Nearly Natural Mixed Peony Spring Wreaths for the Front Door

Floral arrangements have long been a way to add a little something to a home. Whether it’s a potted plant or a vase of flowers on your kitchen table, plants can bring a little bit of nature inside.

But flowers come with one major downside. When detached from their natural environment, flowers tend to have a lifespan of just a few days. Even if you change the water and take care of your flowers, you’ll find you’re tossing them in the trash after a short time.

Artificial flowers can be a great way to add some visual appeal to your home without having to replace them every week or two. At one time, fake flowers couldn’t come close to the real thing, but over the years, manufacturers have found ways to make incredibly realistic petals, stems and leaves. When you’re looking for a way to brighten up your living spaces, artificial flowers can be a great alternative to cut flowers.

Although you’ll usually need to rely on real flowers for the outdoor areas of your home, there is a notable exception. If you have a front porch or portico over your door, you can offer artificial flowers and plants the shelter they need. As long as they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight, rain or snow, they can hold up for many years.

Your front door is one of the best places for artificial flowers. Usually, this is done in the form of a wreath. All you’ll need is a way to hang it, and your artificial wreath will be ready to go. But what flowers should you choose?

It can help to start with some of the most commonly purchased cut flowers. The five primary types of cut flowers are: roses, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums, and gerberas. One of the most popular times of year for wreaths is the springtime. Bright, colorful flowers can add that pop of color your home needs, greatly enhancing its curbside appeal. From there, you can narrow it down to the flowers that you prefer.

• There are a variety of options for hanging a wreath. You can hammer a nail into your front door, but that will leave an unsightly hole. Besides, some front doors are made from fiberglass or steel, taking this option off the table. You can use adhesive strips designed for hanging, but you’ll need to check the weight capacity. Lastly, there are over-the-door wreath hangers that let you hang a wreath without having to attach it, but they usually are visible, even from a distance, and they can make your front door tough to close.
• Wreaths come in a variety of sizes, but usually around the 20-inch range. Measure the area of your door where you hope to hang it.
• Most artificial wreaths will need to be fluffed, especially if they’re boxed when you buy them. Although some can expand significantly with more fluffing, this can sometimes thin things out. Keep that in mind as you’re judging the total diameter of your wreath.
• The base of your wreath plays a role in its durability. Some feature metal frames, while others use natural products like dried grapevine. Whichever type of frame you choose, make sure it blends well with the greenery and flowers.
• Pay close attention to where you hang your wreath. You’ll want to make sure it doesn’t get direct sunlight and that precipitation doesn’t fall directly on it. You can use a blow dryer to remove dust and debris as it collects. Many can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove stubborn stains.
• If you choose to store your wreath in the off-season, make sure you choose a container that’s big enough that it won’t damage it. You’ll also want to store it away from moisture.
• Flowers and greenery are only two elements found in a wreath. Many are also embellished with artificial accents like berries and twigs.