Wreaths Galore - Not Just For Christmas Anymore

Wreaths are most often thought to be a Christmastime decoration.  Around the holidays, many of us decorate our homes with evergreen wreaths with lights and red bows.  Christmas wreaths are a traditional decoration that we're all accustomed to.  However, more and more designers are using wreaths as a constantly rotating seasonal decoration.  Why limit yourself to only displaying wreaths during the month of December?  Wreaths can be a unique and versatile decoration for any season or holiday.  Here are some fresh ideas on using wreaths as year-round decorations.

New Year's:
You can easily take your Christmas wreath into New Year's Day by removing the red bows and adding gold or silver ones with some streamers.  Other possible decorations include a Happy New Years banner or hat and some small party horns or plastic champagne glasses.

Valentine's Day:
Nothing says love like a pink or red heart shaped wreath.  Consider using silk roses, fabric hearts or even wrapped candies.  A stuffed animal like a pink or red teddy bear, or small cupid also adds character.  Top it off with a beautiful bow and you have a bright decoration for those cold winter days!

St. Patrick's Day:
Everyone can pretend to be Irish on St. Patty's Day!  Of course, when designing a St. Patrick's Day wreath, green is certainly a requirement.  A mass of green shamrocks wrapping your wreath would look very festive (garlands of plastic or fabric shamrocks can usually be purchased at decorating stores).  Additional decorations might include small gold coins or leprechaun figurines.

Easter:
An Easter wreath can be decorated in many ways.  Some choose to focus on the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection, and others choose a lighthearted Easter Bunny theme.  Whatever your choice may be, beautiful spring flowers are a good base for an Easter wreath.  Other choices might include Easter eggs, chocolate candies or bunnies, and Easter ribbons.

Fourth of July:
In the United States, July 4 is an important holiday when we all like to show our patriotic spirit.  Try a straw or grapevine wreath spray painted with red, white, or blue gloss paint as your base, and then have fun from there!  You can use firecrackers, streamers, and ribbons for decorations.  And don't forget to include some small flags to celebrate our independence.

Halloween:
After Christmas, Halloween is the most "decorated" holiday we celebrate in the United States.  Welcome your trick-or-treaters with a festive Halloween wreath.  Orange and black are traditional colors, and there are many materials and items you can use to create your wreath.  Decorations might include pumpkins, ghosts, black cats, witches, spiders and wrapped candies.

Thanksgiving:
A wreath is a wonderful way to welcome guests to your home for a Thanksgiving dinner.  Consider using natural materials this time of year, as they are so abundant.  You may have to plan ahead and pick up beautiful leaves as they fall from the trees to create your own special design.  A large fall bow with some colorful corn will complete your Thanksgiving wreath.

As you can see, wreaths aren't just for Christmas anymore!  Seasonal wreaths are a great way to decorate for each holiday.  If you have a nice base wreath, it would even be possible to just change out the decorations to accommodate each holiday or season.  And because most wreaths aren't very large, they are an easy way to add a special touch to your home's decor without busting the budget.  Be sure to protect your seasonal wreaths by storing them in a secure and efficient manner so that you can enjoy them for years to come.