Picks and sprays are some of the easiest ways to give a wreath more color, texture, height, and personality. A few carefully placed accents can fill an empty space, highlight a wreath sign, repeat your color palette, or turn a simple wreath into a much more finished design.
Learning how to add picks and sprays to a wreath is also easier than many beginning wreath makers expect. You do not need to fill every open space or use dozens of embellishments. The key is knowing where to place them, how to attach them securely, and when to stop.
Whether you are decorating a sports wreath, deco mesh wreath, seasonal design, or everyday wreath, these simple techniques can help your picks and sprays look like an intentional part of the design rather than something added at the end.
Quick Answer: How Do You Add Picks And Sprays To A Wreath?
To add picks and sprays to a wreath, first decide where you want additional color, height, texture, or fullness. Position the stem so the decorative portion extends naturally from the wreath, then secure the stem to the wreath base or frame using existing wreath ties, floral wire, chenille stems, or zip ties.
Start with only a few pieces and space them throughout the design. Step back frequently to check the balance before adding more.
The goal is usually to make the picks look as though they are growing out of the wreath, rather than sitting on top of it.
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What Are Wreath Picks And Sprays?
Picks and sprays are decorative stems that can be inserted into wreaths, arrangements, garlands, and other floral designs.
They may feature:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Berries
- Glitter
- Footballs
- Sports shapes
- Curly accents
- Stars
- Seasonal decorations
- Greenery
- Decorative balls
- Mixed textures
Some are small and compact, while others have several branches extending from one longer stem.
You can browse our Picks & Sprays for accents that can be coordinated with wreath signs, ribbon, ornaments, and other wreath-making supplies.
What Do Picks And Sprays Add To A Wreath?
Picks are not simply fillers.
They can perform several important design jobs at the same time.
Color
Picks can repeat colors from your ribbon, sign, or other decorations throughout the wreath.
For example, if your sign contains navy and gold, a few navy or gold accents can help carry those colors beyond the focal point.
Texture
A wreath made primarily from ribbon and mesh can sometimes need another type of texture.
Glossy ornaments, fuzzy stems, metallic leaves, berries, flowers, or glittered accents create visual variety.
Height
Ribbon and mesh often create a rounded shape. Longer sprays can extend beyond that shape and give the wreath more dimension.
Movement
Curved or branching sprays help move the eye around the wreath instead of keeping every element within one compact circle.
Fullness
Small picks can also fill awkward spaces between larger design elements without requiring another large bow or ribbon cluster.
How To Add Picks And Sprays To A Wreath: Step By Step
1. Finish The Main Structure Of The Wreath First
Before adding most of your picks, establish the basic structure of your wreath.
Depending on your design, that might include:
- The wreath base or frame
- Deco mesh
- Major bows
- A wreath sign
- Large attachments
- Primary ribbon patterns
Picks are much easier to position once you can see where the wreath already has plenty of decoration and where it still needs something.
If you are using a sign as your focal point, our guide to How To Attach A Sign To A Wreath explains how to position and secure it before building the surrounding details.
2. Decide What The Pick Needs To Accomplish
Before adding a pick simply because you like it, ask what that piece is doing for the design.
Does the wreath need:
- More of a particular color?
- Extra height?
- More texture?
- Something beside the sign?
- A fuller section?
- Better balance between the left and right sides?
- A decorative element that reinforces the theme?
This small step can prevent a wreath from becoming overcrowded.
Every pick does not need to have a complicated purpose, but thinking about why you are placing it usually leads to a cleaner design.
3. Bend And Shape The Pick Before Adding It
Many wreath picks arrive fairly flat or straight.
Do not assume that is how they need to stay.
Separate the branches, adjust the leaves, turn decorative elements forward, and gently bend the stem when appropriate.
You may be able to create an entirely different look from the same pick simply by changing its shape.
For multi-branch sprays, spread the branches slightly so you can see each decorative element instead of allowing everything to overlap.
This also makes the pick look fuller.
4. Test The Placement Before Attaching It
Place the pick into the wreath without permanently securing it.
Then step back.
Ask yourself:
- Does it improve the design?
- Is it pointing in a natural direction?
- Does it block the wreath sign?
- Is it hiding an attractive ribbon?
- Does it make one side noticeably heavier?
- Is the decorative portion visible?
You may move the same pick several times before finding the right location.
That is completely normal.
It is much easier to experiment before securing it.
Where Should You Put Picks On A Wreath?
There is no single correct placement, but several approaches work particularly well.
Around A Wreath Sign
Picks can help visually connect a sign to the rest of the wreath.
Try placing one or more accents near the corners or edges of the sign so the eye moves naturally from the sign into the surrounding ribbon and mesh.
You do not need to outline the entire sign.
Often, a few accents are enough.
Browse our Wreath Signs if you are building a design around a central focal piece.
Near A Bow
A bow already attracts attention, making it another natural location for decorative picks.
Adding sprays beside or underneath the bow can increase the size of the focal area and help blend the bow into the wreath.
Try allowing longer pieces to extend beyond the ribbon loops rather than hiding every part of the spray.
Between Ribbon Clusters
If one section between your ribbon clusters looks empty, a pick may be a better solution than adding even more ribbon.
The change in material gives the eye something new to look at.
Our Ribbon can be combined with coordinating picks to repeat colors and patterns throughout a design.
Around The Outer Edge
Longer sprays can be positioned toward the outside of the wreath to create movement and increase its visual size.
This works especially well when the branches naturally extend outward.
Try to follow the overall direction of the wreath rather than pointing every stem straight away from the center.
How Do You Attach Picks To A Deco Mesh Wreath?
For a deco mesh wreath, one of the easiest methods is to place the stem between the mesh bundles and secure it to the wreath’s underlying structure.
Depending on how your wreath is constructed, you may be able to use:
- Existing chenille stem ties
- Floral wire
- Additional pipe cleaners
- Zip ties
- The wreath frame itself
Whenever possible, secure the stem rather than the decorative portion of the pick.
Feed the stem through the mesh toward the frame, secure it, and then reposition the mesh around the attachment point.
The mesh should help disguise the mechanics of the attachment.
If you are still getting comfortable working with mesh, our How To Make A Deco Mesh Wreath For Beginners guide covers the basic wreath-making process.
You can also browse our selection of Deco Mesh for your next design.
Should You Use Wire, Pipe Cleaners, Or Zip Ties?
All three can work.
The best choice depends on the size and weight of the pick, the wreath base, and where you are attaching it.
Floral Wire
Floral wire is useful when you want a thin attachment that can easily disappear into the wreath.
Wrap the wire around the pick’s stem and then around the wreath frame.
It is particularly useful for picks that need extra support.
Pipe Cleaners Or Chenille Stems
Chenille stems are very easy for beginners to use.
They can be wrapped around the pick stem and then twisted around the wreath frame or an existing wreath tie.
If possible, choose a color that blends into the wreath.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are useful when you need a very secure mechanical attachment.
They can work particularly well with heavier stems or larger sprays.
Trim the excess after tightening and position the cut end toward the back of the wreath.
Can You Use Hot Glue For Wreath Picks?
Hot glue can be useful in some wreath designs, but it should not automatically be your only attachment method.
The best method depends on the wreath base, the material of the stem, the weight of the decoration, and where the wreath will be displayed.
For larger or heavier picks, attaching the stem mechanically with wire, chenille stems, or zip ties provides additional support.
If you do use glue, make sure the materials you are working with can tolerate it and that the attachment is strong enough for the intended use of the wreath.
How Many Picks Should You Put In A Wreath?
There is no required number.
A wreath may look wonderful with three substantial sprays, while another design might use ten or more small picks.
Instead of counting pieces, look at the overall design.
Add a few.
Step back.
Then decide whether the wreath actually needs more.
This is especially important with a full deco mesh wreath because the mesh, ribbon, sign, and bow may already provide plenty of visual interest.
More embellishments do not automatically make a wreath look more finished.
Sometimes one strategically placed pick does more for the design than five additional pieces.
Should Wreath Picks Match?
They do not have to be identical.
In fact, mixing a few different types of picks can make a wreath more interesting.
The trick is giving them something in common.
They might share:
- A color
- A theme
- A texture
- A finish
- A shape
- A sport
For example, a football wreath might include a football pick, a team-color decorative spray, and a metallic accent.
The pieces are different, but the color palette and theme connect them.
This works particularly well when creating a wreath around team colors.
How To Use Picks In A Sports Wreath
Sports wreaths are a perfect place to use decorative picks because they can help reinforce both the team colors and the sport itself.
For example, a football wreath might combine:
- A football sign
- Team-color ribbon
- Football picks
- Coordinating ornaments
- Metallic or glitter accents
You do not necessarily need the team’s name or logo on every product.
A recognizable team sign paired with coordinated color accents can create a cohesive design without overwhelming the wreath.
You can browse Team Wreath Supplies to coordinate signs, ribbon, picks, ornaments, and other supplies by team.
How To Make Picks Look Natural In A Wreath
One of the most common beginner mistakes is placing every pick in exactly the same direction.
Instead, think about movement.
Allow some pieces to point slightly upward, some outward, and others to curve naturally around the wreath.
Try not to make every stem look like it was pushed straight into the center.
You can also bend some stems slightly before attaching them.
The goal is for your embellishments to appear to flow through the wreath.
Use Picks To Repeat Color Around The Wreath
One of the simplest design techniques is repeating a color in several areas.
Suppose your wreath has a navy and orange sign.
You might use:
- Navy ribbon near the top
- Orange ribbon near the bottom
- A navy pick on one side
- An orange accent on the opposite side
Now the viewer’s eye travels around the wreath rather than stopping in one location.
Picks and sprays are particularly useful for this because you can add small amounts of color exactly where the design needs them.
Use Different Sizes For More Dimension
Not every decorative element needs to be the same size.
Combining:
- A longer spray
- A medium pick
- A few smaller accents
can create much more dimension than using several identical pieces at the same depth.
Long pieces can extend beyond the wreath.
Medium pieces can connect major design areas.
Small pieces can fill gaps.
The variety helps give the wreath layers.
Do Not Hide The Entire Pick
If you purchased a beautiful spray, let some of it show.
It is tempting to push the stem so deeply into the wreath that only a small decorative piece remains visible.
Sometimes that is appropriate, but often the longer branches and shape of the spray are what create the movement you wanted in the first place.
Secure enough of the stem to keep the pick stable while allowing the decorative portion to extend beyond the surrounding ribbon or mesh.
Common Mistakes When Adding Picks And Sprays
Adding Too Many At Once
Add a few pieces and evaluate the wreath before continuing.
It is easier to add another pick than to remove ten after the design becomes overcrowded.
Making Every Pick Point The Same Direction
Vary the angles slightly so the design feels more natural.
Hiding The Pick Behind Ribbon
If the decorative part cannot be seen, try moving it forward or adjusting the surrounding ribbon.
Covering The Wreath Sign
Picks should support your focal point rather than obscure it.
Ignoring The Back Of The Wreath
Make sure wires, zip ties, or stems are trimmed or tucked securely so the back remains neat.
Attaching Heavy Picks Only To Mesh
Mesh is decorative and flexible.
For heavier embellishments, secure the stem to the wreath frame or another structural part of the wreath.
Filling Every Empty Space
A little visual breathing room is a good thing.
The goal is balance—not covering every visible inch.
How Do You Know When A Wreath Has Enough Picks?
This may be one of the hardest things for a new wreath maker to judge.
Hang the wreath or hold it upright and step several feet away.
Look at the entire wreath rather than one small section.
Ask:
- Does one side feel heavier than the other?
- Is there an obvious empty area?
- Can I still see the ribbon patterns?
- Is the sign easy to read?
- Do the colors repeat throughout the design?
- Is there a clear focal point?
- Does another pick actually improve anything?
If the answer to the last question is no, you are probably finished.
Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing what to add.
Coordinate Your Picks With The Rest Of The Wreath
Picks and sprays work best when they feel connected to the other design elements.
Start with your primary colors and theme, then coordinate your accents around them.
For example, you might combine:
- Wreath Signs for the focal point
- Ribbon for color and pattern
- Deco Mesh for the base and fullness
- Picks & Sprays for texture and movement
- Wreath Attachments for additional decorative details
Each element has a different job, but repeating colors and themes helps everything work together.
Start With A Few Picks And Build From There
Picks and sprays can make a dramatic difference in a wreath, but you do not need dozens of them to create an attractive design.
Start with the main elements of your wreath. Add a few carefully chosen picks where you need additional color, texture, height, or fullness. Secure them well, vary their placement, and step back frequently to evaluate the overall design.
With practice, you will begin to recognize exactly where an extra accent will improve a wreath—and where the design is already complete.
Browse our Picks & Sprays or explore all of our Wreath Supplies for your next wreath-making project.
FAQ: Adding Picks And Sprays To A Wreath
How do you attach picks to a wreath?
Position the pick where you want it, feed the stem into the wreath, and secure it to the wreath base or frame using floral wire, chenille stems, existing wreath ties, or zip ties. Heavier picks should be secured to a structural part of the wreath rather than only to ribbon or mesh.
Where should picks go on a wreath?
Picks can be placed beside a wreath sign, around a bow, between ribbon clusters, or around the outer edges of the wreath. Choose locations where they improve the color, balance, texture, or shape of the design.
How many picks should you use in a wreath?
There is no required number. The right amount depends on the size and fullness of your wreath and the size of the picks. Start with a few and add more only where the wreath genuinely needs them.
Can you put picks in a deco mesh wreath?
Yes. Feed the stems between the deco mesh bundles and secure them to the underlying wreath frame or existing ties. After attaching them, fluff the mesh around the stems to conceal the attachment points.
Should wreath picks all be the same?
No. You can combine different types and sizes of picks as long as they share a common color palette, theme, texture, or style. Mixing complementary accents can create more dimension.
When should you add picks to a wreath?
It is usually easiest to add most picks after the main wreath structure, mesh, sign, bows, and primary ribbon are in place. This allows you to see where the wreath needs additional color, texture, height, or fullness.
How do you keep wreath picks from falling out?
Secure the stem rather than simply pushing it into the wreath. Floral wire, chenille stems, or zip ties can be used to fasten the pick to the wreath frame or another sturdy part of the base.
Shop Picks, Sprays And Coordinating Wreath Supplies
Add color, texture, movement, and finishing details to your next wreath with Picks & Sprays.
Coordinate them with Wreath Signs, Ribbon, Deco Mesh, Wreath Attachments, and Wreath Frames.
Or browse all Wreath Supplies to find supplies for your next project.