years. You can keep it up year-round or just bring it out for the holidays, and over time, the succulents will actually grow and fill in even more. Just keep it in a spot with good light and don’t overwater, or your beautiful living wreath will turn into a mushy plant graveyard.

Grapevine and Twig Wreaths

There’s something wonderfully wild and natural about a grapevine wreath base—it looks like you foraged it from an enchanted forest, even if you actually bought it at Michael’s for $12.99. These rustic bases are incredibly versatile and provide the perfect foundation for basically any wreath style you can imagine. You can leave them bare for a super minimalist look, or pile on decorations until they can barely breathe.

The beauty of grapevine is its texture—all those twisty, curly vines create natural dimension and visual interest without you having to do anything fancy. Try weaving in some fairy lights for a magical glow, or tuck fresh or faux flowers into the vines for a romantic, cottagecore vibe. Add some burlap ribbon, wooden stars, or rustic metal letters for farmhouse charm. You can even spray paint the whole base white or gold before decorating for a completely different look. Grapevine wreaths transition beautifully through seasons too, so you can strip off the Christmas stuff in January and add spring flowers without starting from scratch.

Pinecone Ombre Wreaths

Pinecone wreaths are classic, but an ombre pinecone wreath? That’s next-level crafting right there. This project involves collecting or buying a ton of pinecones (seriously, like 80-100 depending on wreath size), then spray painting them in graduated shades to create a stunning color fade. Popular combos include white to silver, light pink to deep red, or gold to bronze for a metallic masterpiece.

Start by sorting your pinecones by size and deciding on your color gradient—usually 3-5 shades works best. Spray paint them in sections, letting them dry completely between coats. Once they’re ready, hot glue them onto a foam wreath form starting with your lightest color at the top and gradually transitioning to your darkest shade at the bottom. The effect is seriously impressive and looks way more complicated than it actually is. People will think you spent days on this when really it’s just spray paint and patience. Keep this one indoors though, because outdoor moisture can mess with your carefully crafted color story.

Popular Ombre Color Combinations

Try these gorgeous color transitions for your pinecone wreath:

Winter Wonderland: White to silver to gray for an icy gradient
Rose Gold Romance: Blush pink to rose gold to bronze for elegance
Autumn Sunset: Yellow to orange to deep red for transitional decor
Coastal Christmas: Light teal to navy to deep blue for beach vibes
Classic Metallics: Champagne to gold to copper for timeless shine

Felt Ball and Pom Pom Wreaths

If “adorably cozy” were a wreath style, it would definitely be the felt ball version. These wreaths are playful, tactile, and perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to your door without being too serious about the whole Christmas thing. Felt balls come in every color imaginable and are surprisingly affordable if you buy them in bulk online.

To make one, you’ll need about 100-150 felt balls (1-2 cm size works well), a foam wreath form, and a hot glue gun that you’ll become very familiar with over the next hour or two. Start by covering your form completely with felt balls, placing them as close together as possible so no foam shows through. You can go monochromatic for a modern look, create a rainbow effect, or stick to traditional Christmas colors. Some crafters like to add a few pom poms for extra texture—just hot glue them on top of felt balls in random spots. The end result is a wreath so soft and inviting that it practically begs people to boop it, which… honestly, fair.

Vintage Ornament Wreaths

If you’ve inherited a box of vintage glass ornaments from your grandma or scored some at an estate sale, turning them into a wreath is the perfect way to display them and honor their retro glory. These old-school ornaments—especially the mercury glass ones with their silvery shimmer and the hand-painted beauties from the 1950s and 60s—have a charm that modern ornaments just can’t replicate.

Start with a wire wreath frame and carefully wire each ornament onto the frame, clustering them tightly so the whole thing looks intentionally full and lush. Mix sizes and shapes for visual interest, and don’t worry if some ornaments are slightly damaged—those imperfections add to the vintage character. The key is to handle them gently because vintage ornaments are way more fragile than modern plastic ones. Add some vintage-style ribbon in colors like peacock blue, burgundy, or champagne gold, and maybe some retro tinsel for maximum nostalgic vibes. This wreath style is perfect for anyone who loves a Grandmillennial aesthetic or just appreciates the craftsmanship of old-school Christmas decorations.

Cinnamon Stick Wreaths

Want your wreath to smell like Christmas walked up and gave you a warm hug? A cinnamon stick wreath delivers on both looks and scent, filling your entryway with that spicy, comforting aroma every time someone opens the door. These wreaths are surprisingly easy to make and have a rustic, natural look that works with basically any home style.

You’ll need a foam wreath form and a whole lot of cinnamon sticks—usually 3-4 bundles depending on your wreath size. Hot glue the cinnamon sticks vertically around the wreath form, placing them as close together as possible to create a full, textured look. Once you’ve covered the whole form, wrap some jute twine or raffia ribbon around sections for extra rustic charm, and tuck in some dried orange slices, star anise, or bay leaves. The natural browns and warm tones of cinnamon make this wreath perfect for the whole winter season, and the scent is stronger than you’d expect—your whole porch will smell amazing. Just keep it protected from rain, because wet cinnamon sticks are sad cinnamon sticks.

Complementary Scents for Spice Wreaths

Layer these aromatic elements with cinnamon for an even more complex holiday scent:

Star anise for a subtle licorice note that’s surprisingly pleasant
Whole cloves stuck into dried oranges for spicy-sweet warmth
Bay leaves for an herbal, earthy undertone
Dried rosemary sprigs for a fresh, piney contrast
Nutmeg pods (if you can find them) for extra spice dimension

Ribbon and Mesh Wreaths

Deco mesh wreaths are everywhere during the holidays, and while some people think they’re too over-the-top, others absolutely love their fluffy, full look that basically shouts “I’M FESTIVE AND I DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!” These wreaths use rolls of deco mesh—that crinkly, sparkly, wide ribbon material—gathered and attached to a wire frame to create major volume.

The technique involves cutting mesh into sections, gathering or twisting them, and attaching each piece to the frame with pipe cleaners or wire until the whole wreath is covered in fluffy layers. You can use one color for a cohesive look or mix multiple colors and patterns for maximum visual chaos in the best way possible. Once your base is done, add picks, ornaments, signs, or whatever embellishments match your theme. The beauty of these wreaths is that they’re incredibly forgiving—there’s no wrong way to fluff mesh, and the more you add, the fuller it looks. They’re also super lightweight despite their size, so hanging them is a breeze.

Paper and Book Page Wreaths

For the crafters who can’t resist a good upcycling project, book page wreaths are absolute perfection. These wreaths repurpose old books, music sheets, or vintage paper into something beautiful and surprisingly elegant. Plus, they’re perfect for literature lovers, music teachers, or anyone who appreciates the aesthetic of old paper and typography.

There are several techniques to try. The rolled rose method involves rolling strips of book pages into little roses and hot-gluing them onto a foam base until it’s completely covered in paper blooms. The folded cone technique creates dimensional triangles from folded pages that layer around the wreath in a spiky, textured pattern. Or go for a collage approach, cutting pages into leaves, stars, or other shapes and layering them artistically. You can leave the paper natural for a vintage look, or spray paint the finished wreath in metallics for a more modern vibe. Just remember—only use books that are truly beyond saving, not first editions or anything valuable, or book lovers everywhere will be very disappointed in you.

Wire and Bead Wreaths

For crafters who love a more delicate, modern look, wire and bead wreaths offer something totally different from the usual fluffy, full wreath styles. These wreaths are all about negative space, clean lines, and letting individual elements shine instead of covering every inch with stuff. Think minimalist, contemporary, and perfect for a modern or Scandinavian-inspired home.

You can create these wreaths with wire frames (copper wire is especially pretty), then add beads, crystals, or small ornaments at intervals instead of covering everything completely. Thread beads onto wire and wrap them around the frame in spirals or geometric patterns. Add a few sprigs of eucalyptus or minimal greenery for softness without overwhelming the design. The key is restraint—each element should have breathing room, and the wreath should look intentional rather than sparse. These wreaths are perfect for people who cringe at over-decorated spaces and prefer something more understated and elegant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wreath should I make for a standard front door?

Most front doors look best with wreaths between 18 and 24 inches in diameter, with 20-22 inches being the sweet spot. Your wreath should take up about one-third to one-half of your door’s visual space without overwhelming it or looking like a tiny afterthought.

How do I hang a wreath without damaging my door?

Use an over-the-door wreath hanger, adhesive hooks rated for outdoor use, or a wreath hanger that uses tension rather than nails. Ribbon hung over the door from inside is another damage-free option, though it might show from inside your home.

How long will fresh greenery wreaths last outdoors?

Fresh evergreen wreaths typically last 3-4 weeks outdoors in cold weather, longer if you spritz them with water every few days. In warmer climates or direct sun, they may only last 1-2 weeks before drying out and dropping needles everywhere.

Can I make wreaths with kids without losing my mind?

Absolutely! Stick with simple projects like felt ball wreaths, paper wreaths, or candy cane wreaths that use hot glue (with adult supervision). Pre-cut materials and let kids focus on placement rather than cutting and measuring for best results and minimal chaos.

What’s the best base for beginners?

Foam wreath forms are the most beginner-friendly option because they’re easy to stick things into with hot glue or pins, they’re lightweight, and they’re forgiving if you make mistakes. Wire frames offer more flexibility but require better technique with wiring and securing elements.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re team traditional evergreen, team glitter explosion, or team “I just want something cute and easy,” there’s a DIY wreath project out there with your name on it. The beauty of making your own wreath is that it’s uniquely yours—every choice, every embellishment, every slightly wonky ornament placement tells a story. Plus, the satisfaction of telling someone “I made that!” when they compliment your door situation? Priceless.

So grab your hot glue gun, raid your craft stash, and maybe put on some holiday music for inspiration. Your front door deserves better than that sad wire wreath from three years ago, and your neighbors are about to get serious wreath envy. Happy crafting, and may your glue gun never run cold at the wrong moment!