Goodbye, Traditional Christmas Wreaths: The Minimalist Alternative You Need To Try

Wreaths are a staple of holiday decor and have been used since as far back as the 16th century. But tastes change, and it may be time for something new. Whether you are tired of the overdone round shape or the typical maximalist design featuring ornaments, ribbons, and more, pulling out the same wreath year after year can get old. Even if you have time to make your own holiday wreath with natural materials, there is a simpler option that gives you a gorgeous, minimalist look that still stands out: a door swag.

If you haven't heard of a door swag before, it is an arrangement of greenery, flowers, twigs, and other materials that is hung vertically on a door as decoration. Unlike wreaths, door swags are asymmetrical and formed like a bundle tied with a ribbon rather than arranged in a circle. The look is similar to that of an upside-down bouquet, and the organic shape makes door swags look updated and elegant. 

While this may sound like just a new spin on the classic wreath, door swags actually date back several centuries. So, although the shape may feel fresh, they are well-suited for new decorating traditions, both indoors on walls, banisters, and mantels and outside on your front door. There are premade options available in stores, but you can also easily create your own door swag if you want a certain ribbon color or size. Grab evergreen branches like pine, spruce, or fir (or use artificial pine sprays and greenery) to layer into an attractive formation. Then, you can bring in winter berry twigs, pinecones, bells, ornaments, and other embellishments. Some floral wire brings the elements together, while a ribbon at the top adds the finishing touch.

If you are interested in decorating with a door swag this holiday season, you have plenty of options. Door swags are available from florists and at craft, home decor, and department stores. Just be aware that door swags may be pricey. Fresh swags from a florist may range in price from $65 to over $100, with the cost being determined by the materials, size, and complexity. Artificial swags are also often rather expensive; they generally start at around $25, and many exceed $100.

Don't get too disappointed if a store-bought variety is too much for your budget, though, as you can make your own. After all, much of the best minimalist holiday decor comes straight from your garden. To DIY your own, plan how you want to layer your different pieces, including your various branches, berries, pinecones and ornaments. Cut the branches to size so all the layers factor into the display. For polished styling, make sure that your swag fits well where you plan to hang it. On a standard door, a swag that is about 24 to 30 inches long is ideal for a proportional look. Secure the branches near the cuts at the end of the stems using the floral wire. If needed, prune any straggling sections to clean up the look, and add in your pinecones and other accents with wire. Cover the wire at the top of the swag with a ribbon, and fan out the branches. Add a loop of floral wire so that you can hang the door swag, and your basic version is complete. Then, just hang it up, making sure not to cover any handles, door viewers, or other winter holiday front door decorations with your swag.