How to Hang Christmas Wreaths on Exterior Windows

Learn how to hang Christmas wreaths on exterior windows the easy way, and make your outdoor decor look beautiful this holiday season!

After sharing our porch and exterior all decked out for Christmas in previous years, I ended up getting so many questions about how to hang wreaths on outdoor windows!

I feel kind of silly admitting this, but I put off hanging outdoor wreaths for a long time. I was intimidated. And I worried that the process would take a long time and become frustrating. But the method I used turned out to be SO incredibly easy! I thought I would put together a quick post to share the process.

While I was installing our wreaths, I learned that the «best» way to hang wreaths on windows probably varies based on what type of windows you have. The method I used won’t work for everyone. But don’t worry! There are several tried-and-true methods out there that are pretty simple to pull off.

Since this is the case, after I show you the method I used, I will also share some other suggestions I received from my friends on Instagram. That way you can have other options to try if your windows are different than mine.

The Easiest Way to Hang Christmas Wreaths Outoors

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Step 1- Gather Needed Supplies to Hang Christmas Wreaths

Since I’m always a fan of the «less is more» philosophy, I just used three simple items:

• 24″ wreaths, one for each window in the front of the house (I snagged mine at Hobby Lobby when they were 50% off. I only paid $5 per wreath!)
• Bows of choice (I found mine at Michael’s. Again, they were discounted, so I paid $1.50 per bow.)
• 22″ length of 2.5″ ribbon (I just used whatever I had on hand because it won’t show on the outside using this method.)

Step 2- Thread the Ribbon Through the Wire on the Back of the Wreath

I simply flipped the wreath over and slid the ribbon through the wire until it was doubled over on itself.

Some people recommend hot glueing it in place. You can definitely do that if you’re worried about it moving around. I didn’t glue mine, and I didn’t have any problems with the wreath moving around. (And we live on a hill that gets pretty windy!)

Step 3- Attach the Bow

Then I flipped my wreath back over and attached the bow to the front. I chose to attach mine at the bottom, but the top would also work! Either way, make sure the bow is directly lined up with the ribbon.

If they are not lined up, the wreath will look like it is hanging crooked, and you will end up frustrated. (Not that I know this from experience or anything. 😉 )

Step 4- Open the Window and Place the Wreath

This is where the type of window you have comes into play. The bottom panes of our windows can hinge down from the top.

I apologize for the quality of the window photos— windows are incredibly difficult to photograph and show detail!

So I just flipped open the window, popped out the screen, and arranged the wreath the way I wanted it on the outside.

Step 5- Close the Window to Secure the Ribbon

Once I had arranged the wreath the way I wanted it, I simply popped the screen back into place and closed and latched my window. This held the ribbon tightly in place. My wreath was looking pretty on the outside of our house!

Step 6- Knot the Ribbon

Even though the wreath felt pretty secure already, I added some extra assurance by knotting the ribbon on the inside of the window. This ensured that the ribbon wouldn’t slip out or move, even if it became really windy outside.

I didn’t mind the small piece of ribbon showing inside the window. But if you want it to be more discreet, you could choose a ribbon in the same color as your window frame. You can also trim down the ends of the ribbon once you make the knot.

That’s it! Now all that is left to do is.

Step 7- Stand Back and Admire Your Work!

I repeated that same process on each of the front windows of our home. Then I had the beautiful outdoor Christmas wreaths I had imagined!

I was pleasantly surprised when this project actually ended up being easier than I expected it to be! And I’ll be able to use these same wreaths over and over in years to come. Yippee!

More Ways to Hang Outdoor Christmas Wreaths

If you don’t have a window that latches open from the middle, I polled my friends on Instagram to get some more ideas. I will include their alternate methods for hanging outdoor wreaths (and some easy sources) below:

• Use window suction cups with hooks. You can use a large suction cup for the top of the wreath and a smaller suction cup for the bottom.
• Hang the wreaths with a magnetic hook. One piece of the hook is on the outside of the window, and the other magnetic part holds it from the inside of the window.
• Use outdoor Command Hooks with the sticky backing (as opposed to the velcro ones).
• Use fishing line at the top and bottom of the wreath to hold it in place.
• If attaching the wreath with ribbon at the top of the window, you can use a thumb tack on the inside to hold it in place on the window frame.
• Tip: Add a little bit of felt to the back of the wreath so it doesn’t scratch the window.

I hope this gives you some ideas as you hang Christmas wreaths this holiday season!

If you’re planning to hang Christmas wreaths on your exterior windows this year, be sure to pin the image below so you can refer to this post when you’re ready to hang them!

Here are a few other Christmas tutorials that might be helpful as well:

Have a wonderful week!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

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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