How to Fluff Artificial Wreaths & Garlands
Many of us opt for artificial Christmas trees, artificial wreaths, and artificial garlands in today's busy world rather than taking the time to purchase the real thing. However, there are many benefits to buying artificial ones including ease of use, fire retardancy, and the ability to reuse instead of buying a new one each year. Outdoor wreaths, and garlands are convenient and can look just as good as the real thing with a bit of love and care through the festive season.
One thing to remember is that artificial decorations usually come compressed in a box and wrapped in paper or bubble wrap to protect them during the shipping process. This compression can make the wreath look much smaller than it really is or, if the wreath was folded, you'll need to put in a bit of work to create the fullness and shape you’re looking for.
This isn’t a problem though! You can easily make your decorations rival that of your local garden centre’s Christmas display through fluffing. Fluffing will give your wreaths and garlands a more realistic and vibrant appearance.
Even if you opt for wreaths and garlands that are artificial, there are several varieties to choose from based on actual tree types, such as mixed pine wreath or fir wreath. Varying degrees of fluffing will be needed, depending on the type of wreath or garland that you choose. Below we have outlined everything you need to know about how to fluff an artificial garland or wreath. If you’re looking for more information to complete your entire festive décor, check out these tips on branch fluffing for Christmas trees as well.
What are Artificial Wreaths and Garlands Made From?
Artificial wreaths and garlands are made from two materials. The first is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and the second, PE (Polyethylene).
PVC branches are made by cutting the tree needles directly from a sheet of PVC material whereas PE branches are made through injection moulding, using models made from the branches of real trees. This technique creates 3D branches that are more realistic, but whichever material you choose, a good fluffing will create a wreath that’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
How to Fluff Artificial Wreaths - A Step by Step Guide
- Once you unpack your wreath, start by laying it out on a flat surface with the frame side facing downward. If the wreath comes folded, you will need to unfold it first and lock it to keep it in place.
- Each stem will have a wire in the centre, making it easy to point the stem in whichever direction you want. First, separate each of these by lifting it upwards. If your wreath contains a double wired frame, start with the bottom layer and work your way up to the top layer.
- To create a natural-looking formation, take the branches on the outer edge of the wreath and point them outwards. For the branches that are on the inner rim, point them inwards.
- The remaining branches in the middle can be pointed in different directions as needed. Work your way around the wreath counterclockwise, until it has been completely fluffed, and make sure you fill in any gaps if the wreath's frame is exposed.
If you chose a pre-lit wreath or a pre-decorated one, this doesn't have to be an obstacle. Lights are attached to individual branches, so they should not interfere with the fluffing process. Since the branches are bendable, you can always manoeuvre them around the lights or decorations if needed.
Other decorations, such as pine cones, berries, and baubles, have bendable wires attached, so it is easy to remove them and rearrange them into the pattern you prefer.
Once you fluff your wreath, stand back and look at it to make sure that there are no gaps, exposed frames, or rogue stems that keep the wreath from looking aesthetically pleasing. Also, check to make sure the decorations are not too sparse or make the wreath look cluttered.
How to Fluff Artificial Garlands
Artificial garlands come in a variety of shapes and are perfect for adorning doorways, fireplaces, staircases and much more! Garlands come in many shapes, such as strips, swags, hanging baskets, and potted foliage. As for how to fluff artificial garlands, the process is similar to that of fluffing artificial wreaths.
For thick garlands, such as our 6ft Ultra Mixed Pine Garland, start by flattening the strip to make sure there are no bends in it and make sure the spine is facing downward before you begin to fluff.
Begin at one end and work your way towards the other, lifting and separating the branches as you go along.
If the garland will be hanging against a flat surface, it’s best to leave the branches on the backside flat for better placement. You can add any finishing touches once the garland is in the place where it will be displayed.
For thin garlands, such as our Pre-lit Connectable 270cm Majestic Dew Pine Garland, the spine is more malleable, so you may want to hang the garland before fluffing.
If both sides of the garland will be seen, make sure to point the branches in all directions, to create a full effect. If you have a pre-lit garland or a pre-decorated one, work your way from end to end to make sure that no Christmas tree decorations are hidden between the branches.
More Christmas Decorations to set a Festive Scene
If you’re looking to create a truly magical festive scene without the need for a real tree, check out our entire artificial Christmas tree range, we are sure you will find something that meets your needs! Don’t be shy about decorating the rest of your house either. Our wide collection of Christmas lights, Christmas tree skirts, baubles and other Christmas tree accessories will be sure to make your house the talking point of your street.
