My favorite projects are the ones I can make with items I already have on hand. Store-bought wreaths can be expensive, and even DIY versions add up quickly when you need to buy supplies. That’s why I love this ornament wreath idea: I used a wire coat hanger and a cheap container of ornaments, and the end result looks stunning on the front door without a big expense or a trip to the craft store. Over the years I’ve made a few ornament wreaths and each one creates a dramatic, festive entrance for the holiday season.
Items You’ll Need To Make An Ornament Wreath
For this wreath I used a standard wire coat hanger. I cut off the hook with wire cutters, bent the hanger into a circular form, and began sliding ornaments onto the wire. You can use whatever ornaments you have—matte, shiny, or metallic finishes all work well together. A hot glue gun can help secure small ornaments in place and fill any gaps once the main pieces are arranged.
Tips and Tricks for Making An Ornament Wreath
- Thread ornaments onto the hanger in a random pattern. Rotate each ornament as you add it so they don’t all face the same direction—some pointing up, some down, and some toward the center creates visual interest.
- Use hot glue to attach extra ornaments where you need more fullness. Hot glue is especially helpful for filling gaps with smaller ornaments.
- Avoid hot gluing heavily glittered ornaments; glitter can reduce glue adhesion. Instead, hang glittered ornaments by their loops if possible.
- Mix sizes and finishes. Combine a few large ornaments with medium and small ones for depth. Place two larger ornaments with a medium between them, and then glue small ornaments into crevices to finish the look.
A few readers have asked about hanging options. If your door is metal, a magnetic or less-visible hanging solution can be handy and easier on the finish than a large, over-the-door hook. A simple ribbon loop tied around the wreath also works well for hanging on many types of hooks or door fixtures.
DIY Christmas Ornament Wreath
This wreath is a simple, budget-friendly way to add holiday cheer to your home. It can be completed in about 30 minutes, costs very little when using ornaments you already have, and creates a high-impact look for under $10 if you need to buy supplies.
Equipment
- Wire cutters
- Hot glue gun (optional, for securing small ornaments)
Materials
- Coat hanger (wire)
- Christmas ornaments in various sizes and finishes
- Ribbon for hanging
Instructions
- Bend the coat hanger into a circular shape. Remove or snip the hook if needed and shape the wire so it forms a secure ring.
- Begin threading ornaments onto the coat hanger. Twist each ornament’s hanging loop around the wire so pieces stay in place and don’t all face the same direction.
- Fill gaps by hot gluing smaller ornaments into empty spaces to add fullness and create a balanced look.
- Twist the ends of the coat hanger to close off and secure the wreath ring.
- Tie a large ribbon around the top of the wreath for hanging and to add a finished, decorative touch.
Notes
For best results, vary sizes and textures and step back occasionally to check balance and coverage. The wreath is light enough to hang on many types of door hooks, and the ribbon doubles as both an anchor and a decorative element.