How to Care for a Handmade Wreath So It Lasts for Years
A gentle, practical guide to keeping your handmade wreath beautiful season after season — where to hang it, how to dust it, and how to store it safely.
A handmade wreath is meant to be lived with — and with a little care, it can stay beautiful for years. The short answer: keep it out of direct sun and rain, dust it gently every few weeks, store it flat or hanging in a breathable box between seasons, and fluff it back into shape whenever it needs it. Because each wreath here is made to order by hand from preserved greenery, dried florals, and premium faux botanicals, the care is refreshingly simple. Below is everything you need to keep yours looking as lovely as the day it arrived.
Where to display your wreath
Where you hang a wreath matters more than almost anything else. The two things that age natural and faux botanicals fastest are direct sunlight and moisture, so a little thought about placement goes a long way.
Keep it out of direct sun
Strong, constant sunlight slowly fades color — especially on dried florals and preserved greenery. An interior wall, an entryway, above a mantel, or a covered porch that stays shaded are all ideal. If you love your wreath on a front door that catches afternoon light, simply rotate it now and then so no single side takes all the sun.
Protect it from rain and humidity
Our wreaths are designed for décor, not the weather. A covered porch or a sheltered doorway with a good overhang is fine, but avoid spots where rain, snow, or sprinklers can reach. High humidity — think steamy bathrooms or unventilated basements — can soften dried materials over time, so choose a dry, airy wall instead.
Dusting and gentle cleaning
Wreaths gather dust the same way a bookshelf does, and a light touch is all it takes to keep them fresh.
- Regular dusting: Every few weeks, sweep away dust with a soft, dry paintbrush, a feather duster, or a hair dryer set to cool and low. Work from the top down and follow the direction the stems lie.
- Spot cleaning faux botanicals: Premium faux pieces can handle a lightly damp cloth wiped gently over leaves and berries. Pat dry afterward and let the wreath air out before rehanging.
- Preserved and dried florals: Keep these dry. Skip water and sprays entirely — a soft brush or cool air is the safest way to lift dust without bruising delicate petals.
Never soak a wreath, run it under a faucet, or put it through anything abrasive. Slow and gentle always wins.
Storing your wreath between seasons
Good storage is the real secret to a wreath that lasts. When it's time to swap your winter and holiday wreath for something lighter, a few minutes of care will protect all that handmade detail.
- Dust it first so it goes into storage clean.
- Use a breathable container — a sturdy wreath box, a paper-lined bin, or even a large paper bag. Avoid sealing it airtight in plastic for long stretches, which can trap moisture.
- Give it room. Store it flat with nothing stacked on top, or hang it on a wide hook so the shape isn't crushed. Loosely tuck acid-free tissue around fragile blooms for extra cushioning.
- Choose a cool, dry, dark spot — a closet shelf or under a bed is perfect. Steer clear of hot attics and damp garages.
Reshaping and refreshing
If your wreath looks a little flat after shipping or storage, don't worry — this is normal and easily fixed. Set it on a table and gently fan out the greenery, bending stems and branches back toward their natural fullness. Rotate as you go until it looks even and round. A few minutes of fluffing brings a wreath right back to life, and a quick pass with cool air from a hair dryer can help settle everything into place.
What not to do
A short list of things to avoid will keep your wreath happy for the long haul:
- Don't hang it in direct, all-day sun or in the path of rain and sprinklers.
- Don't soak, submerge, or heavily spray it — moisture is the enemy of dried and preserved materials.
- Don't use harsh cleaners, polishes, or high heat, which can discolor botanicals and weaken stems.
- Don't crush it in storage under heavier boxes or seal it in plastic for months.
- Don't tug on individual stems to reshape — gentle bending is kinder than pulling.
Treat your wreath a bit like a favorite piece of art, and it will reward you with season after season of beauty. If you'd ever like something made just for your space, we're always happy to take a custom request — and a gift card is a lovely way to let someone choose their own.
Here's to many happy seasons of greenery on your door. When you're ready to add another to your collection — or refresh a favorite spot with something new for spring or fall — come browse the wreaths and find the one that feels like home.