From early Halloween displays in July to that first Pumpkin Spice Latte in August, fall seems to arrive earlier every year. But while you might be ready for cozy sweaters and crisp mornings, the weather in Northern Virginia and the D.C. area often clings to warm afternoons well into September.
That “in-between” season can make decorating tricky. Do you lean into bright summer colors or go full-on pumpkin patch? The good news: the wreath on your front door can bridge the seasons perfectly.
At Mayflowers Floral Studio, we love blending late-summer freshness with autumnal texture. With a thoughtful mix of seasonal flowers and foliage, your wreath can evolve gracefully from August into October. Here’s how.
7 Tips for Choosing a Fall Wreath
1. Choose the Right Base
Your wreath’s base sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s both the foundation and the backdrop that allows your focal florals to shine.
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Lush and leafy: Salal or lemon leaf creates a clean, elegant look.
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Textural and rich: A mix of magnolia and eucalyptus offers depth and visual interest.
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Rustic and organic: A grapevine wreath frame, with its twisting vines, brings that quintessential fall charm—especially perfect if you love an asymmetrical, modern style.
Our floral designers in Reston Town Center and McLean can help you choose a base that not only complements your home’s style but also weathers the late-summer heat beautifully.
2. Consider Your Shades of Green
Green may be neutral, but it’s far from boring. The right shades can subtly shift your wreath’s mood from sunny to autumnal.
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Warm greens (Boston fern, Salal): Bright and summery.
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Dark greens (Magnolia, Boxwood): Sophisticated and rich—ideal for fall.
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Silvery greens (Eucalyptus, Dusty Miller): Cool and muted, a perfect bridge into the cooler months.
Choosing the right greens ensures your wreath feels balanced throughout the season.
3. Color-Coded Seasons
Color is your most powerful cue for transitioning décor.
Summer is vibrant and high-energy—think fuchsia, citrus, and coral. As fall unfolds, tones soften into rust, plum, and copper. Start by weaving in muted versions of your summer palette, gradually introducing richer hues as the season deepens.
At Mayflowers, we often design wreaths that evolve naturally—allowing you to refresh your entryway with simple, seasonal swaps.
4. Add Dried Embellishments
Dried textures are the secret to a luxe fall aesthetic.
A few well-placed seed pods, dried grasses, or cinnamon sticks can instantly signal sweater weather. Lotus pods and dried wheat add visual interest and contrast beautifully with fresh blooms.
And yes, you can even raid your spice cabinet—bundles of cinnamon or star anise add both texture and scent for a wreath that engages all the senses.
5. Engage the Senses with Aromatic Elements
Speaking of scent, a well-designed wreath should do more than look good—it should smell amazing.
Blend summer herbs like rosemary and lavender with autumnal notes such as dried orange slices or cloves. As the temperature drops, the balance of aromas shifts naturally, creating a sensory experience every time you walk through your door.
6. Play with Ribbons and Accessories
A ribbon can transform your wreath’s look instantly.
For summer, think bright linen or cotton ribbons in coral or chartreuse. As fall arrives, swap in velvet, burlap, or silk ribbons in rich tones—burnt orange, deep plum, or forest green.
Accessorize seasonally: seashells or lemons in August, mini pumpkins or pheasant feathers by October. It’s a simple way to keep your wreath (and your home) feeling fresh and intentional.
7. Think About Placement and Longevity
Your wreath’s placement affects how long it stays beautiful.
If your front door gets direct sun, choose durable materials like grapevine, faux greenery, or preserved foliage. A shaded entryway allows for more delicate dried or fresh elements.
If you plan to display your wreath through Thanksgiving, choose materials that can withstand temperature swings and humidity—a design detail our florists always consider.
Bringing It All Together
Creating a wreath that transitions seamlessly from summer to fall is about subtle shifts—color, texture, and scent working in harmony.
Start with a strong base, layer in versatile greenery, and embrace dried elements for a touch of autumnal luxury. Whether you’re in Reston, VA; McLean, VA, Northern Virginia; or the greater D.C. area, our designers at Mayflowers Floral Studio are here to help you create something stunning and seasonally smart.
Visit us in-store or browse our website to get inspired. With a little creativity, your wreath can capture the beauty of both seasons—effortlessly.