A hoop wreath is the minimalist cousin of the traditional round wreath. Instead of a full circle of greenery, it's a thin metal ring with foliage on just one part of it, leaving most of the hoop bare. It looks modern, uses far fewer materials, and is easy to make.
The simplest version reuses what's already on your mantel: a short length of dried leaf garland, wired onto a brass ring and finished with a velvet ribbon.
Supplies
- A 14 to 18 inch brass or gold metal hoop
- A 2 to 3 foot section of dried leaf garland, or loose stems of dried leaves
- A few stems of dried wheat or grasses (optional)
- Green floral wire and wire cutters
- 2 yards of velvet ribbon, 1.5 inches wide
Brass hoops are sold at craft stores as macramé or wreath rings.
Step 1: Plan the placement
Decide where the foliage goes. The classic placement is the lower third of the hoop, running from about 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock. Another option is a crescent up one side. Leave at least half the hoop bare; that's what makes a hoop wreath.
Lay the garland along the hoop first to check the look before wiring.
Step 2: Wire it on
Starting at one end, wrap floral wire around the garland and hoop every 2 inches. Keep the wire hidden under the leaves. If you're using loose stems, bundle three or four together, wire them to the hoop, then lay the next bundle over the stems of the first, working in one direction.
Step 3: Add wheat or grasses
Tuck in a few stems of dried wheat or bunny tail grass at the ends of the foliage so they fan outward. It softens the edges and adds a bit of pale color.
Step 4: The ribbon
Tie a long velvet ribbon to the top of the hoop and use it to hang the wreath. Let the tails fall long. Rust, olive and deep plum velvet all look good against a brass ring in fall.
Hanging it
Hang it from an over-the-door hook or a nail at the top of the door, with the ribbon length adjusted so the hoop sits slightly above eye level. On a glass door, hang it on the inside so it's protected from weather.
Using it indoors
Hoop wreaths also look good indoors: hung on a mirror, above a bed, or leaned on a mantel. Make two and hang one on the front door and one inside.
Changing it for the seasons
The beauty of a hoop is that you can reuse it. Snip the wire, remove the leaves and wire on something new: pine and eucalyptus for winter, olive branches for spring. One hoop lasts for years.
Choosing leaves that last outdoors
If the door isn't covered by a porch roof, choose preserved leaves rather than simply dried ones. Preserved oak and beech leaves are treated with glycerin, stay soft, and hold their color in damp weather. Dried leaves turn brittle and crumble after a few rainy days. A light spray of clear matte sealer on the finished wreath adds some protection.
Making a pair
A pair of matching hoops looks great on double doors. Mirror the placement: foliage on the lower left of one and the lower right of the other, so the two wreaths frame the center of the doorway. Use the same ribbon on both and hang them at exactly the same height.
Mistakes to avoid
- Covering too much of the hoop. Keep at least half bare.
- Visible wire. Tuck it under the leaves.
- Short ribbon tails. Let them fall long.
- Hanging it too low. Center it slightly above eye level.
What it costs
A brass hoop costs $5 to $15. A dried leaf garland runs $20 to $40, but you may already have one on the mantel. Velvet ribbon is $6 to $10. Most hoop wreaths cost under $40 to make.
Fall hoop wreath FAQ
What is a hoop wreath?
A thin metal ring with foliage covering only part of it, usually the lower third, leaving the rest of the ring bare.
What size hoop is best for a front door?
14 to 18 inches suits most standard front doors.
Can I reuse a hoop wreath?
Yes. Remove the foliage by snipping the wire and add new stems for each season.
