How to Make a Cheap Christmas Wreath Look High End in 4 Simple Steps

How to upgrade an inexpensive Christmas wreath to look like you bought it at a trendy store by adding greenery, decorations, and lights.

My blog partner Larisa will tell you that I am very scientific in my approach to DIY.

So, it only makes sense that I spent hours studying all the holiday wreaths for sale at the trendy homewares stores, determining what makes up one of their gorgeous, magazine worthy Christmas wreaths.

And I’m going to show you how you can do it too!

Table of Contents

• How to Transform a Low-Cost Christmas Wreath
• 1. Use More Than One Type of Greenery
• 2. Include Decorations on Your Wreath
• 3. Finish Your Christmas Wreath with Lights
• 4. Keep Your Christmas Wreath Simple
• How to Upgrade Christmas Garlands and Floral Arrangements
• More Christmas Decorating Ideas

How to Transform a Low-Cost Christmas Wreath

After studying the eye-catching wreaths at high end stores, I noticed a pattern of how to decorate a wreath to make it look expensive that I will share with you.

It’s really very simple to make a cheap wreath look modern and timeless.

Just add some texture and interest with greenery, lights, and decorations.

I started with a $10 balsam Christmas wreath from a grocery store.

But you could also use and inexpensive artificial wreath from a craft or thrift store.

1. Use More Than One Type of Greenery

All of the high end Christmas wreaths that I studied have at least two different types of greenery (three is even better).

Different greenery you might try using:

• Fir
• Cedar
• Pine
• Holly
• Eucalyptus

You don’t have to spend a ton of money. I cut branches from my yard and my neighbors yards (with their permission). Which is easy for me because I live in the country.

I was surprised at how many different trees and bushes are growing near me.

If you don’t live in the country like me other options for finding greenery to use are:

• Ask a tree farm or yard, where they sell Christmas trees and wreaths, if you can have or buy their leftovers. Often, they will give it to you for free or inexpensively.
• Home improvement stores often sell bundles of greenery.
• You could use artificial branches from a craft store.

TOOH Tip: Use 2-3 different types of greenery that have different shades of green and different appearances to give the wreath more texture and interest.

Don’t be afraid to try different positions and placings of the greenery on the wreath.

• Place greenery behind the wreath or stick it in the side so it protrudes out around the edges.
• Use varying lengths of greenery.
• Make a more modern asymmetrical wreath by using the extra greenery branches on just 1/4-1/2 of the wreath.

I added holly and cedar clippings that I collected outdoors and secured them with floral wire to my inexpensive balsam fir wreath.

2. Include Decorations on Your Wreath

The second thing that I found from my expensive wreath research is that they often include classic decorations.

Use decorations to add flair to your wreath and give it some color…but keep it simple.

Decorations to try on a Christmas wreath:

• Pine cones
• Berries (real or artificial)
• Bells
• Mini Christmas ball ornaments
• Ribbon

TOOH Tip: Use supplies with different colors and textures to make your wreath come alive!

I put flocked pine cones on my wreath as a decoration to add contrast. I made floral picks from pinecones that I found outdoors.

3. Finish Your Christmas Wreath with Lights

The last way to make your Christmas wreath look better is to put lights on it…. or don’t. It’s up to you.

Warm white lights are my favorite.

They give a warm glowing light that makes everything feel cozy!

I wound these mini string lights around my Christmas wreath and they are just the right length and size!

4. Keep Your Christmas Wreath Simple

The last tip I have to transform your Christmas wreath into a classic work of art is to keep it simple.

When you are done spiffing up your wreath it should only have about 3-5 elements on it.

Using the wreath that I made over above as an example this is what I mean by “elements.”

1. Balsam fir greenery (the original wreath that I bought)
2. Holly branches
3. Cedar cuttings
4. Pine cones
5. Lights

So basically, each type of greenery that you use, each type of decoration, and if you use lights each count as one element.

If you start using more than five elements the wreath starts to look a little busy and feel overwhelming.

How to Upgrade Christmas Garlands and Floral Arrangements

Another cool thing about these simple steps to make your Christmas wreath look more stylish is that they can be used on garlands and centerpieces too!

Just add 3-5 elements as I described above to garland, or a vase and you’ve got more high-end looking Christmas decorations.

I decorated my artificial fir garland with pine cones, bells, and ribbon this year.

And I used foliage that I found in my yard to make this Christmas bouquet that smells so good!

What combination of greenery, decorations, and lights would you or have you used in your Christmas decorations? The options are endless.

Happy Holidays!

More Christmas Decorating Ideas

• How to Make Simple Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments that Look Expensive
• Sustainable Linen Gift Wrap Ideas

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