Decorative picks and sprays can completely change the look of a wreath. They add height, movement, texture, and small bursts of color—without requiring another large bow or more deco mesh. The trick is learning where to place them and how to attach their stems securely.
This guide explains how to add picks and sprays to a wreath, whether your project uses deco mesh, grapevine, football colors, or an everyday floral style. You will learn a reliable sequence, the differences between fastening methods, and when to stop adding accents.
Quick Answer: Finish the main wreath shape and position your sign and bow first. Shape and test a few picks, sliding their stems between the decorations so the branches extend naturally. Secure each stem to the underlying wreath frame or a suitable structural base with floral wire, chenille stems, or compatible zip ties. Fluff the mesh and ribbon around the stems, then inspect the wreath from a distance.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between Wreath Picks and Sprays?
A wreath pick is usually a decorative accent on a relatively compact stem. A spray commonly has longer branches, which can extend farther from the base and create more height or movement. Retailers may use these terms interchangeably, so look at the actual dimensions and shape of each product rather than relying only on its name.
Picks and sprays can feature flowers, greenery, berries, glitter accents, ornaments, stars, footballs, or other sports motifs. Some are wired and easy to bend; others have stiff stems that need a more careful mounting method.
Explore picks and sprays for wreath making to see how a few different shapes can complement the same wreath.
What Supplies Do You Need?
- Decorative picks and sprays: Choose colors and textures that relate to your wreath.
- Existing wreath: Deco mesh, grapevine, wire frame, or another sturdy base.
- Fasteners: Floral wire, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), or appropriately sized zip ties.
- Tools: Wire cutters and, if needed, needle-nose pliers or heavy-duty cutters suitable for the stem.
- Optional: A few coordinating wired ribbons or ornaments to help repeat your colors.
Do you have to buy special picks? No. Small decorative stems or compatible floral accents can work. What matters is whether they can be secured to the wreath safely and are suitable for the environment where the wreath will hang.
How to Add Picks and Sprays to a Wreath: Step by Step
Use these five steps for most lightweight accents. For large, heavy or unusually rigid embellishments, evaluate the attachment method before mounting them.
Step 1: Finish the Main Wreath Before Adding Picks
Build your base and position the largest elements first: mesh, ribbon clusters, sign, bow, and any large attachments. Once they are in place, you can see where the wreath would benefit from extra height, texture, or an additional touch of color.
A wreath with a prominent sign may need only a few small sprays; an open grapevine wreath might accommodate one larger floral cluster instead. For the full construction process, see how to make a deco mesh wreath for beginners.
Step 2: Gently Shape the Branches
If the pick has bendable wired branches, open them gradually so individual ornaments, berries, or leaves are visible. Curve a branch outward or slightly upward instead of leaving every branch flat. Do not force a rigid or fragile stem: some branches can crack or shed their decorations when bent too far.
Step 3: Test the Placement Without Fastening
Hold the pick where you think it should go. The decorative part should appear to grow out of the wreath, while the stem disappears behind the mesh, bow, or other accents. Step back and ask whether it improves the shape without covering the sign or your favorite ribbon pattern.
Try different directions. One spray may look best angled up beside the bow; another might extend along the outer edge or curve toward a sign. You can move the stem several times before you settle on the right placement.
Step 4: Secure the Stem to the Wreath Frame
Slide the base of the pick between the mesh bundles or other decoration until the stem reaches the structural wreath frame. Wrap floral wire or a suitable tie around the stem and around the metal frame or another sturdy mounting point, then tighten enough to keep the stem from shifting.
- Locate a secure tie or frame rail beneath the decoration.
- Hold the stem in its final position and ensure the decorative head remains visible.
- Wrap the wire or chenille stem around both the pick stem and the frame.
- Twist or fasten snugly, without crushing the stem or deforming the frame.
- Trim or tuck loose fastener ends safely toward the back, then cover the visible mechanics with nearby ribbon or mesh.
Important: Decorative mesh is not a structural anchor. A heavy spray tied only to mesh can slide out when the wreath is lifted or the door moves. For a grapevine wreath, use a secure combination of the woven vine structure and an appropriate mechanical attachment; do not assume a loose push-in connection will hold outside.
Step 5: Fluff, Balance and Check the Back
Lift the surrounding mesh or ribbon so the decorative branches are visible but the stem is hidden. Hold the wreath upright and inspect it from a few feet away. Then check the back: nothing should stick out sharply, snag the door, or shift when you gently move the wreath.
Where Should You Put Picks on a Wreath?
There is no single correct position. Instead, use the placement to solve a design problem: make a bow feel fuller, draw the eye toward the sign, repeat an accent color, or extend the wreath silhouette.
Near the Bow
A pair of short sprays on either side of a bow can give it a fuller, more finished look. Angle them as though they radiate from the bow, and keep the main loops visible.
Beside a Wreath Sign
Use a compact pick to help frame the sign, not cover it. This is especially useful with a rectangular sign in a deco mesh wreath or a round sign placed off-center on a grapevine frame. Read how to attach a sign to a wreath for secure sign mounting.
Between Ribbon Clusters and Along the Outer Edge
Small picks can bridge open spaces between ribbons. Longer sprays can extend slightly past the outer wreath shape to add movement. Follow the natural curve of the wreath rather than aiming every piece straight outward.
Floral Wire, Chenille Stems, Zip Ties or Hot Glue?
The best attachment depends on the stem, its weight, the wreath base and the intended display location.
- Floral wire: A discreet choice for many lightweight to moderately sized stems. Wrap it through a sturdy base or around a frame rail.
- Chenille stems: An approachable option for beginners, especially where a wreath already has ties. Twist snugly and hide the ends.
- Zip ties: Useful for compatible, larger stems and accessible metal frames. Trim excess with an appropriate cutter and orient the cut edge away from the door.
- Hot glue: Sometimes useful as a supplementary hold for compatible lightweight materials, but not a reliable substitute for mechanical attachment of heavier picks. Check material compatibility and avoid high temperatures that can damage mesh or ribbon.
How Many Picks and Sprays Should You Use?
There is no universal number. A single dramatic spray might be enough on a simple grapevine wreath; a full deco mesh design may use several small accents. The goal is to improve the design, not cover every visible gap.
Start with one or two, hold the wreath upright, and decide whether another piece would improve the color balance or shape. Repeating the same color in different areas can connect the sign, bow and ornaments without making every accent identical.
If all your red or gold accents sit on one side, the wreath may feel unbalanced even when both sides contain the same amount of mesh. Move one pick to the opposite side, or add a smaller coordinating accent to spread that color throughout the design.
Using Picks and Sprays in Sports Wreaths
Sports wreaths are especially good candidates for a few themed picks. A football wreath might have a football ornament and small metallic sprays in the team colors. A baseball wreath could use a baseball pick with coordinating ribbon. Basketball, softball, and other sports can use the same approach.
You do not need team logos on every decoration. A properly sourced team sign can carry the identity of the wreath while generic matching picks, ribbon and ornaments repeat the color palette. That makes it easier to build a coherent design using supplies you actually have.
If you prefer fewer embellishments, consider leaving some of the wreath base visible. A grapevine wreath with a sign, a substantial bow, and a few thoughtfully placed sprays can be just as striking as a full deco mesh design.
Common Mistakes When Adding Picks to a Wreath
- Adding too many at once: Test a few, then stop and evaluate the whole wreath.
- Attaching heavy picks to loose mesh: Secure stems to the frame or another suitable structural base.
- Pointing every branch the same way: Slightly vary the angles for natural movement.
- Covering the sign or bow: The picks should support, not compete with, the focal point.
- Hiding the entire decoration: Leave enough branches visible to justify the accent.
- Leaving sharp stem ends exposed: Trim and tuck wires neatly and check the back before hanging or shipping.
Shop Picks, Sprays and Coordinating Wreath Supplies
Browse our wreath picks and sprays and pair them with coordinating ribbon, wreath signs, and deco mesh. Choose the elements that work together rather than buying extra decorations for the sake of filling space.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to add picks and sprays to a wreath is mostly about placement and restraint. Build your main wreath first, shape each accent, try it in a few locations, and attach the stem securely to the frame. Once the colors feel balanced and the back is neat, you can stop—sometimes the best finishing touch is knowing the wreath is already finished.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wreath Picks and Sprays
How do you attach picks to a wreath?
Slide the pick stem between the decorations until it reaches the wreath frame or a secure part of the base. Wrap the stem and frame with floral wire, a chenille stem, or a compatible fastener. Hide the wire and check the attachment from the back.
Where should picks go on a wreath?
Good places include beside a bow, around a wreath sign, between ribbon clusters, and along the outer edge. Test different angles so the picks add movement without hiding the wreath’s focal point.
How many picks should I use in a wreath?
There is no required number. Start with a few and step back to judge the balance. A small grapevine wreath may need one statement spray, while a full deco mesh design may benefit from several smaller accents.
Can you put picks in a deco mesh wreath?
Yes. Slide the stem through the mesh toward the underlying metal frame, then secure it to the frame or a sturdy existing tie. Fluff the mesh over the attachment point after fastening.
Should wreath picks all match?
No. You can mix different shapes, textures, and lengths as long as they share a common color, finish, or theme. Repeating a key color throughout the wreath helps tie the design together.
When should you add picks to a wreath?
Add most picks after the mesh, main ribbons, bow and sign are in place. This lets you use the picks to fill specific gaps or improve the wreath’s overall shape and color balance.
How do you keep wreath picks from falling out?
Use a mechanical attachment suitable for the stem and wreath base. For heavier picks, fasten to the frame rather than relying on mesh or hot glue alone. Check the stem, wire ends and hanger before displaying or shipping.