How to Hang Wreaths on Windows for Christmas

November 9, 2020

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A step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to hang wreaths on windows + how to add ribbon and bells for an elegant Christmas look.

Every year, I get asked this one question over and over at Christmas. And it’s so simple, that I’ve hardly ever thought about sharing a tutorial.

But as I was putting up the Christmas wreaths on our living room windows, I finally remembered to document the process. 4 years ago, I found these faux boxwood wreaths at IKEA in the clearance bin for $5.

So I scooped up a BUNCH of them with the plan to cheer up all of our windows.

(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)

Best move ever! And they’re still going strong.

You can find wreaths almost identical here (still inexpensive but not quite as cheap as $5 clearance).

To change the look every year, I like to use different colored ribbon (or no ribbon at all to keep it simple).

These are some of my favorite ribbons including the burgundy velvet I’m using this year:

This time, I added these little bell ornaments I found last year for 50% off at Kirkland’s. These bells are very similar.

You can see the how-to here:

I’ve been adding little bits of Christmas here and there in the living room.

With it being pitch black by 6pm, the twinkle lights do my mood SO much good. I’m a total crabby person in winter. It probably explains why I don’t live in a state where it snows often. Haha!

Twinkle lights and cute wreaths and pretty ribbon is my saving grace right now.

How to Hang Wreaths on Your Home’s Exterior Windows

Screw hooks, ribbon, or fishing line all work when the goal is to deck the halls in a damage-free way.

Few things evoke the holiday spirit like a festive wreath on an outside window. «It’s like an invitation to come in and enjoy the warmth inside,» says Hannah Stevenson of Lily & Thistle. «Wreaths add beautiful color and texture to your décor and really make a unique statement.»

However, with hard-to-reach casements and outdoor elements like wind, rain, and snow, to worry about, securely hanging a wreath on an exterior window takes a little planning. «There are some types of windows that make it a little trickier to hang wreaths, especially on upper levels,» explains Kierste Wade of Old Salt Farm. «If you’re not able to access the front of your window from the inside, you may have to get a tall ladder to reach them.» If you plan to hang wreaths on the exterior windows of your home, here are the best materials to use, as well as styling advice from our experts.

Have the right materials handy.

The right materials can make or break how well your wreath hangs on an outside window. «My favorite method is just using a long piece of ribbon,» Wade explains. Other methods include using fishing line, outdoor Command Hooks ($10, amazon.com), magnetic hooks ($13.95, amazon.com), or window suction cups with hooks ($11, amazon.com). Wade also recommends adding any additional décor accents you’d like to use, such as bows or LED lights, to the wreath prior to hanging. «This way, you’ll have less to worry about when you’re securing the wreath to the window,» she says.

Hang a wreath on an exterior window using screw hooks.

For a goof-proof way to hang wreaths on an exterior window, Stevenson says to grab a couple of simple screw hooks. «Screw hooks are a great tool and can be screwed in above each of the windows,» she explains. «You just open up the bottom sash of the window, take off the screen and reach up to hang your wreath.» Stevenson also recommends picking hooks with a finish that complement your home’s exterior palette, such as Command Outdoor Metal Hook ($12.99, amazon.com) so you can leave them in year-round. «We just leave our hooks in because they match the trim, which makes it very easy to hang wreaths year after year,» she says.

Hang a wreath on an exterior window using ribbon.

For a more festive outdoor look, Wade says to consider hanging a wreath on an exterior window with a ribbon. «Loop a long piece of ribbon through the top of your wreath, you can hot glue it into place if you feel you need more security, and tilt your window open from the inside (removing the screen if necessary),» she says. «Place your wreath on the front of the window, and tie a knot in the ribbon at the top of the window for added security.» Once you’ve positioned your wreath where you want it to hang, Wade says to close the window so it holds the top of the ribbon. «I’ve found this method to be the easiest to do,» she adds. Just be sure to remind family members that windows should not be opened from the top throughout the holiday season.

My Favorite Christmas Decoration of All

Yesterday I finished decorating the tree and hung all the wreaths up on the windows. Seeing the wreaths on the windows is my favorite Christmas decoration of all. Just love the look of wreaths in windows so much!

It will be after Thanksgiving before I’ll hang garland since I always like to use fresh garland around the door. I’m looking forward to sharing the porch all decorated for Christmas real soon.

See that big row of Carissa Holly shrubs? I had them all trimmed this past summer, but the guy who trimmed them was afraid to cut them back very much since it was summer and quite hot. They are getting a drastic pruning this spring. Hope they survive it, but either way, it’s time!

I’ve got a fun idea for wrapping gifts this year and can’t wait to share it with you. I’m waiting the arrival of a couple of things, but I hope to share the gift wrapping idea on either Monday or Tuesday.

I think the dovecote (bird house) needs its own wreath, too. Even the birdies deserve a bit of Christmas cheer, right? 🙂 If you’re interested in adding wreaths to your exterior windows this Christmas, check out this previous post where I share how easy it is to do: Add Wreaths to Exterior Windows.

As I was writing this post, I got an email alert that Talbots has a “25% off everything” sale with the code 25ALL. Check it out here: Talbots Sale.

Happy Holiday Shopping, I’m off to look for a few things today…working down my Christmas list to get a jump on the gift wrapping.

HOW TO HANG WREATHS ON WINDOWS

If you love the look of wreaths nestled on windows but you are not sure how to hang them then you have come to the right place. Here are several of my go-to tricks on how to hang wreaths on windows with ribbon without damaging your window or trim.

At Christmas time you will see so many beautiful wreaths hanging from windows but have you ever wondered how to hang wreaths from windows with ribbon without messing up the trim or window?

Those wreaths look so pretty hanging there from a gorgeous piece of ribbon. Many people have windows where the top window slides down which makes hanging a wreath with ribbon pretty easy.

But for those of us who do not have that luxury I have two tips on how to hang wreath with ribbon.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links below. All opinions are all my own.

How to Hang Wreaths from Windows

I mentioned there are two simple ways to hang wreath on window. One is using a staple gun and the other is a suction hook and tape.

But before we get started if you need a wreath for the holidays and still haven’t decided on a wreath for your windows check out my post of whimsical, rustic, elegant Christmas wreath ideas or go check out my friend Debra’s beautiful wreaths at The Whimsical Door.

Debra sent me these charming lamb’s ear wreaths to share with you in this project.

I also got my front door Christmas wreath from her last year. Isn’t it adorable! When you order a wreath if you want some extra ribbon you can purchase the ribbon also which is what I did with these lamb’s ear wreaths.

I wanted to repeat this ribbon from the front door. I love carrying over details into other rooms like this ribbon.

Now that you have a wreath selected let’s jump into how to hang your wreath on your windows.

Attach Ribbon to the Wreath

Your first step in hanging your wreath is to decide how to hang it with the ribbon. Here are the steps I used for hanging this lambs ear wreath with ribbon.

First, measure out a piece of ribbon to however long you think it needs to be. For my window which is 36″ wide by 60″ long, I used a ribbon cut at 58″ long.

Then I marked 12″ down on the ribbon with a straight pin. This reminds me of where I want the knot to go when I tie it.

Next, I tie a sailors knot right where the straight pin is located.

If you do not know how to tie a sailor’s knot simple make a normal first loop or tie like you are tieing your shoes. Then with the ribbon that is coming out of the top keep it straight and with the other ribbon curve it behind the straight piece.

Next, take the straight piece and run behind the other piece and through the hole. Pull the tie gently keeping a nice flat knot on the front.

Now that you have the knot completed position the knot under the inside of the wreath and move away from any greenery so it sits up again the core of the wreath.

You should have some tails hanging out inside the middle of the wreath.

Hang a Wreath with Suction Hook

If you do not want any holes on your window trim then this is your plan. Hanging a wreath on a window with a ribbon using a suction hook is very simple but takes more time.

So if you have time and the right tools try this DIY project.

First, start by applying your suction to the window. I generally hold my wreath up on the window to decide where I want it to go. Then based on where the wreath will hang on the hook I breathe a little fog onto the back of the suction cup and then press it onto the window.

Next, I place the wreath on the hook and gently grab the ribbon between my fingers. I pull the ribbon straight and even until it reaches the top of the window seal.

Then I use some tape and tape across the ribbon onto the window seal at the top.

Yay! You are all finished if you decide to do this method.

How to Hang a Wreath with Ribbon on a Window using a Staple Gun

Now for the quicker wreath hanging DIY.

Just like the other wreath hanging steps you will take your ribbon in hand and smooth it out pulling it towards the top center of the window seal.

Next, make sure you have the wreath in just the right spot on the window. Then take the staple gun and while holding the end of the ribbon loop in one hand slide the staple gun again the ribbon and upon the seal towards the back closest to the window.

Once you have it in just the right spot put a staple into the trim. All you need is one staple. It works like a charm and when you are ready to take the ribbon down simple use a screwdriver and wiggle it between the staple and the ribbon. It will pop right out.

And there you have it. Two simple ways to hang wreaths on interior windows.

Conclusion

I hope this tutorial has inspired you or given you the courage to decorate your windows for the holidays. You can use these steps to hang wreath year around too.

If you need help hanging a wreath with a ribbon on your door without damaging the door I have a post that will help.

If you are thinking of hanging wreath on windows what room are you considering? We would love to know.

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How to Hang a Wreath with Ribbon on a Window

Easy steps to hang a wreath on an interior window.

Materials

• ribbon, straight pins, tape, suction hook

Tools

Instructions

1. Begin by measuring and cutting the ribbon to hang your wreath.
2. Next measure 12″ on the ribbon and mark with a straight pin
3. Run the ribbon through the center of the wreath.
4. Tie the ribbon in a sailor knot where the straight pin is marked.
5. Pull the knot to under the wreath inside.
6. Put a suction hook on the window where you want the wreath to hang.
7. Draw the ribbon up and straight to the underside of the upper window seal.
8. Take some tape and tape it to the underside of the trim or use a nail gun and staple it to the trim.

Did you make this project?

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