Maybe it was the crisp autumn air or the sudden surge of pumpkin everything on Pinterest, but a few days ago I woke up determined to make a fall wreath. Some people crave chocolate—me, I crave crafts. Okay, sometimes chocolate too. Either way, a simple, budget-friendly DIY project sounded like the perfect pick-me-up.
Several readers have asked for more quick craft projects like these, and with weeks spent painting, stripping wallpaper, and renovating, the small, homemade updates had taken a back seat. We missed those small projects, so I decided to start with a cheap, easy autumn wreath. Even if the entryway is still mid-renovation, the door doesn’t have to shout “we’re remodeling” — it can quietly welcome guests with seasonal charm.
This wreath required about half an hour and cost under $15. Everything I used was faux, so the wreath will work year after year. I aimed for a project that’s doable during naptime or late at night while watching a TV show—quick, satisfying, and low-stress.
What I bought: a 25″ wreath for $6.99, a plastic pot of faux orange flowers for $4.99, and a stem of orange berries for $2.99, all from Garden Ridge. Their faux flower selection was extensive and the prices felt competitive compared with other craft stores.
First, I removed the flowers and clipped the berry stems so each piece could be tucked into the wreath base. I also took off the green leaves, which made the arrangement look less tropical and more autumn-appropriate. Removing excess foliage helps the colors and textures read seasonal rather than summery.
I started by pushing the larger flower stems into the wreath to anchor them, then pulled the flower bunches apart to create smaller clusters. What began as eight larger bunches became enough smaller sprays to space evenly around the wreath. This simple step makes a big difference in how full and balanced the finished wreath looks.
There’s always a bit of fine-tuning when arranging a wreath. I shifted berries and flower clusters for about ten minutes until the spacing felt natural and abundant. I liked when some berries spilled over the outer edge of the wreath for that classic autumn, harvest-style look.
On a cheerful blue door, the bright orange wreath feels lively and welcoming; the berries add a distinctly fall touch. To hang it, I used a 3M wire Command hook that sticks to the door and removes cleanly later—perfect for renters or anyone who wants a no-drill option.
Our porch annuals didn’t survive a recent cold snap, so I replaced them with two potted mums from Home Depot to brighten the stoop. We’re still looking for a new light fixture and a wider doormat, but the wreath and mums already make the porch feel more welcoming and seasonal.
Ignore the two-foot tall weeds hiding behind the bushes in the photos—we’ll tidy those up later. For now, the colorful wreath and potted mums give the entryway a quick seasonal facelift.
Small DIY projects like this are a great way to add instant curb appeal without a big budget or a lot of time. If you’re working on fall decorating, consider using faux flowers and berries for longevity, pull larger bunches into smaller sprays for better coverage, and layer elements to create depth. What little crafts are you working on this season? I’d love to hear about other quick wreath ideas or simple front-door updates that make a home feel ready for autumn.