When I first moved into my current home 18 years ago, I continued a tradition I had started at my previous home…that of hanging wreaths outside on the windows at Christmas time. I was the only one in my neighborhood doing this, but with each passing year, more homes have joined in. Now a lot of the homes on my street decorate this way. I’ve never thought of myself as a trend setter, but I think I may have started something here.
Even the dormers in the upstairs family room and the garage get a wreath…
If you’ve wanted to dress up the front of your home with wreaths and you weren’t quite sure the best way to go about it, here’s how I do it. I lower the top sash and drop the wreath out and over. Holding onto to the ribbon, (from which it hangs) I raise the sash back up until the window is almost closed. I adjust the wreath to where I want it, close the window tight…then using a push pin, I secure the ribbon to the top of the wooden frame of the window. The pin is hidden by the window treatments. After Christmas, I just pull the pin out and let the wreaths drop to the ground where I collect them. I always put the pin back so it will be there when I need it next Christmas. Of course, it greatly helps if you don’t have window screens on the front of your home. I had all mine removed years ago, since I preferred the look of the house without them.
One of the best things about hanging wreaths on the windows…is how pretty they look from the inside, too!
In fact, I have to force myself to take them down after Christmas…I just love seeing them from inside the house. Here’s how they look in the guest room.
And in one of the upstairs family room dormers…
Another one of my favorite places to hang a wreath is over a mirror. This one hangs above the fireplace in the family room.
The round brass thingy you see sticking up at the top is part of a french horn that is incorporated into this wreath. It actually has two horns, one at the top and one at the bottom. The horns started out a brighter brass, but I like how they have aged and darkened over the years…looks better with the old mirror behind them, too.
The mantel is decorated with fresh Fraser Fir clippings I begged from a Christmas tree lot…they are the scraps left over when someone purchases a tree and has the lower branches removed. I love the wonderful scent they bring to the family room. The Nandina berries came from my yard. I copied Pat (Back Porch Musings) idea and placed the faux flickering candles down inside real candles. With all that greenery…I figured this was the safest way to mix in some candlelight.
More wreaths…the sconces in the entry get a touch of Christmas.
There are even wreaths in the kitchen…stole this idea from an historic home tour in Madison, Georgia.
Bought this cute patchwork wreath at a crafts fair many years ago. I think Gloria (Happy To Be) has one like this. 🙂 It hangs on a pantry door in the kitchen during Christmas.
This little wreath hangs on the knob of the china cabinet in my dining room.
Can’t forget the doors on the screened-in porch…this wreath is covered in snow. Now don’t ask me how it got snow on it when it’s under a covered porch…must have been a harrowing, wind-blowing blizzard! If you like this one…it came from Hobby Lobby just a few weeks ago.
Nothing is safe around here…even the clock in the upstairs family room gets a wreath.
Last Christmas I hung a wreath on the mirror in the dining room. I liked the look so much, I decided to leave it there year ’round.
It just seems to work with the mirror and the chandelier. This is the only room in my home where I don’t use any brass…only silver and crystal.
No beginning and no end, life is a circle…and sometimes a square.
(Photo above is from Williams Sonoma online.)
Susan, I love all of your wreaths, especially the ones hanging on your kitchen cabinets. Your home is just lovely. If I forget…which is very likely at this time of year, please sign me up for Tablescape Tuesday next Tuesday before Christmas!
I loved the tour of your wreaths Susan! I am absolutely enthralled by the crystal one in your dining room and why haven’t I noticed those beautiful lamps and that cakestand before? If those come up missing…. I’m sure that I didn’t have anything to do with it.hugs~ C
Susan, Your wreaths are amazing! Just as I wondered how you put them on the windows, you gave the how to tip. Your home is beautiful & I'm looking forward to seeing your trees! ♥ Diane
Hi Susan!
I think my favorite wreath… If I had to choose from your lovely photos… is the one in your dining room over the mirror that you leave up year round! Who days wreaths are only for the holidaze?
*Rainey
I have always had wreaths on my windows, but never on the wall of cabinets, it wonderful! Love the pink wreath, an the white one! I going out to search for more gingerbread men tomorrow! Looked on line, come up empty! Going to paint a gourd one soon. I hope I win the ornaments for place cards! lol, Just a wish! I am going to set the table in my peppermint dishes and gingerbread, for Christmas morning! We always have the girls and their hubbys and grandchildren for pancakes, bacon ect., after they open santa gifts with their children. Then off to my Daddys. No offical meal here, even Christmas eve, we will go to Hubby’s uncles. Love all your Christmas deco. Its all so lovely! I hope you keep tablescape up, I do love it! I put it on my side bar. I do enjoy it so.
I love all the wreaths but my favorite is the one hanging on your Venetian mirror in the dining room….Christine
Hi Susan, 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour! Loved the wreaths. My next door neighbor has her wreaths like that and I keep admiring it as well. Her house is all white with black shutters and a cherry red door. It is really lovely.
Please sign me up for TT.
Thanks and have a good weekend. ~Melissa 🙂
Susan they are all just beautiful but girl I love the one one your Dining room..its so elegant and so you…boy it must take you weeks to get this beautiful home ready for Christmas..I just had some sad news…my little great grand daughter who is only hours old have to be flown to Dallas Texas…seems she have Heart problems and may have to have surgery tomorrow…I am just sick over this Susan..please pray for my little Kyra Shea…I am crying as I am typying this..Hugs and smiles Gloria
Ok, I have so much to say, it will probably take me 3 comments to remember it all b/c I’m semi-A.D.D.! 1st, your C-mas china looks fab in the cab! Is that a Santa I see in the gravy boat – if so, love him! If not, I need new glasses or more sleep! 2nd, always have, always will, love that wreath in that fabulous red dining room! It’s just AWESOME! ALL the wreaths are pretty, but I LOVE the Hobby Lobby wreath – I think something’s just been added to my TO DO list! Love the family room wreath too…it’s just so perfectly southern (your entire house!) I’m convinced you live in Kevin’s house (Home Alone!), and you’re just not telling us! LOL!
Susan, I love the richness and tradional statement your home makes, without being stuffy and unlivable. It is so well-appointed and you get a sense of the thought you put into everything you do. As always…inspirational!!! Thanks for putting together such a great blog for us to enjoy. Oh and I make my own wreaths and will be making many more for next year thanks to your ideas!!
Glad Tidings,
Becky
Yummy, yummy, yummy, dearest Sweet Sue! Thank you for sharing the smiles that wreaths can bring to one’s face!!! Definitely “Smile-makers, every single one”!!!!! Warmest hugs, Linda
Love all the wreaths everywhere. I have always wanted to hang them outside, but I am afraid many of the windows on this 20 year old house are probably painted shut! I am going to make a note of it in my Christmas Notebook and add it tomy spring/summer project list (getting the windows open,lol). One of the things that kept me from hanging wreaths was the thought of climbing to install them…but if all I have to do is open the window….well, I can manage that by next Christmas! Thanks for the instructions!
Hi Susan, I have wreaths all over the place year round, too. I especially love the hydrangea wreaths and the ones made from rosehips. I have the herb wreath from Williams & Sonoma in the kitchen, and I have a chicks & hens succulent wreath that I bring into the porch to preserve it over the winter that I hang near my front door every summer. I even hang an evergreen wreath on Jacob's log cabin in the back yard. I love how you have wreaths on your kitchen cabinets and on all the front windows. I too like how they look through the window it makes it feel so cozy and festive. Happy Pink Saturday! ~ Robyn
I am inspired by your wreaths but have really different windows but if I am really clever. Also I want to do the kitchen cabinet ones next year. They would complement my kitchen hopefully as much as it does yours.
Roberta Anne
I loved the tour of wreaths.. puts more ideas into my head..hugs ~lynne~
I know…I’m like a bad Penny, I just keeping showing up (bad joke, I know!) Anyway, forgot to say, that kitchen wreath gave me an idea of how cute it would be to make a candy corn wreath for Halloween similar to it…not that I can sew worth a hoot, but you gave me some inspiration! LOL!
Everything is just outstanding, Susan! Your mantle is breathtaking–I love the addition of the books.
Hugs,
G
Will you be doing Tablescape Tuesday this week? If so, I’m in!
Love all the wreaths…Happy PS
Kris
Susan,
Once at a teacher’s inservice, we were told to draw a circle, square, triangle, and a squiggly line. Then we were asked to pick our favorite. The square represented those who liked rules and things in an orderly fashion. (That was the perfectionistic side of me. :-)) The triangle represented those who liked to follow their OWN rules, the squiggly line represented the “party girls” who liked to have fun while following very few rules :-), and the circle represented those who wanted peace and harmony. As the speaker said, “They just want everyone to get along and love one another.” I think we’re all a little bit of the four..but all of your wreaths let me know why we all like coming here..we all feel a sense of harmony and balance from reading and looking at things that are peaceful and good and beautiful. 🙂
Love ya! L~
I love wreaths too and the traditional way of hanging them in the window…, the pink one is awesome! I’d love to make one eventually with shells.
Loving the idea of the window wreaths…..think will just have to pinch the idea….te hehe! and maybe start the trend in the U.K….thoroughly enjoyed this posting…thank you.x
I love every moment I’m invitied into your home I love the silver wreath. Your home is so beautiful, you must be so proud.
Hugs,
Chris
Hi Susan…Thanks for another tour of your Beautiful home. This is the first year (I don't know why) we hung wreaths w/red bows on our outside windows & it makes such a statement…especially during the day when the lights aren't on… I LOVE your kitchen cabinet wreaths!
😉 Bo
the wreaths hanging on each window are beautiful. i love to see homes decorated in that fashion. it is so traditional, i love it! thanks for sharing your wreath tour…
~nicole
I love all of your wreaths, Your home is just lovely.
It is always a pleasure to see more of your lovely home.It looks so beautiful in its Christmas finery.I love a two story home with wreaths on the windows,it just evokes come on in this is a warm and cozy home.One year my hubby made a 6ft round wreath out of pvc pipe for the frame and we collected greenery from everyone we knew.It made an amazing frame for the tree in the middle of the window.Another use of wreaths is in my kitchen on the cupboard knobs I use taper candle wreaths and add a little ribbon at the bottom and voila a wreath is born.I love everything you do and the presentation is always perfection.Thank you again for the inspiration and making me smile. Kathysue
I never thought of putting a wreath over a mirror, but I’d like to try it. My only problem is just how to secure it in place.
Wow! Your wreaths are so beautiful all over the house. Where do I start. I love love love your mantle it is gorgeous & your dining room is also gorgeous. I love the red. What a beautiful home.
Debbie
Oh, Susan! I love all your wreaths! I can’t pick a favorite! I, too, love to hang wreaths in unexpected places…I even have some I’ve done with springy pink flowers that I hang or set in different places when winter is over.
Thank you for sharing the beauty you’ve created!
I’m in for TT, too!
Merry Christmas!
SUSAN,YOUR WREATHS ARE AWESOME.AS IS YOUR HOME,BUT I NOTICED YOUR CARDINAL DISHES.SEE,YOU’VE GIVEN ME A CYBER-DISH -BUG.OH MY.IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT.I AM GOING TO POST ON TUESDAY WITH YOU,OKAY….
WOMAN OF LITTLE RESTAINT,
ANN
Hi Susan…Your wreaths are gorgeous!! You know I love the ones on the cabinet doors…well, all of them for that matter. Your home is so beautiful and I feel so fortunate to have seen it in person. And…no…I have not done a post on Quimperware. That’s a good idea!!! hehehehe! Have a great weekend!..Debbie
Hi Susan! Your wreaths and home is just beautiful! Deb
Susan,
Just Lovely. I agree the silver one in dining room has my vote too, although they are all lovely.
Thank you for sharing.
Miss Lila in Atlanta
Wow! Everything is so pretty. I need to check out Hobby Lobby , but I have a feeling the traffic and crowds will really be bad today. Your home is beautiful.
Gorgeous! I love the square wreath, I like to make wreaths in unexpected shapes…Still no beginning or end, but unique!
I loved the tour.
You must have one of the lovliest and most inspirational homes ever! I could roam through your rooms for hours on end.
Hi Susan, I know I have said it before but shall say it again “you never fail to delight”. I haven’t visited your blog for a couple of postings, but did today and oh what a ‘festive holiday feast for the spirit’. From the delicious recipes, tree trimming and wreaths; its been an absolute wonderful Holiday Tour.
In case I am not back online before Christmas, I just want to wish YOU and those who you hold close to your heart A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A JOYOUS SEASON. ‘Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men’. Many hugs to you -Brenda-
Beautiful home! FUN pink wreath! Happy PINK Saturday! ENJOY! Fifi
Happy Pink Saturday!
You have a beautiful home, it should be featured on a magazine!
Love your wreaths!
~ Gabriela ~
I love your trend setting idea! That wreath that you bought in the craft fair? I have one that I made many years ago exactly like it! I love mine. Thank you for sharing. Happy Pink Day!
Gorgeous interplay of colors and styles :)…
And goodness PINK???
Pink Saturday?
LOL
Oh my, that shall prove interesting!
OK, you easily have the most wreaths I’ve ever seen in/on one house. Your house looks gorgeous with them! I don’t know about letting drop to the ground outside though. I could see ten years down the line, my roof would be littered with wreaths from days gone by.
Yes, Susan please add me for next tuesday for the tablespace.
I, like you think you can plop a wreath just about anywhere and it looks nice with any decor. I did the small wreaths last year in the kitchen. This year kept it more simple.
Blossom
Well Susan, I think you’ve got me beat…..I put up 29 wreaths every year, but I’m sure you have way more than that. Your decorations are wonderful and I love the way you did the dining room. Thanks so much for sharing.
(((((((((Hugs))))))))
‘D’
I love all the pink! Your house is so festive! The wreaths look like something out of a home decor photo shoot. Gorgeous!
Love all of your wreaths! Your home looks gorgeous with all of those wreaths! laurie
I love all your wreaths. You have a lovely home and your decorating is just perfect! Merry Christmas!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Stephanie
You always wow me with your tablescapes, but your entire home does the same. Everything is so wonderful and I always keep going back to see the little details. Thank you so much for the inspiration to keep on decorating my home.
Jean in Virginia
I just love your home – everything about it is beautiful!
Donna
Susan, your wreaths are amazing!
Great blog…as always…Pat H
Susan thank you for the fabulous tour of your wreath collection… It was marvelous and I loved them on all your windows… The mantle was spectacular… Breathtaking to say the least… Love it all
(((HUGS)))
Donna
I was by earlier and evidently didn’t leave a comment. I knew you did the wreaths on your outside windows, but had no idea you had so many inside. I like them all, but my favorite is probably either the one in the family room or the one on the clock in the upstairs family room. The pictures from the inside are marvelous. The kitchen looks great decked out also.
Susan, your home is GRAND! I also hang wreathes on my outside windows. However, they don’t quite make the statement that yours do. : )
SO Pretty!!!!
~Liz
every idea you gave about the wreaths were great and new to me…..thanks so much. I really like the square wreath, thats a first for me…but not the last for I must make one of those right away.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season.
Sondra
Great wreaths. They really are timeless and classic.
Susan, I practically cry each year when I take my wreaths down from my windows… the house looks undressed…
I have a hard time letting go of all of the Christmas decor, I just may become one of those crazy old ladies that leave it up all year long ! ( my kids will not put up with this, I fear)..
Your home looks great, I really enjoyed the tour. I know that you have more to show us, so give it up!
all your decorations are beautiful, love the kitchen!
i would like to be in your tablescape tuesday next week too, thank you~
Happy Sunday, Susan. As you can see, I am still making Pink Saturday rounds.
I love all of your wreaths, and agree that they are such a lovely symbol during the holidays and year-round.
Susan I love all your wreaths!!! They are the perfect holiday touch!! Actually they would be perfect any time! Now I’m gonna have to go out and buy 20 wreaths for my house…and it’s all your fault!*winks* Hmmm wonder if they’ll have any half off after Christmas……..Vanna
I love seeing wreaths on colonial type homes such as yours. It is just so simple and elegant! No wonder other people in the neighborhood followed after you and started putting up their own wreaths!
Kady
Seasons Greetings..I think I found Mrs. Christmas. How beautiful this pink wreath is…it would go great with my silver one. I just love all your wreaths tress oh I just love it all. Merry christmas to you and yours. :)EllenL
Absolutely adorable and picture perfect!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Absolutely adorable and picture perfect!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Dear Susan,
Thank-you very much for your beautiful blog. Last night I made your champagne punch for my guests and it was a huge hit! Again, thank-you and I look forward to more posts. Happy New Year!!!
Cindy, in cold and snowy Wisconsin.
BEAUTIFUL SUSAN!!! I just love your venetiian mirror with the wreath…thank you for the inspiration!