Quick answer: keep a neutral wreath base, replace the summer focal piece, and repeat two or three autumn colors in the ribbon and accents. Turquoise with rust makes a gentle summer-to-fall combination; orange, burgundy, and cream give a warmer harvest look.
As the warmth of summer slowly gives way to the crispness of fall, there’s a certain magic in the air. The days grow shorter, the leaves begin their colorful transformation, and there’s a feeling of new beginnings as children head back to school. For wreath makers, this seasonal shift is a time to embrace the rich colors and textures that autumn brings and to start crafting wreaths that capture the spirit of fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
The Beauty of Fall Wreaths
Fall is a season of warmth and comfort, and your wreaths can reflect that cozy feeling. Think of deep oranges, warm yellows, rich browns, and hints of burgundy. These colors echo the changing leaves, the harvest, and the overall warmth of the season. Adding elements like faux pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, and berries can give your wreaths that quintessential autumn look.
Halloween offers a chance to get playful and spooky with your designs. Incorporate black, purple, and orange ribbons, and don’t shy away from using fun embellishments like witches’ hats, spiders, and ghostly figures. For Thanksgiving, focus on themes of gratitude and abundance. A wreath adorned with wheat stalks, gourds, and a thankful message will be a welcoming sight on any door.
For Thanksgiving, focus on themes of gratitude and abundance. A wreath adorned with wheat stalks, gourds, and a thankful message will be a welcoming sight on any door.
Tips for a Seamless Seasonal Transition
- Repurpose Your Summer Wreaths: If you’ve crafted a summer wreath with a neutral base, consider updating it for fall. Swap out bright, summery flowers for autumnal ones, and add seasonal ribbons or ornaments. This is a great way to extend the life of your wreaths while keeping them fresh and relevant.
- Layer Your Elements: Fall is all about texture. Mix and match different materials, burlap, twine, and faux foliage, to create depth and interest. Layering elements not only adds visual appeal but also makes your wreaths feel more substantial and luxurious.
- Balance Your Design: When working with a new season’s palette, it’s important to balance bold colors with softer, neutral tones. This ensures that your wreath isn’t overwhelming and remains harmonious.
- Add Personal Touches: Whether it’s a family initial, a favorite autumn quote, or a handcrafted bow, adding something personal to your wreath makes it unique and special.
Sort your supplies before buying more
Bring together your mesh, ribbon, signs, and picks. Set aside bright summer pieces, then look for neutral supplies that can work again: burlap-colored mesh, cream ribbon, a grapevine base, or a simple green background. Keep the pieces that support one fall palette instead of trying to fit every leftover into the same wreath.
Try turquoise and rust for the seasonal change
You do not have to jump straight from summer brights to Halloween black and orange. A daisy or sunflower sign with turquoise and rust ribbon can bridge the seasons. Lay the materials beside one another before cutting, and check whether the frame color blends into the design. Repeat each main color in the bow and around the wreath so it feels connected.
Choose one occasion at a time
For back-to-school decorating, a welcoming sign and sunflower colors can keep the look cheerful. For Halloween, change the focal point and use playful ribbon or a few themed accents. For Thanksgiving, choose a thankful message, warm colors, and harvest details. Keep removable decorations attached separately when you intend to change them later.
Make the project fit your time
Gather supplies first, cut mesh and ribbon in another session, then build the base before adding the sign and bow. Short sessions make it easier to check the balance as you work. Take a photo of the finished wreath and save your supply list so you can reuse a combination you enjoyed.
For a full project with supply quantities, follow the fall scarecrow wreath tutorial. For help choosing the palette, explore fall wreath color ideas.
Use the free DIY Wreath Planner to choose your colors and list the supplies you already have before starting your next wreath.
