Our new house isn’t done, but that doesn’t mean I can do totally impractical things like add wreaths to all the windows.
Once I got them in the windows, I told Ryan that dreams really do come true. Because I’ve always wanted to put wreaths in the windows. And now I’ve done it. Dream big, friends.
I really really really REALLY wanted to be in this house by Christmas. And while we may be in by NEXT Christmas, we’ll be spending another holiday season in the barn.
And, it’s okay. Really it is.
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But decorating the porch and front door helped my impatience. There’s something perfectly festive about a red door, lights and garland.
The porch may not be done, but I know that everything great takes time and patience. Patience isn’t something that comes naturally.
To put the wreaths in the window, I just looped outdoor satin ribbon around the top and tied the two ends into a knot. So when I close the top half of the windows, the knot keeps it from falling out.
It’s been about two weeks and they are holding up beautifully.
The bows, however, are another story. I just put them on for a third time because they were getting destroyed by the wind. I think I found a good technique this time to help them keep their shape. (If they hold up, I’ll share how I made them.)
The lights on the wreaths are battery operated – they stay on for 6 hours between 4 and 10 p.m., and then they turn off until the next evening. It’s a perfect option when you don’t want to run cords. (I bought mine at Home Depot – they are the same wreaths as the trio of wreaths for our holiday project.)
You can see the lights from the street, which is fun! We haven’t put our lights on the barn yet (and maybe won’t this year), but at least the new house (or “big house” as Henry calls it), looks ready for Christmas.
By next year, we’ll be decking all these halls! Until then, I’ll just enjoy the glow of the window wreaths.
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Mindy@FindingSilverlinings says
Wreaths on windows are my fave! I love what you guys have done with your new house 🙂
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
It looks so so wonderful Kim!
Gretchen says
yay! they look great! and, also, I have a question! I bought those same wreaths for my wreath trio, and I CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE THE LIGHTS STAY ON. I’m so sad about it I’m yelling. Like the try me out button works and they come on, but then they go off when I let go. What am I doing wrong? Can you help?
Kim Woodward says
Are these the ones you have – http://www.homedepot.com/p/National-Tree-Company-24-in-North-Valley-Spruce-Artificial-Wreath-with-Battery-Operated-Dual-Color-LED-Lights-NRV7-300D-24WB1/206186359
They have two buttons. One to turn on and one to change the settings. They’ve worked pretty well for me, so I’m not sure ….
xoxo – always helpful
Gretchen says
Oh….hmm…I think they are a little different. Oh well. I’m happy for YOU and your light up wreaths at least :).
Becca sargent says
Too cute! I have always wanted to do this! Okay, behind the scenes question: what’s the best way to store these? Rubbermaid container, wreath container, garbage bag? Love this look in the house!
Kim Woodward says
I prefer the wreath bags – I usually pick them up after the holidays. But I think tubs can work, too, if you get the right size and can store them vertically and fit like 5 per box.
I don’t like using garbage bags because they get beat up in and out of storage. (At least at my house.)
Emily says
The wreaths look beautiful and it is a small cost to extend your patience. That house is going to be amazing!
cassie @ primitive & proper says
i love the wreaths in the windows, and your home looks SO dreamy! i love it!
Emily @ imperfect says
Love the wreaths! I can only imagine how adding these little touches makes it feel like home (even if you can’t live in it). Plus, your windows look fantastic. I’m not doing my window wreaths this year (because I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to drape extension cords everywhere) but I do miss the twinkle it adds – plus the greenery during the day. There’s still time, I guess, for me to change my mind.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Emily! The extension cords would be the death of me! We didn’t put up lights on the barn this year – in part because of extension cords and in part because I don’t want to get on a ladder (or fall again) and in part because Ryan said something about “building a house taking priority.”
Marilyn says
I cannot wait to be in our new house as well I have wreaths that I cannot wait to put on our windows. It’s really the little things. I love the wreaths on your Windows they look great and thanks for the tip on the lights for them I’ll have to pick those up.
Brittaney says
Omg Kim Woodward this house is a dream come true!!! I love love the wreaths on the windows. We got some too but they aren’t the cool battery operated ones!! I’m jealous. I cannot wait to see this little cutie on the inside. I’m so happy for you guys!!!