Balsam Hill Wreaths & Garlands: Your Ultimate Guide to Faux Greenery

Wreaths, garlands, and other greenery are staple Christmas decorations in many homes. They add holiday cheer and put the finishing touches to entryways, living rooms, and more. Artificial greenery is a great option if you want something that lasts for years. They’re also a good alternative if you have allergies or pets that may accidentally ingest the foliage.

Balsam Hill® offers different types of greenery. This guide shows you how to choose the best ones for your home—from sizing to care and storage.

Types

Many of our wreaths and garlands match specific artificial Christmas trees. They share the same needle, color, and texture. Some are part of collections that include swags, potted greenery, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Pre-lit and unlit options are both available to suit your preferences.

Sizing

Size is as important as style when decorating with faux greenery. Below are measuring guides to help you determine the size you need. Take note that these measurements are after fluffing and shaping.

How Do I Choose a Wreath Size?

Wreaths are typically displayed on doors, but you can also hang them on walls or set them on the mantel. Balsam Hill artificial wreaths range from 18 inches to 60 inches in diameter.

18 to 26 inches Best wreaths for front doors measuring 30 to 36 inches wide (standard size). Hang two of these wreaths for double doors. This size range is also ideal for smaller mantels less than 5 feet wide.	28 to 34 inches Suitable for a larger entryway or if you want a slightly oversized wreath for your standard door. Best for average-sized mantels up to 6 feet.
36 to 42 inches Recommended for oversized doors. A 36-inch wreath fits flush with the width of a standard-size door. This is also a good option for larger mantels around 6 feet long.	48 to 60 inches Ideal for wider spaces like walls with high ceilings or above large fireplace mantels.

What Length of Garland Do I Need?

Garlands are flexible and can be draped over doors, banisters, or mantels. Balsam Hill garlands range from 6 feet to 10 feet long, and most can be linked together to make a longer garland if needed.

5 to 7 feet Recommended for standard doors or mantels. Connect several for a longer garland.

8 to 10 feet Suitable for wider archways and double doors. Use this if you want the garlands to gather at the bottom.

Tips

Watch this video and learn how to determine the right size of wreath and garland for your front door:

For Greenery Wreaths:

Measure the height and width of the space where it will be displayed. A wreath should cover 50 to 75% of the space’s width and shouldn’t be wider or taller than the hanging surface.

• For a standard 30 to 36-inch door, allot about 6 inches of space on each side of the wreath for a simple look.
• For a more dramatic effect, choose a bigger wreath but leave at least 2 inches of space on each side.

For Greenery Garlands:

Use string or yarn as a placeholder. The length you end up with is the same size you need for your garland.

• To wrap around an object (a porch column, for example), use twice as much length of foliage as the height of the object.
• For a flat surface, allot 2 feet on each end to hang off the edge.
• To hang on a line, plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 feet of garland for every foot of draping space to allow for slack.
• Make sure the garland’s thickness doesn’t under- or overwhelm the area. Consider double layers or opt for a swag or teardrop if you want a fuller look.

Foliage

Our artificial greenery collection features varying levels of realism and styles. Many are designed after the foliage of real tree species, from the shape and texture of the needles to the nuances in color.

Needle Type

We categorize needle types according to the material used. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) needles are flat and papery, while PE (polyethylene) needles have more dimension. Some artificial greenery feature a combination of both—the more realistic the foliage, the higher the PE count.

Levels of Realism

Other Considerations

Lights

Balsam Hill offers pre-lit artificial greenery in several lighting options to suit your decorating style. These are professionally hand-strung with UL-listed bulbs for both indoor and outdoor use. Some models are battery-operated and include a timer for convenience.

Set-Up

How to Unbox Your New Wreath & Garland

Your faux greenery will arrive at your door in a box. Here’s how to prepare for set-up:

Step 1|Look for the sign on the box indicating which end to open.

Step 2|Carefully cut the seal and open the box flaps.

Step 3|Pull the greenery out of its box. Take note that it’s compressed for packing and needs to be fluffed.

Step 4|Inspect and identify the plug or battery box if applicable.

Step 5|Make sure to keep the extra bulbs in a safe place in case you need them.

Insider’s Tip

After unboxing, you’ll notice that the foliage is compressed in its packaging. Artificial wreaths and garlands need to be fluffed and reshaped to give them a fuller, realistic look. Head to our Greenery Fluffing Guide here.

How to Hang Wreaths & Garlands

Balsam Hill wreaths have wire frames, while garlands have spines that support the foliage when hung on hooks or strings.

If you’re concerned about damage to surfaces, there are ways to hang wreaths and garlands without making holes.

Wreath & Garland Hangers:

Wreath and garland hangers are made specifically to go over doors. This means you don’t have to drill holes or hang greenery from a nail.

Care & Storage

How to Care for Greenery

It’s best to clean your artificial foliage before packing it away. Here’s how:

Step 1|Use a hair dryer on cool setting to blow dust away from the tips. Or, gently remove dust from surfaces with a non-shed microfiber or feather duster.

Step 2|With a light hand, wipe the larger decorations such as leaves and ornaments individually with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt build-up.

Step 3|Compress by flattening tips to make it easier to fit into your storage container.

Step 4|Cover your greenery in plastic for extra protection. Include a couple of desiccant pouches to keep it dry and protected from moisture damage.

Insider’s Tip

Pick a dark, dry, and cool place to store your greenery. Avoid areas that change temperature or are exposed to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

How to Store Wreaths & Garlands

Need Help?

We hope this guide helps you choose the best artificial greenery for your home. For any questions, reach out to us here.