A handmade wreath adds personality to your home, whether you’re welcoming fall, decorating for Christmas, or giving your front door a fresh look for spring. A little care when unpacking, displaying, and storing it can help keep those ribbons and decorative details looking their best season after season.
At Lit Apothecary, we include a care insert with every wreath. Here’s an expanded guide to help you enjoy yours from the moment you open the box until it’s time to put it away.
Unpacking Your New Wreath
Your Lit Apothecary wreath arrives inside a plastic bag, nestled snugly in its shipping box. That close fit helps limit movement during shipping, while the bag provides an extra layer of protection from moisture because cardboard boxes aren’t waterproof.
Open the box carefully and lift the wreath by its frame or base rather than pulling on ribbons, signs, or decorative attachments. Remove the bag and set both it and the box aside—you can reuse them when it’s time to store your wreath.
Some decorative pieces that extend above or below the wreath may be tucked up and to the side for shipping. Long ribbons may also be rolled up to protect them. A little gentle adjustment after unpacking will help bring everything back into place.
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Long hanging decorations may be tucked to the side for shipping. Gently guide them back into place after unpacking. |
How to Fluff and Reshape Wreath Ribbons
All of the ribbons on our wreaths are wire edged, so you can gently reshape them after shipping or storage.
Start by placing the wreath on a clean surface or hanging it securely where you can reach the ribbons easily. Work around the wreath, lifting flattened loops and easing ribbons back into their intended shape.
- Open bow loops: Slip your fingers inside each loop and gently round it out.
- Adjust ribbon tails: Unroll long ribbons carefully, then use your fingers to guide them into a soft curve or their original position.
- Separate overlapping ribbons: Gently spread them so their colors and patterns can be seen.
- Reposition tucked decorations: Ease any hanging pieces back into place without tugging on their attachment points.
Step back occasionally to see how the wreath looks as a whole. Small adjustments are usually all it needs. Avoid pulling sharply or trying to flatten every natural curve—the dimension is part of its charm.
Where Should You Display Your Wreath?
Your wreath will stay looking new longer when it is kept out of direct sunlight and protected from rain and other weather. A covered porch is an ideal choice, provided the wreath is sheltered from wind-driven rain.
An indoor door, entryway wall, or other sheltered spot is another lovely option. Wreaths can bring seasonal color to spaces throughout your home, not just your front door.
Choose a sturdy hanger suited to your door or wall and rated to support your wreath’s weight. Hang the wreath by its frame or designated hanging point, and check that it is secure before letting go. Make sure the door can open and close without catching or crushing the wreath.
If you have a storm door, check the space between the two doors. A full wreath needs enough room to keep its bow and decorative pieces from being pressed against the glass. If the fit is tight, choose another display spot.
Keeping Your Wreath Looking Its Best
Give your wreath an occasional gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush, supporting delicate pieces as you work. Avoid soaking it or spraying it with cleaning products, which may affect ribbons, mesh, signs, or other decorations.
If it gets damp, move it to a dry, sheltered location and let it dry completely before putting it away. Never seal a damp wreath in its storage bag.
A quick check during the season is helpful, too. Straighten any ribbons that have shifted and check that the hanger remains secure. For a wreath with lights, follow the instructions supplied with the lighting components, including their indoor or outdoor use rating.
How to Store Your Wreath Between Seasons
The easiest place to start is with the packaging it arrived in. Save the shipping box and plastic bag so you have a storage setup that already fits your wreath.
- Dust and inspect it. Make sure the wreath is clean and completely dry.
- Protect extended details. Gently tuck hanging pieces to the side and loosely roll long ribbon tails as they were packed for shipping. Avoid forcing decorations into place.
- Reuse the bag. Place the wreath inside its original plastic bag for an extra layer of protection during storage.
- Return it to the box. Arrange it carefully, making sure the lid closes without crushing the bow, sign, or decorations.
- Choose a suitable storage spot. Keep the box in a cool, dry indoor space, away from direct sunlight and excess heat or moisture. Avoid placing heavy items on top.
Label the outside of the box with the wreath’s name or season so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to decorate again. Next season, unpack it, give the wired ribbons a gentle fluff, and enjoy bringing it back into your home.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Thoughtful display and storage help preserve the details that make your handmade wreath special. Keep it sheltered, handle its decorations gently, and save its packaging for the off season.
Ready for your next seasonal look? Explore Lit Apothecary’s handmade wreaths and find a design that brings your personality to the door.
Style Is Within Reach.