Deck Out Your Doorway With a Giant Outdoor Wreath

When the holiday season draws near, adorning your home's exterior with festive decorations is a cherished tradition for many. Lighting up trees, hanging cheerful wreaths, and displaying jolly figurines instantly spread the merry spirit. But if you truly want to make a dramatic statement this year, an extra large outdoor wreath is the way to go.

Giant wreaths measuring over three or four feet in diameter can transform any standard entryway into a showstopping display. Homes, businesses, event venues -- even rustic barns -- immediately look more welcoming and camera-ready with an oversize outdoor wreath on display.

Determine the Right Size Wreath

Typical wreath sizes range anywhere from 12 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Mini wreaths work well as tree or package accents while 36-inch wreaths suit most standard doors or windows.

So when does a wreath qualify as "giant" or "extra large"? Generally any wreath with a diameter over three feet wide and up to six feet can be considered oversize . However, for most residential homes aiming for dramatic curb appeal, sticking to four to five feet wide is ideal.

Measure Your Space Beforehand

When investing in an attention-grabbing giant wreath, taking exact measurements of the intended display area is crucial. You'll want ample space around the wreath without it looking uncomfortably crammed or out of scale.

Use a tape measure to check the vertical and horizontal dimensions of doors, walls, porch railings, or garage fronts where you plan to hang your enormous wreath. This ensures you purchase the perfect size wreath for the space. Having to return a massive wreath due to poor planning would be quite inconvenient!

Choose an Ideal Location

For maximum visibility and impact, outdoor wreaths look best showcased in high-traffic areas exposed to approaching visitors and passersby. Prime locations include:

• Front doors
• Double entry doors
• Garage door fronts
• Patio, terrace, or deck railings
• Roofs and gable peaks
• Exterior house walls or architectural columns

Factor in Foot Traffic and Weather Exposure

Before mounting your colossal wreath, ensure the location gets safely out of the way of folks regularly coming and going. You wouldn't want anyone accidentally bumping into all that extra greenery!

Additionally, wreath spots exposed to heavy rain, snow, sunlight, or wind call for more durable, weather-resistant materials. Frequent temperature changes can wear down natural decor over time.

Mind the Lighting Requirements

Intending to incorporate lights on or around the giant wreath? Be sure your preferred area has adequate access to power outlets. Most lighted wreaths include a long electrical cord to conveniently plug into nearby sockets.

For spaces lacking outlets, battery-operated LED string lights artfully wired through the wreath branches make a fine alternative. Just be diligent about changing batteries to keep things illuminated all season long.

Select Durable Materials

While live evergreen branches make fragrant and traditional wreath picks, most giant outdoor wreaths rely on hardier artificial materials better suited for long-term, open-air exposure.

Common Base Materials

Let's explore some typical options:

• Metal: Iron, steel, or copper wire rings withstand weather yet often lack decorative visual appeal.
• Grapevine: Intertwined vines make a natural, rustic-looking base for attaching greens and embellishments.
• Pine roping: Sturdy woven pine stems offer an attractive texture reminiscent of real pine boughs.

Grapevines and pine ropes prove especially popular thanks to their realistic appearances and inherent durability against the outdoor elements. Both materials integrate well with added pinecones, foliage, and flowers too.

Prioritize Weather Resistance

No matter the base type selected, the materials should reliably hold up through wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure. Wire frames with waterproof greenery stay looking fresher than real branches or cheaper plastic varieties.

Seeking out UV-resistant materials also helps retain original coloring and prevent premature fading.

Include Cheerful Holiday Decorations

Once you establish a solid wreath form, the fun part comes when dressing it up for the holidays! Feel free to decorate your giant wreath as sparsely or opulently as desired with lovely embellishments.

Ribbons, Bows, and Ornaments Galore

From regal velvet bows to dazzling glass ball ornaments, anything goes. For cozy natural style, burlap ribbons and pinecones never disappoint. Or go vibrant with bright red poinsettia flowers and glittery gold baubles interspersed throughout.

Themes Range From Classic to Cool Tones

Red, green, and gold inject traditional holiday elegance. But modern white, silver, and blue combinations exude icy cool sophistication. Or stick with neutrals like burlap, pinecones, and snowy berries for timeless appeal.

Incorporate Natural Outdoor Elements

Pinecones, tree branches, dried flowers, and winter berries effortlessly bridge indoor holiday charm and raw outdoor beauty.

Cluster decorative sprigs of cedar, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, red twig dogwood, or curly willow for organic texture.

Coordinate Colors With Existing Decor

Check if your home already features a cohesive decorative color scheme outside so the giant wreath acts as a natural design extension rather than stark contrast.

Tie everything together through thoughtful creative planning.

Light Up Your Wreath (Optional)

Twinkling lights embedded in an outdoor wreath create dazzling dimension once the sun sets. The wreath seemingly floats larger than life, demanding attention.

Benefits of Wreaths With Lights

Illuminated holiday wreaths offer many advantages:

• Extend festive cheer into the evening
• Make outdoor spaces feel safer and more welcoming
• No need to manually turn lights on every night
• Endlessly customizable for your perfect glow

Types of Lights

String light options include:

• Incandescent: Classic glowing bulbs with old-fashioned charm
• LED: Bright, energy-efficient, and long-lasting
• Solar: Absorb sun rays by day to auto-illuminate by night

While LED plastic bulbs prove most durable for outdoor use, some prefer the nostalgic warmth of incandescent lights. Solar alternatives mean zero inconvenient cords too.

Customize Colors and Effects

Look for lights with special features like:

• Multi-color choices
• Twinkling or flashing settings
• Dimming controls
• Remote access via phone app or Bluetooth

Newer "smart" lights with custom special effects add extra personality.

Shape and Arrange Your Greenery

Once constructed, take time fluffing out your giant wreath for luscious volume. Bend flexible branches artfully to prevent flat spots.

Strategically arrange any loose decorative elements for balanced distribution. Work slowly and meticulously from all angles until satisfied with fullness and styling.

Fluff, Shape, and Primp

Make adjustments so no obvious gaps or awkward flat spaces appear. Create nice rounded fullness.

For wreaths with attached greeting ribbons or bows, carefully position them off to one side or along the bottom edge to avoid overly cluttering the design.

Embellish Evenly Across All Sides

Add any loose pinecones, ornaments, or floral stems sporadically to look natural. Mirror opposite sides for harmony and cohesion from all viewpoints.

Step back occasionally to check proportions match the grand scale you want to achieve.

Customize Your Entryway Greenery

Tailor the final design to coordinate beautifully with your home's existing architecture, color scheme, and surrounding landscape.

This wreath will serve as the crowning focal point to welcome guests all season long after all!

Install Your Giant Wreath

Mounting an enormous wreath properly ensures it hangs level and stays securely fastened without unexpected crashing down.

Required Mounting Materials

Gather essential supplies like:

• Outdoor-rated wreath hanger or hooks
• Strong hanging wire or decorative chain
• Zip ties, wreath pins, pipe cleaners
• Hammer and nails (if no hanger install)

Achieve an Even Hanging Height

Measure down from the top edge of your door or window trim to find and mark centered points. Use a bubble level against your hanger or hooks to double check for precise straightness.

Take your time here -- a lopsided giant wreath will stick out like a sore thumb!

Removable vs Permanent Hanging

Non-damaging removable options like sturdy over-door hooks allow safely relocating the heavy wreath anytime. Though for a custom upgraded look, permanently mounting supportive eye hooks or a wreath hanger offers clean integrated style.

Just be absolutely sure of ideal wreath placement before breaking out the drills, nails, or construction adhesive!

Care and Maintenance

Help your showstopping giant wreath last season after season with proper care and storage.

Shield Materials From Sun Damage

Direct sun fading the colors over time. Strategically hang the wreath in dappled sunlight, under porch overhangs or balconies for protection.

Safeguard Against Moisture and Wind

While outdoors, wreaths get doused by rain, snow, and sprinklers. Be sure to hang them under protective eaves when possible. Frequently blustery locations may require extra durable wires, waterproof adhesives, and mountings.

Gently Clean Away Dust and Dirt

Over months outside, grime inevitably accumulates. Carefully wipe down all surfaces with a soft dry cloth or soft-bristled brush when needed.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or submerging anything removable in water. Spot test gentle soap solutions on tiny inconspicuous areas first.

Store Properly During Off-Season

Once the season ends, carefully detach the entire wreath and transport indoors. Gently pad and box up all components to prevent crushing or tangling.

A temperature-controlled basement, attic, shed, or garage helps preserve wreath longevity over years.

Inspiring Display Ideas

Hopefully these tips help you successfully design, install, and maintain your own fabulous giant outdoor wreath this holiday season. Have fun getting creative!

Group With Supporting Outdoor Decorations

Surround your wreath with coordinating decorative touches like greeting signs, garlands, tree wraps, sculpture silhouettes, pillar candles, and pathway lighting.

Tie Interior Design Themes Outdoors

Echo indoor holiday hues and textures like plaid, velvet, silver, gold, and glitter for a cohesive property-wide style.

Customize embellishments to reflect what brings you and your family cheer during the holidays.

Perhaps highlight treasured travel souvenirs, showcase ethnic heritage ornaments, or work in nostalgic antique pieces from childhood.