Wreath Care 101: Essential Storage, Maintenance, and Refreshing Tips

Wreath Care 101: Storage, Maintenance, and Refreshing Tips

When it comes to holiday decor, nothing captures the spirit of the season like a beautifully adorned wreath. To keep your wreath looking great throughout the season (and for years to come), a little care goes a long way. Below are simple, easy-to-follow tips for storing, maintaining, and refreshing your wreath.

Wreath Storage Tips

Proper storage is one of the best ways to protect your wreath and extend the life of fresh balsam.

• Choose the Right Location: Store your wreath in a cold garage or a cool basement. Cooler temperatures help keep balsam products fresh longer.
• You Don’t Need a Wreath Storage Box: You don’t need to buy a special storage box if you have a large plastic bag. A bag helps protect the wreath and reduces moisture loss.
• Hang or Lay Flat: Hang your wreath or lay it flat to prevent it from getting bent or misshapen. Avoid stacking heavy items on top.

How to Store a Wreath While Away

If you’ll be away during the season, you may wonder whether you should store your wreath while you’re gone. Here are a few helpful tips.

• Keep it Cool: If you bring it inside, choose the coolest place available and keep it away from heat sources (wood stoves, radiators, vents, sunny windows).
• Wrap for Protection: Place the wreath in a large plastic bag to protect it from drying out. If you can, keep the bag loosely closed so it holds humidity but still has a little airflow.

Wreath Maintenance Tips

A quick check every few days will help your wreath stay fresh and vibrant.

• Keep Out of Direct Sun: Sun and heat dry balsam quickly. If you notice browning or drying on one side, move the wreath to a shadier location.
• Avoid Storm Door Heat Build-Up: Don’t hang your wreath on the inside of a glass storm door. The sun can trap heat between the storm door and your front door, “baking” the wreath and browning the side facing the glass.
• Mist Lightly (Don’t Overdo It): A light spritz can help in dry conditions. Don’t soak it—too much moisture (especially in storage) can lead to mold.
• Refresh Decorations: If your wreath includes natural elements (cones, berries, greens), a very light mist can help them look fresh—especially in dry indoor air.

How to Refresh (Rehydrate) a Wreath

If your wreath starts to feel dry, you can refresh it in two ways—quick misting, or a deeper rehydrate using cool water.

• Quick Refresh (Easy): Lightly mist the greens with a spray bottle—especially on warm or windy days—to help slow down drying.
• Deep Rehydrate with Water (Best for Mostly-Green Wreaths):
  1. Fill a tub or large tray with cool water (about 1–2 inches is enough).
  2. Lay the wreath flat, greens-side down so only the greens touch the water.
  3. Keep decorations out of the water (bows and accents can warp, bleed color, or lose shape).
  4. Soak for 10–20 minutes.
  5. Lift the wreath and let it drip-dry before rehanging.
  6. Finish in a cool, shaded spot to help it recover without drying too fast.

  Tip: If your wreath has heavy decorations, skip soaking and use light misting instead.

Seasonal Cold Storage

If you’re storing a balsam product (like a centerpiece) for a longer period—especially before a party—cold storage can help. A refrigerator or cold garage out of direct sunlight works well.

• For Wreaths: Keep it cool and slightly damp. If needed, place a lightly damp paper towel underneath (not soaking wet).
• For Centerpieces with Foam: Add water to the foam as needed to keep it hydrated.
• Don’t Worry About Freezing Temperatures: Your wreath is happiest when it’s cold. Freezing temperatures won’t hurt balsam—in many cases, cold weather helps extend freshness.

Wreath Upkeep Basics

These simple habits help prevent problems before they start.

• Schedule Regular Checks: Check your wreath every few days, especially during warm spells or sunny weather.
• Note Weather Changes: Warm, sunny, or windy days dry wreaths faster. A quick move into shade can make a big difference.

Protect Wreath Decorations

Keep bows and accents looking great with these easy tips.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sun fades ribbon and can dry greens quickly.
• Use Weather-Resistant Materials: If your wreath will be outdoors, weather-resistant ribbon and secure fasteners help decorations last longer.
• Reuse Decorations: Many bows and accents can be reused year to year—store them separately in a dry container when the season ends.

Prevent Damage in Cold Storage

Cold storage is great—just avoid excess moisture.

• Keep it Damp (Not Wet): You want to prevent drying out, but too much water can cause mold.
• Check Occasionally: If it’s stored in a cold garage, check periodically for dryness or moisture buildup inside the bag.

Conclusion

By following these wreath care tips, you can keep your wreath looking beautiful throughout the season. Cool temperatures, shade, proper storage, and the right amount of moisture are the keys to preserving fresh balsam. Happy decorating!