Premium Handmade Door Wreath
Natural
Noble fir and glossy stems with a burlap bow, dried orange, twisted hazel, lotus heads and small pine cones.
From £45Regular 34cm £45 or Large 65 cm £65
View this wreathChristmas wreath guides
How to hang a Christmas wreath without damaging your door
The safest way to hang a wreath depends on what your door is made of. Here are the options for uPVC, composite, timber, glass and steel doors, what to avoid, and how to test a method first so that you reduce the risk of marks, scratches and worn seals.
Our Natural wreath, handmade fresh on the farm
Quick answer
The lower risk ways to hang a wreath are an over-the-door hanger, a ribbon over the top of the door, or an outdoor adhesive hook rated for the weight. Avoid nails and screws on uPVC and composite doors. No method is risk free, so test it first and check your door seal and warranty.
- Best first test
- Hang it for a day
- Avoid
- Nails in uPVC or composite
- Weight
- Heavier when wet
What should you check before hanging a wreath?
No hanging method can promise to leave a door untouched, so the aim is to reduce the risk and to test first. Three quick checks make a real difference.
- Know your door surface. uPVC, composite, painted timber, natural timber, glass and steel each behave differently, which is why the best method changes with the door.
- Think about weight. A fresh wreath is a bundle of cut foliage and decorations, so it can be heavier than it looks, and it gets heavier still when it is wet after rain. Pick a hook or hanger that has a comfortable margin, not one that is only just enough.
- Test before you commit. Try the method for a day, in the same weather, before you rely on it. Hang the wreath, open and close the door a few times, and check the hook, the surface and the door seal.
Which hanging method suits which door?
This table sums up the options that people most often use for each door surface. It is a starting point, not a promise, so read the notes below it as well.
| Door surface | Methods that are usually lower risk | Take care with |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | Over-the-door hanger, outdoor adhesive hook, ribbon over the top or tied to a knocker. | Nails and screws. Check the seal if you use a hanger. |
| Composite | Outdoor adhesive hook, suction hook on glass, ribbon, magnetic hook only if the door has a metal surface. | Nails and screws. Over-the-door hangers, as advice differs. |
| Timber, painted | Ribbon over the top from an inside hook, over-the-door hanger with a soft pad. | Adhesive on fresh or flaking paint, and scratches from metal hooks. |
| Timber, natural or stained | Ribbon from an inside hook, or an existing fixing. | Marks from adhesive or tape, and holes that let moisture in. |
| Glass or glazed | Suction hook on clean glass, or ribbon at the top of the door or on the frame. | Wet or dirty glass, and cold weather weakening suction. |
| Metal or steel | Magnetic hook with a soft pad, over-the-door hanger. | Scratches from magnets and paint rubbing off. |
How do you hang a wreath on a uPVC or composite door?
uPVC and composite doors are durable, but Grand Designs Magazine says they are not keen on nails or screws, and GFD Homes, a composite door supplier, lists hangers, suction cups and magnetic hooks as ways to avoid drilling. Here are the main options, with the steps for each.
Over-the-door hanger
A slim hanger hooks over the top of the door and holds the wreath at the front. It needs no fixings. Before you rely on it, close the door fully and check that it closes and latches as it should, with no gap and no pressure on the weather seal. Homebuilding quotes door suppliers who warn against hangers on composite doors because of seal wear, while Grand Designs Magazine recommends them, so advice differs. If your door has a drop-down seal or a tight fit, choose another method.
Outdoor adhesive hook
Choose a hook sold for outdoor use and check the weight and temperature limits printed on the pack. Clean and dry the door, apply it in the conditions the manufacturer says, wait as long as the instructions say before hanging anything, and then do the one day test. Cold, damp December weather is hard on adhesive, so give yourself a good weight margin. Do not use adhesive on a door whose finish is flaking.
Ribbon over the top of the door
A wide ribbon looped over the top edge and hung down the outside holds a wreath without touching the surface. Tie the ribbon to the wreath, and then check how it sits when the door is shut. A thick ribbon can stop a door closing, so choose a flat one. Some doors with seals that drop down cannot have anything running over the top, so test it first.
Knocker or existing fixing
A ribbon or a short loop around a sturdy knocker or an existing hook is the simplest of all. GFD Homes says a knocker suits a wreath that is not too heavy, or the knocker could be damaged. Padding stops the wreath rubbing the paint.
How do you hang a wreath on timber, glass or steel?
Painted timber. A ribbon over the top, fixed to a hook on the inside of the door, is a gentle option. Grand Designs Magazine says a small tack or screw is acceptable on solid timber, though removable hangers are preferred. If you do make a hole, put it somewhere discreet and fill and seal it after the season so that moisture cannot get in. We would use a removable method first.
Natural or stained timber. Adhesive and tape can leave a mark on bare wood, so a ribbon or an existing fixing is usually the better choice. Test any hook on a hidden spot first.
Glass and glazed doors. Grand Designs Magazine suggests suction hooks on glazed doors, provided the glass is clean first. Suction can weaken in cold weather, so check the hook after a frost. As an alternative, hang the wreath from a ribbon secured at the top of the door or fasten it to the frame, rather than to the glass. A wreath that hangs in front of the glass also blocks some light, which is where the size matters, and our wreath size guide has more on that.
Metal or steel doors. A magnetic hook works only on a door that has a metal surface. GFD Homes and Grand Designs Magazine both mention magnets for doors with a metal surface or core, so check with a magnet before you buy hooks. Put a thin felt or rubber pad between magnet and paint, as a magnet can scratch.
What should you avoid when hanging a wreath?
- Nails and screws in uPVC or composite. Drilling makes a permanent hole. If you are considering it, ask the door manufacturer or installer first, and check your warranty paperwork. We have not found a general rule, because it varies by door and by maker.
- Strong tapes. Grand Designs Magazine advises avoiding strong tapes or nails that can damage surfaces or seals.
- Anything that stops the door sealing. A thick hanger, ribbon or hook can stop the door closing properly, letting in draughts and wear.
- Hooks that are only just strong enough. Remember a fresh wreath is heavier when wet. Leave a margin.
- Metal on paint. Bare metal hooks can rub paint, so add a soft pad.
Our Natural and Contemporary wreaths. Fresh fir, cones and decorations all add weight, so choose a method with a safe margin.
How do you keep a wreath secure in wind?
A wreath that swings knocks its needles and decorations, and may bang against the door each time the wind gusts. A few small steps help.
- Add a second anchor point. A short ribbon or loop from the wreath to the knocker or hook stops it swinging.
- Use a sheltered spot. A porch or recessed door is kinder to the wreath and the hook. Shelter also helps the foliage last, which we cover in our guide to keeping a wreath fresh.
- Bring it in on a stormy night. If it is a very windy night, it does no harm to take the wreath down and put it in a cool porch or shed.
- Think about security. A wreath hung over a glazed section or the letterbox can block your view of who is at the door, and a wreath hung over a peephole can stop it working. Keep those clear.
- Check after wind, frost and rain. A quick look the next morning tells you whether the hook and the surface are holding up.
If you are still choosing a wreath, our guide to choosing a wreath for your front door helps with style and size.
Sources and further reading
- Grand Designs Magazine: how to hang a wreath on your door with minimal damage (composite and uPVC doors, nails and screws, suction and magnetic hooks, ribbons)
- GFD Homes: how to hang a Christmas wreath on a composite door (hangers, suction cups, magnetic hooks, padding)
- Homebuilding: how to hang a wreath on a door (over-the-door hangers and weather seals)
- Wreath care: Finnegan Christmas Wreaths FAQs
Hanging questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most about hanging a Christmas wreath on a door.
How do I hang a wreath on a uPVC door?
Use a method that needs no drilling, such as an over-the-door hanger, a ribbon over the top, or an outdoor adhesive hook. Check that the door still closes and seals properly, and test the method for a day before you rely on it.
Can I use an over-the-door hanger on a composite door?
Sources differ. Some advise against it because of possible seal wear, while others recommend it. Close the door with the hanger on, check the seal and latch, and choose another method if the fit is tight.
Will adhesive hooks work outside in winter?
They can, but cold and damp are hard on adhesive. Pick a hook sold for outdoor use, follow the weight and temperature limits on the pack, apply it to a clean dry surface and leave a good weight margin.
Do magnetic hooks work on every door?
No. They only work on a door with a metal surface, such as a steel door. They will not hold on uPVC, timber or most composite doors, so test with a magnet first and add a soft pad to protect the paint.
How can I hang a wreath on a glass door?
Try a suction hook on clean glass, or hang the wreath from a ribbon fixed at the top of the door or on the frame. Check the hook after cold weather, because suction can weaken, and keep it away from wet glass.
Is a fresh wreath heavy?
It can be heavier than it looks, because cut foliage, cones and decorations all add weight, and a wreath that has been rained on is heavier still. Choose a hook or hanger with a comfortable margin.
Our family farm
Fresh from our family Christmas tree farm.
Our wreaths are handmade fresh on the Finnegan family Christmas tree farm in Clogher, County Tyrone, using Noble Fir foliage grown on the farm. Each wreath is wrapped to prevent movement and boxed, so it arrives ready to hang.
- Grown hereNoble Fir from our own fields
- Made to orderHandmade fresh on the farm
- Free UK deliveryBoxed, ready to hang
Handmade on the farm
Discover our fresh handmade Christmas wreaths.
Three styles, each built on Noble Fir from our farm and each available in Regular 34cm and Large 65cm. Every wreath is made to order and boxed, ready to hang.
Premium Handmade Door Wreath
Traditional
Noble fir and variegated holly with a red velvet bow, red berry clusters, cinnamon bundles and pine cones.
From £45Regular 34cm £45 or Large 65 cm £65
View this wreathPremium Handmade Door Wreath
Contemporary
Noble fir and seasonal greenery with a burlap bow, dried orange, twisted hazel, lotus heads, rosemary and acorns.
From £45Regular 34cm £45 or Large 65 cm £65
View this wreathFree UK delivery on every wreath. Boxed, ready to hang.
From our farm to your door
Bring the beauty of our Christmas tree farm to your front door.
Discover beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths, crafted fresh on our County Tyrone family farm and delivered across the UK.
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Keep reading
More Christmas wreath guides.
What size Christmas wreath do I need for my front door?
Measure your door, panel or glazing, then match it to a 34cm or 65cm wreath. Tips for double doors, glass panels, porches and gates.
How to keep your Christmas wreath fresh throughout December
A practical December care routine for a fresh wreath: unboxing, hanging, misting, weather, weekly checks, storage and knowing when to take it down.
How to choose the perfect Christmas wreath for your front door
A simple decision guide to picking a front door wreath: door colour, size, foliage, style, decorations, where it hangs and who lives with it.
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