How to Hang Christmas Wreaths on Exterior Windows the EASY Way
Learn how to hang Christmas wreaths on exterior windows the easy way with this simple tutorial, and create a beautiful exterior holiday display on your outdoor windows!
I’ve always loved outdoor wreaths on windows for Christmas. I absolutely adore the way the way they look, and they add so much holiday charm and décor to the exterior of any home. After having them on my to-do list forever, I finally decided to go for it, and I’m so glad I did! After some trial and error, I figured out the easiest way to hang them, and they stayed up the entire holiday season.
Once we tried this method, they went up so quickly and easily, and when I saw the wreaths on the outside windows, I was hooked. Â It’s by far the easiest way we’ve ever tried to do it, and the wreaths were totally secure. Â
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This is such a simple method to hang wreaths on outdoor windows. It may not work for every type of window, but if yours are similar to mine, this is definitely worth a try. You don’t even need a ladder, a wreath hanger, or need to use fishing line! I have double hung windows, also known as double sash windows. They have a top sash and bottom sash, and slide up and down. This allows me to hang the wreaths from the inside of the house, which makes it very easy.
It worked for us despite some pretty windy weather and storms, and they stayed put. They never blew away or fell off, and we didn’t have to worry every time it snowed or there was a storm. We live in a very cold and snowy place, so some of the other options for hanging wreaths outdoors weren’t every compatible for our weather. So I was very excited to be able to hang them this way, and the fact that it was easy was just the icing on the cake!
Table of contents
Supplies
- Wreaths
- Red outdoor bows
- Wide ribbon
I use the red outdoor bows you can find on Amazon (possibly Walmart and Target too) because they hold up the best in our cold and snowy winters. The ribbon can really be any wide ribbon you like–I’ve used plain red, and also this adorable gingham. I do suggest a wider ribbon as opposed to a more narrow choice–it’s easier to see, and it provides a bit more stability.
Every year I’ve used real pine wreaths from a local tree farm on the windows. But I also recently started purchasing fake wreaths as they go on sale at the end of the season, and I’d like to switch them all over so I can re-use them every year. I suggest using larger wreaths (mine are 24 inches), so that you can see them from the road, but if your windows are smaller, then definitely adjust your wreath size as needed.
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have lovely wreaths on your windows in no time!
Step 1: Get everything ready
Lay out all of your supplies on a table or other flat surface work area.
Step 2: Tie your bows on
If you buy the outdoor red bows, they already have lengths of wire on them so you can easily wrap them around the wreath. You want to make sure the bow stays on securely, so if you need to use a bit of floral wire, it’s worth not having to chase them down later. If you use wired ribbon, you’ll definitely need to wire them in place. Just twist it on the back of the wreath where it can’t be seen from the front of the house. I like to tie my bows at the bottom of the wreath, so that the looped ribbon (gingham in these pictures) can go at the top.
Step 3: Cut looped ribbon to length
Cut it long enough to loop around and through the top of your wreath, making sure to leave enough on the ends to go up the height of your window and tie in a knot on the inside. I usually do much more than I need, but I’d rather have a little extra and cut it off, then not have enough and have to start over.
I like looping it through the top of the wreath so I can see more of the ribbon at the top of the wreath when they’re hanging, and I love the extra pop of red there too. If you don’t want to see the ribbon on the top front of the wreath, and there’s wire on the back of your wreath, then you can thread it through the wire instead. Both ways work if you have the option, it’s really just a personal preference.
Step 4: Place wreath on outside of window
Our top windows open into the room from the inside, so we open the window, slide the wreath onto the outside of the window, then shut it again, holding tight to the ends of the ribbon. It needs to be a double hung window for this method to work. If you have window screens, just simply remove them to hang your wreath, then replace the screen on the window frame. (Note: You can see how much ribbon a used to go around the top of the wreath and down the inside of the window. It’s longer than I need, but I like to play it safe.)
Step 5: Tie knot in the ribbon, secure into place
Once the window is shut tight, tie a knot in the ribbon at the top of the window. That will prevent the ribbon from slipping out the top of the window, and acts like an anchor. If it’s a thinner ribbon, you may want to tie two knots on top of each other. I like to trim the ribbon ends so they’re shorter and not as obvious from the inside of the house, but that’s totally a personal preference and up to you.
Step 6: Repeat and enjoy!
Step back and take plenty of pictures, because you’re going to love your holiday home!
Tip: If you have windows of varying heights, and your ribbons have to be different lengths, label them before putting them away for the season. It will make it much easier the following year, and you’ll know exactly which ribbon works on which window.
FAQ
No, we never have. It’s very secure, and despite winds, storms, and snow, they’ve stayed in place.
The first window or two take the longest, as you’re getting the hang of it. Then it’s pretty fast! It took us about an hour to hang 10 wreaths.
More ways to hang exterior wreaths on windows
We did try a few of these other methods, but we weren’t very successful. This is why we opted for the above method. Very cold and snowy weather, along with lots of winter storms, was a big part of the issue, I’m sure. For example, the command hooks are recommended for weather that’s above 20 degrees, but we are regularly below that. They’re worth a try if you don’t have double hung windows, and if your weather is more mild, or not quite as cold or snowy. Â
- Outdoor Command Hooks : Make sure to check the weight limit for these adhesive hooks, and the weather parameters, to make sure they’ll work for your windows.
- Suction Cups Hooks :  Some of the reviews mentioned they used these on outdoor windows for wreaths, and they worked well! Be sure to check the weight of your wreath to make sure they’ll be secure. Â
- Magnetic Hooks: These work for single-pane glass, but not thicker double-pane glass. It’s a two-piece set with one magnet on the outside, and the other on the inside. You can also use just one of them on a steel door to hang a wreath there!
- Fishing Line is also an option to help keep your wreaths in place to help combat the wind. You can tie fishing line to the bottom of your wreath, and bring it in through the bottom sash of the window. We didn’t do that, and our wreaths were fine, but there are other external factors that could make a difference. If you’re worried about it, you may want to go ahead and take the extra step! If you’re using command hooks to hang your wreath because you don’t have double hung windows, then you could use a much smaller command hook below it to tie the fishing on to.
I’ve seen some options for hanging wreaths that include drilling screw hooks both above and below the window, then using ribbon and fishing line to keep them in place. We have vinyl siding, and I don’t want to drill into it. If that’s an option for the exterior of your home, it’s something to consider. Â One pro is that you could leave them there year round and it would be much easier. Â
More Christmas ideas
How to Wrap Baked Goods for Christmas | Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes | Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
Don’t forget to check out my book, Simply Tradition: 70 Fun & Easy Holiday Ideas for Families. It’s chock full of holiday traditions, ideas, and recipes for every family–and it makes a great gift!
I hope this helps in your quest to hang outdoor wreaths on windows…let me know if you have any questions!
Originally posted in 2018.
