Winter in Minnesota is cold, snowy, and beautiful. It’s the perfect time to decorate your home with something natural and festive. One of the best ways to bring the season indoors (or to your front door) is by making a live winter wreath.
A live winter wreath is made from real, fresh greenery like pine, fir, or cedar. It smells great and adds a warm, holiday feel to your home. You can hang it on your door, above your fireplace, or even give it as a gift. The best part? It’s easy to make at home!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create your own live winter wreath, using fresh greenery and simple decorations. Whether you live in the city or out in the woods, this project is fun, creative, and perfect for the Minnesota winter.
What You Need to Make a Live Winter Wreath
Before you start, gather your materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. A Wreath Frame
You can buy a metal or wire wreath frame from a craft store. If you want to be eco-friendly, you can also use a frame made of grapevine or natural twigs.
2. Fresh Greenery
In Minnesota, we have many kinds of greenery that grow in winter. Some good options include:
- Balsam fir
- White pine
- Cedar
- Spruce
- Juniper (for a touch of blue and berries)
You can cut your own if you have trees on your property. Or, you can buy bundles from garden centers or wreath markets.
3. Floral Wire or Twine
This will help you attach the greenery to the frame.
4. Pruning Shears or Scissors
To trim your branches and shape your wreath.
5. Decorations (Optional)
To make your live winter wreath extra festive, you can add:
- Pinecones
- Red berries
- Ribbons or bows
- Small ornaments
- Dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks
Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Live Winter Wreath
Step 1: Prepare the Greenery
Use your pruning shears to cut the greenery into small pieces, around 6 to 8 inches long. Make small bunches by mixing different types of greenery together. For example, combine fir, cedar, and a little juniper in one bundle.
Step 2: Attach the Greenery to the Frame
Take your first bundle and lay it on the frame. Wrap the floral wire around the base of the bundle and the frame 2–3 times to secure it. Don’t cut the wire yet.
Add the next bundle so that it overlaps the stems of the first. Keep wrapping the wire around each new bundle. Work your way around the wreath, always laying each new bundle over the last one to cover the stems and wire.
Step 3: Fluff and Adjust
Once you’ve gone all the way around the frame, tuck the last bundle under the first one to hide the ends. Cut the wire and twist it tightly at the back. Now fluff your wreath—pull out branches and adjust them to make it even and full.
Step 4: Add Decorations
Now it’s time to decorate! Use hot glue, wire, or string to attach pinecones, berries, and ribbons. Be creative, but try not to cover too much of the beautiful greenery.
For a Minnesota touch, add local finds like birch bark, wild berries, or small wooden signs.
Tips for a Fresh and Long-Lasting Wreath
To keep your live winter wreath fresh during the cold Minnesota months, follow these simple tips:
- Mist your wreath every few days with water to keep it moist.
- Keep it cool – hang it outside or in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- If you keep it indoors, place it near a window or door, but not too close to heaters or fireplaces.
A well-made live winter wreath can last 3–6 weeks, depending on the temperature and care.
Why Choose a Live Winter Wreath?
A live winter wreath isn’t just a decoration—it brings nature into your home during the coldest months of the year. Here are a few reasons to make one:
- Natural Beauty: Real greenery looks and smells better than plastic.
- Eco-Friendly: It’s biodegradable and doesn’t create waste.
- Supports Local: You can use local Minnesota greenery or buy from nearby farms and markets.
- Fun for the Family: It’s a great craft activity for kids and adults.
- Personalized: You can make it match your style—rustic, modern, or classic holiday.
Where to Find Supplies in Minnesota
If you live in Minnesota, you’re in luck! Many local places sell everything you need for your live winter wreath:
- Farmers’ Markets: Look for winter greenery bundles, pinecones, and natural decorations.
- Garden Centers: Many offer wreath kits or host wreath-making classes.
- Wreath Farms: Some farms specialize in fresh holiday wreaths and allow you to pick your own greenery.
Supporting these local businesses helps keep Minnesota’s winter traditions alive.
Final Thoughts
Creating a live winter wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate the season. It brings joy, adds charm to your home, and reminds us of the beauty of nature—even in the cold. In Minnesota, we know how to enjoy winter—and making your own wreath is one more way to do it.
So grab some pine, fir, and cedar. Gather your supplies. And start crafting your very own live winter wreath. You’ll be surprised how easy and fun it is to bring a little forest magic into your home.
Happy wreath-making, Minnesota!
