How to Fluff Artificial Wreaths & Garlands

Picture this: you’ve put up the Christmas tree, adorned it with glittering baubles, and strung fairy lights to illuminate every nook and cranny. You’re ready to put the finishing touches to your Christmas decor with full, lush greenery, but when you take your wreath and garland out of storage, they just look a bit… flat.

Thankfully, there’s an easy fix: branch fluffing! In just a few simple steps, you can make your foliage look like it’s been plucked from a festive forest again. And that’s exactly what this guide explores. 

Here, we dive into the what and why of fluffing, offer step-by-step wreath and garland fluffing instructions, and share our top tips for fluffy foliage. 

Keep reading to discover: 

What is branch fluffing, and why should you do it?

Branch fluffing is the process of spreading out the branches and needles on your artificial greenery to create a fuller, more natural look. When wreaths, garlands, and trees come out of storage or arrive in boxes, they often look flat and compacted, with branches all clumped together. Fluffing each branch helps restore that lively, 3D look.

The benefits of fluffing your foliage are as follows:

  • It fills out empty spaces, making your greenery look lusher and more lifelike
  • It makes your overall decor look more professional and eye-catching
  • It gives you more surface area to work with, meaning more space to add baubles, ribbons, or other decorations
  • It can extend the lifespan of your decorations, making sure they look their best for years to come

Whether you’re renewing a wreath, garland, or tree, branch fluffing is the secret to transforming flat foliage into a festive favourite! See our tree branch fluffing guide for tips on sprucing up your centrepiece. 

How to fluff artificial wreaths: Step-by-step

Fluffing an artificial wreath only takes a few minutes, and the results are well worth the effort! Here’s how to fluff a wreath:

1 - Prepare your wreath

Lay your wreath on a table or flat surface where you can see it clearly, with the frame side facing downward. If the wreath comes folded, unfold it and lock it in place.

2 - Separate each stem

Firstly, identify your layers. If your wreath has a double-wired frame (common in fuller wreaths), start fluffing the bottom layer first, then work your way up to the top.

Most artificial wreaths have a central wire in each stem, making it easy to bend and shape. Lift each stem upwards and away from the base to separate it. 

3 - Shape the branches

When shaping your branches, start from the centre and work outwards. Pointing central branches inwards and angling outer branches outwards will create a full, natural appearance. 

Point branches in the middle of the wreath in different directions to create a randomised 3D look. Avoid aligning too many branches in the same direction, as this can look too uniform.

4 - Step back and check

Once you’ve finished, hang the wreath and step back and check for gaps or visible parts of the frame poking through. If you see any bare spots, gently adjust the nearest branches to cover these areas.

Add small decorative fillers, such as pinecones, ribbons, and fairy lights, to fill in gaps and hide any peeking framework. 

After fluffing, your wreath should look lively and full, ready to bring festive cheer to any door or wall!

How to fluff artificial garlands: Step-by-step

1 - Prepare your garland

For thick garlands like our 6ft Ultra Mixed Pine Garland, lay it on a flat surface and smooth out any bends in the spine. Keep the spine facing downward for easy access to each branch. 

For thinner garlands like our 9ft Matterhorn Pine Garland, consider hanging it first, as the malleable spine is easier to fluff when positioned.

2 - Begin fluffing from one end

Work methodically from one end to the other to gently lift and separate each branch. This helps ensure that every branch is fluffed and sections aren’t missed.

Lift and separate each branch, gently pulling them away from the spine and creating space between them. For thick garlands, focus on lifting and spreading branches in different directions for a fuller, 3D look.

3 - Fluff with placement in mind

If the garland will be displayed against a wall, mantel, or other flat surfaces, keep the branches on the backside flat. This helps the garland sit against the surface while allowing the front branches to stand out and look fuller.

If your garland will hang on a bannister or sit as a table centrepiece where all sides are visible, fluff branches in all directions for a decoration that looks perfect from every angle. 

4 - Place and check your garland

Once you’ve finished fluffing the entire length, place your garland where it will hang and adjust it to cover any gaps where the spine might be visible. Add small decorative items (like extra greenery or decorations) to cover exposed areas and create a uniform look. 

Top tips for fluffy foliage

  • Maintain symmetry: Step back periodically to check that both ends of the garland or all sections of the wreath look evenly fluffed. Symmetry will enhance visual appeal and make your decoration look lush and balanced.
  • Double up on garlands: If, even after fluffing, your garland looks less luscious than you’d like, wrap another garland around it to create the illusion of one ultra-fluffy decoration. 
  • Secure branches if necessary: Some stems can lose their shape over time. Floral wire can help to secure stubborn branches that won’t stick in place.
  • Dust with faux snow: Faux snow can add depth and interest to your wreath or garland, making it look fluffier. Spray or sprinkle a dusting of snow for a full and frosty aesthetic. 

Shop wreaths, garlands, and more at Christmas Tree World

Ready to fluff up your festive decor? At Christmas Tree World, we have a stunning selection of lush wreaths and garlands, as well as all the Christmas trimmings you need to make your home merry and bright. 

Whether you’re looking for outdoor Christmas wreaths, pre-lit Christmas wreaths or pre-decorated garlands, you’ll find it all on our website. From traditional Christmas garlands like our Decorated Mixed Pine Garland to our Snowy Alpine Wreath and bauble wreaths, we’ve got it all.

And the magic doesn’t stop there. Our unbeatable collection of artificial Christmas trees promises the perfect centrepiece for every home, and no winter wonderland would be complete without the decorations and Christmas lights!

Shop with Christmas Tree World today and get ready to add an extra special sparkle to your personal grotto!