Ornaments are an easy way to add color, texture, dimension, and personality to a wreath. They can fill small spaces, repeat colors from your ribbon and sign, reinforce a sports or seasonal theme, and add details that make the finished design feel more complete.
Learning how to attach ornaments to a wreath is fairly simple once you know which part of the ornament to secure and where to anchor it. Depending on the ornament and wreath base, you can use floral wire, chenille stems, zip ties, existing wreath ties, or sometimes hot glue.
The most important part is making sure the ornament is attached securely enough for the wreath’s intended use while still looking like a natural part of the design.
Quick Answer: How Do You Attach Ornaments To A Wreath?
To attach ornaments to a wreath, thread floral wire or a chenille stem through the ornament’s hanger or attachment point, position the ornament where you want it, and secure the wire to the wreath frame or another sturdy part of the wreath.
For lightweight ornaments, existing wreath ties may also work. Zip ties can provide extra security for larger ornaments, while hot glue may be appropriate for certain lightweight decorative pieces.
Whenever possible, secure the ornament to the wreath’s structure rather than simply attaching it to ribbon or deco mesh.
Table of Contents
Why Add Ornaments To A Wreath?
Ornaments can do much more than decorate a Christmas tree.
Wreath makers use them as small decorative accents throughout all kinds of designs.
Depending on the ornament, they can:
- Add a pop of color
- Reinforce a sports or team theme
- Fill small gaps
- Add shine or texture
- Create dimension
- Repeat colors throughout the wreath
- Balance a large focal point
- Connect ribbon, signs, and picks
- Add visual interest without another large decoration
Sports-themed ornaments are especially useful because they can reinforce the theme without requiring every element in the wreath to feature a team name or logo.
Browse our Ornaments to find decorative accents for wreath-making projects.
What Do You Need To Attach Ornaments To A Wreath?
You probably already have many of the supplies you need.
Depending on the ornament and wreath, you may use:
- Floral wire
- Paddle wire
- Pipe cleaners or chenille stems
- Zip ties
- Existing wreath ties
- Hot glue
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nose pliers
- Scissors
The best method depends on the size, weight, shape, and construction of the ornament.
You should also consider where the wreath will be displayed.
An ornament attached to an indoor decorative wreath may not need the same level of reinforcement as one attached to a wreath that will hang on a frequently used exterior door.
How To Attach Ornaments To A Wreath: Step By Step
1. Decide Where The Ornament Should Go
Before attaching anything, place the ornament into the wreath and look at the overall design.
Do not immediately secure the first location you try.
Move the ornament around and ask yourself what it adds to each area.
Does it:
- Fill an empty space?
- Repeat an important color?
- Balance something on the opposite side?
- Support the wreath’s theme?
- Draw attention toward the focal point?
- Cover a section of ribbon you want people to see?
An ornament that looks great by itself may not be needed in every location.
Try several placements before choosing one.
2. Find The Ornament’s Strongest Attachment Point
Look carefully at the ornament before adding wire or a tie.
Many ornaments have:
- A hanging loop
- A metal cap
- An eyelet
- A hole
- A string
- An attached hanger
- A stem or pick
Whenever possible, attach your wire or chenille stem through a built-in attachment point.
Do not depend on a weak decorative piece if another stronger attachment point is available.
For example, if an ornament has a secure hanging loop, use the loop rather than wrapping wire around a fragile decorative detail.
3. Add Floral Wire Or A Chenille Stem
Thread a piece of floral wire or a chenille stem through the ornament’s attachment point.
Leave enough length on both ends to reach through the wreath and attach securely to the frame.
If you are using floral wire, twist it around the ornament’s loop or hanger so it cannot easily slip free.
You can prepare several ornaments this way before adding them to the wreath.
This can make the design process much easier because each ornament is ready to position and secure.
4. Position The Ornament In The Wreath
Place the ornament in the location you selected.
Move ribbon, mesh, or other decorations aside enough to reach the wreath structure underneath.
Do not bury the ornament so deeply that you can barely see it.
At the same time, avoid leaving it sitting so far above the surface that it appears disconnected from the rest of the wreath.
A good placement usually allows the ornament to nestle slightly into the surrounding materials while remaining clearly visible.
5. Secure The Ornament To The Wreath
Feed the floral wire, chenille stem, or tie through the wreath materials and secure it around the frame or another sturdy attachment point.
Tighten it enough to prevent movement without crushing the materials around it.
If the ornament can easily rotate, swing, or fall forward, it may need:
- A tighter attachment
- A second attachment point
- Support from nearby materials
- A different mounting position
Larger or oddly shaped ornaments may require more than one point of support.
6. Fluff The Surrounding Materials
After the ornament is secure, reposition the ribbon, deco mesh, or greenery around it.
Use those materials to disguise the wire or attachment point.
The goal is for the ornament to look incorporated into the design, not tied onto the front as an afterthought.
Pull ribbon loops or tails slightly around the ornament if necessary, but do not cover so much of it that the decorative detail disappears.
7. Check The Wreath Upright
This is an important step.
A wreath can look completely different lying flat on a table than it does hanging vertically.
Pick it up or hang it temporarily.
Check that the ornament:
- Does not sag
- Does not rotate
- Does not fall forward
- Is clearly visible
- Does not pull other decorations out of position
- Looks balanced with the rest of the wreath
If anything shifts when you lift the wreath, reinforce the attachment before calling it finished.
What Is The Best Way To Attach Ornaments To A Wreath?
Several methods work well.
The best one depends on the ornament.
Floral Wire
Floral wire is one of the most versatile attachment methods.
It is thin, strong, inexpensive, and easy to hide.
You can thread it through an ornament loop or hanger and twist it around the wreath frame.
Wire is particularly useful when:
- The ornament has a secure hanging loop
- You need an attachment that is easy to conceal
- The ornament needs to sit in a precise position
- You want more control over how tightly it is secured
If excess wire remains after the ornament is attached, trim it and tuck the ends safely toward the back of the wreath.
Pipe Cleaners Or Chenille Stems
Pipe cleaners and chenille stems are especially easy for beginning wreath makers.
They are flexible and simple to twist around both the ornament and wreath frame.
They work well for many lightweight ornaments.
When possible, choose a chenille stem color that coordinates with the wreath. It will be much easier to hide among ribbon, mesh, or other decorations.
Zip Ties
Zip ties can create a very secure attachment.
They can be particularly helpful for:
- Larger ornaments
- Heavier decorations
- Awkward shapes
- Wreaths that will be moved frequently
- Items with a sturdy loop or opening
Once the zip tie is tightened, trim away the excess.
Position the trimmed end toward the back or inside of the wreath so it does not remain visible or create a sharp protruding edge.
Existing Wreath Ties
If you are making a deco mesh wreath with chenille stems or other ties already built into the design, you may be able to secure lightweight ornaments directly into those ties.
This can be especially convenient when the ornament is being added near an existing ribbon or mesh cluster.
Make sure the tie still closes securely around all of the materials.
Do not overload one wreath tie with too many separate elements.
Can You Hot Glue Ornaments To A Wreath?
Sometimes.
Hot glue can work for lightweight decorative ornaments and certain wreath bases, but I would not automatically use it for every ornament.
Before relying on hot glue, consider:
- The weight of the ornament
- The material of the ornament
- The wreath base
- Whether the wreath will be moved often
- Whether it will hang indoors or outdoors
- How much surface area is available for the glue
Smooth ornament surfaces can sometimes provide less area for glue to grip than textured materials.
For heavier ornaments, a mechanical attachment such as wire or a zip tie can provide additional security.
You can also use glue as supplemental support when appropriate rather than depending on it as the only thing holding a heavier decoration in place.
How Do You Attach Ball Ornaments To A Wreath?
Ball ornaments are popular because they are available in so many colors, finishes, and sizes.
If the ornament has a secure cap and hanging loop, thread floral wire through the loop and attach the wire to the wreath frame.
Before doing that, gently check the cap.
If the ornament pulls away from the cap very easily, the cap may not be strong enough to support the ornament once attached to the wreath.
For lightweight decorative balls without traditional ornament caps, look for another built-in loop or secure attachment point.
Another option is to group several small ornaments together before adding them to the wreath.
This can create a more noticeable cluster while requiring fewer individual placement decisions.
How Do You Attach Ornaments To A Deco Mesh Wreath?
When working with a deco mesh wreath, feed your wire or chenille stem through the mesh toward the wreath frame underneath.
Avoid depending on the mesh itself to support a heavier ornament.
Deco mesh is excellent for creating volume and color, but the wreath frame provides the structural support.
Once the ornament is attached:
- Fluff the mesh around it.
- Reposition nearby ribbon loops.
- Make sure the ornament remains visible.
- Hide the wire or tie inside the surrounding materials.
If you are still learning the basics of mesh wreath construction, read How To Make A Deco Mesh Wreath For Beginners.
You can also browse our Deco Mesh for wreath-making projects.
Where Should You Put Ornaments On A Wreath?
There is no one correct arrangement.
However, ornaments work particularly well in several locations.
Near A Wreath Sign
Small ornaments can help visually connect your focal sign to the rest of the wreath.
For example, if your sign contains red, navy, and white, using ornaments in those same colors elsewhere creates repetition.
If you are adding a sign, our guide to How To Attach A Sign To A Wreath explains how to secure it before adding the finishing details.
Around A Bow
A cluster of small ornaments can help extend a bow’s focal area.
Try placing them near the base of the bow or between ribbon tails rather than directly on top of the loops.
Between Ribbon Clusters
Ornaments can fill spaces between ribbon clusters without adding another large decorative element.
They also introduce a different shape and texture, which helps break up repeated ribbon patterns.
Browse our Ribbon if you are coordinating your ornament colors with your ribbon selection.
Around The Wreath
Repeated ornaments can help lead the eye around the entire wreath.
Instead of placing every ornament in one area, try distributing a few coordinating pieces throughout the design.
This is especially effective when you are repeating a team-color combination.
Should Wreath Ornaments Match?
They do not need to be identical.
In fact, combining different ornaments can create a more interesting design.
The important thing is giving them a relationship.
They might share:
- The same color
- Coordinating colors
- A sport
- A team theme
- A finish
- A shape
- A similar style
For example, a football wreath might combine football ornaments with solid-color ornaments that coordinate with the team’s colors.
The football shapes reinforce the theme while the solid colors tie everything together.
How Many Ornaments Should You Put On A Wreath?
There is no required number.
A wreath might need only three ornaments.
Another might look wonderful with six, eight, or more.
Rather than choosing a number first, ask what the ornaments are accomplishing.
Start with a few pieces and step back.
If the wreath feels balanced and complete, you may already have enough.
If you see a noticeable empty spot or a color appears concentrated in only one area, another ornament might help.
Do not add ornaments simply because you still have ornaments left.
The wreath should determine when you are finished.
Should You Use Odd Numbers Of Ornaments?
You may hear decorating advice that says elements should always be grouped in odd numbers.
Groups of three or five can certainly look attractive, but it is not a rule you have to follow throughout the entire wreath.
Symmetrical designs may look better with matching pairs.
Asymmetrical designs may benefit from groups of three.
A wreath with several different focal elements may use ornaments individually.
Rather than worrying about a formula, judge the overall visual balance.
How To Create Ornament Clusters
Small ornaments can make more impact when grouped together.
Try combining:
- Three ornaments in different sizes
- Several shades of the same color
- Two solid ornaments with one sports ornament
- Shiny and matte finishes
- Different shapes in coordinating colors
You can wire the ornaments together first and then attach the cluster to the wreath.
This creates one larger decorative unit instead of requiring you to position every small ornament independently.
Clusters are also useful for filling a larger gap.
Use Different Ornament Sizes For More Dimension
If every ornament is identical in size, the design can sometimes feel repetitive.
Try combining a few sizes.
Larger ornaments can act as stronger accents.
Medium ornaments can repeat color around the wreath.
Small ornaments can fill gaps or finish a cluster.
You do not need three or four different sizes. Even two complementary sizes can make a noticeable difference.
How To Use Ornaments In A Sports Wreath
Ornaments are particularly useful in sports wreaths because they provide another way to reinforce the sport and team colors.
A football wreath might include:
- A team or football sign
- Team-color ribbon
- Football ornaments
- Solid-color ornaments
- Football picks
- Metallic accents
- Coordinating deco mesh
The entire wreath does not need to feature logos or team names.
A recognizable focal sign combined with football shapes and coordinated colors can create a very clear game-day design.
You can browse Team Wreath Supplies to find coordinating products organized by team.
Coordinate Ornaments With Picks And Sprays
Ornaments and picks work particularly well together because they provide different kinds of texture.
Ornaments tend to create compact points of color and shape.
Picks and sprays can create:
- Height
- Movement
- Branching shapes
- Texture
- Longer lines
Using both prevents the wreath from becoming a collection of similarly shaped elements.
If you are not sure how to position your picks, read How To Add Picks And Sprays To A Wreath.
You can also browse Picks & Sprays for coordinating accents.
Repeat Colors Around The Wreath
One of the easiest ways to make a wreath feel coordinated is to repeat the same colors in different materials.
Suppose your design uses navy and orange.
You might have:
- Navy deco mesh
- Navy and orange ribbon
- An orange ornament near the top
- A navy ornament near the bottom
- Navy and orange picks around the sides
- A focal sign containing both colors
The materials are different, but the repeated color palette connects everything.
Ornaments are especially useful for this because they let you add a small, concentrated amount of color exactly where you need it.
Do Not Let Ornaments Hide Your Ribbon
One common problem when adding finishing details is covering the beautiful materials you already used.
If you carefully selected a printed Wired Ribbon, make sure at least some of that pattern remains visible.
When positioning ornaments:
- Move ribbon tails if necessary
- Fluff loops around the ornament
- Rotate the ornament slightly
- Try another location before attaching it
Every decorative element should have enough space to contribute to the finished wreath.
Common Mistakes When Attaching Ornaments To A Wreath
Attaching The Ornament Only To Mesh
Deco mesh is not the strongest structural attachment point.
For better support, reach through the mesh and secure the ornament to the frame or another sturdy part of the wreath.
Assuming The Ornament Cap Is Secure
Before wiring a hanging ornament by its cap, gently check that the cap is firmly attached.
If the ornament easily separates from it, choose another attachment method.
Adding Too Many Ornaments
Ornaments are accents.
If they begin hiding your ribbon, sign, picks, or mesh, the wreath may be getting overcrowded.
Leaving The Wire Visible
After the ornament is secure, use surrounding ribbon, mesh, or greenery to disguise the attachment.
Making Every Ornament The Same Size
Varying size can create more depth and make clusters more interesting.
Putting All The Ornaments In One Area
Unless you are intentionally creating one ornament cluster, repeating a few ornaments around the wreath can create better visual balance.
Not Testing The Wreath Upright
Always lift or hang the wreath before deciding the attachment is finished.
Gravity may reveal movement you could not see while the wreath was lying flat.
How Do You Know When The Ornaments Are Secure?
After attaching your ornaments, gently move the wreath into an upright position.
The ornaments should remain where you placed them.
Check each one for:
- Spinning
- Sagging
- Loose caps
- Visible wire
- Excessive movement
- Contact with fragile neighboring pieces
You do not need every lightweight decoration to be completely rigid, but it should not be able to fall free during normal handling.
If an ornament seems unstable, reinforce it before adding more decorations around it.
Step Back Before Adding Another Ornament
One of the best wreath-making habits has nothing to do with wire, glue, or tools.
Step back.
When you work closely on a wreath, your eye naturally focuses on small gaps and individual materials.
From several feet away, you can see the actual composition.
After adding a few ornaments, hang the wreath and ask:
- Is my focal point still clear?
- Are the colors distributed throughout the wreath?
- Is one area too crowded?
- Is there enough contrast?
- Can I still see my favorite ribbon?
- Does the wreath feel balanced?
- Would another ornament actually improve it?
If the wreath already looks complete, you can stop.
Coordinate Your Ornaments With The Whole Design
Ornaments are most effective when they connect to other elements instead of functioning as separate decorations.
Build your wreath around a coordinated combination of:
- Ornaments for color and decorative accents
- Wreath Signs for a focal point
- Ribbon for pattern and movement
- Deco Mesh for fullness
- Picks & Sprays for height and texture
- Wreath Attachments for additional themed details
Repeating a few colors, shapes, and themes throughout these different materials can make even a very full wreath feel intentional and coordinated.
Add The Finishing Details With Confidence
Ornaments may be small compared with a bow or wreath sign, but they can make a surprisingly large difference in the finished design.
Choose where they will add color, balance, texture, or theme. Use a secure attachment point. Anchor them to a sturdy part of the wreath. Then fluff the surrounding materials so each ornament looks like it belongs there.
You do not need to fill every gap.
A few carefully positioned ornaments can be exactly what a wreath needs to go from almost finished to complete.
Browse our Ornaments or explore all of our Wreath Supplies for your next wreath-making project.
FAQ: Attaching Ornaments To A Wreath
What is the easiest way to attach ornaments to a wreath?
One of the easiest methods is to thread floral wire or a chenille stem through the ornament’s hanging loop or attachment point and secure it to the wreath frame. This gives you control over the ornament’s position and makes the attachment easy to conceal.
Can you hot glue ornaments to a wreath?
Hot glue can work for some lightweight ornaments and wreath materials. For larger or heavier ornaments, wire, chenille stems, or zip ties may provide a more secure attachment. The best method depends on the ornament material, weight, wreath base, and where the wreath will be displayed.
How do you attach ball ornaments to a wreath?
If the ball ornament has a secure hanging cap and loop, thread floral wire through the loop and attach the wire to the wreath frame. Check the cap first to make sure it does not easily pull away from the ornament.
How many ornaments should you put on a wreath?
There is no required number. Start with a few ornaments and evaluate the wreath from several feet away. Add more only when they improve the color, balance, texture, or theme of the design.
Can you attach ornaments to a deco mesh wreath?
Yes. Feed floral wire or a chenille stem through the deco mesh and secure the ornament to the underlying wreath frame or another sturdy attachment point. Fluff the mesh afterward to conceal the wire.
Should wreath ornaments all match?
No. Different ornaments can work beautifully together when they share a common color palette, sport, theme, shape, or style. Mixing sizes and finishes can also create more visual interest.
How do you keep ornaments from falling off a wreath?
Use a strong attachment point on the ornament and secure it to a sturdy part of the wreath. Check hanging caps and loops before attaching them, and reinforce larger or heavier ornaments when necessary. Always test the finished wreath upright before displaying it.
Shop Ornaments And Coordinating Wreath Supplies
Add color, texture, dimension, and themed details to your next design with Ornaments.
Coordinate them with Wreath Signs, Ribbon, Deco Mesh, Picks & Sprays, and Wreath Attachments.
Or browse all Wreath Supplies for supplies to complete your next project.