Swap Your Traditional Wreath For An Impressive DIY That Adds Rustic Charm

Many homeowners have traded traditional door wreaths for something unique. One example is the trend of using vintage plates and fine china to make wreaths. It's a fun way to show off beautiful dish patterns or upcycle chipped or broken pieces. However, there's a problem with using actual dishes. They are breakable, and many are too fragile to hang outside in the elements.

There are many ways to decorate your front door for fall, including making a new wreath. If you want to try your hand at a plate wreath, this DIY using durable plastic plates and paper decor offers a great alternative to using traditional plates. Plastic plates won't break in a heavy wind or from a slammed door, and you can replace paper decor if it gets damaged. Plus, it's so inexpensive and easy to make, you can create one for every holiday or season. Feeling spooky? Grab some orange pumpkin napkins and a purple bow. Time for spring? Yellow ribbon and Easter-themed napkins work perfectly. And of course, you can use Christmas wrapping paper for a colorful holiday wreath that matches the presents under the tree. 

For this project, you'll need plastic or paper plates, napkins or paper to cover the plates, craft glue, scissors, a wreath base, green foliage, and ribbon. This is a fun project for beginners. If one plate doesn't turn out the way you want, grab another and try again. Paper plates are so inexpensive you won't feel bad if you need to redo one or two. 

The number of plates and paper used will depend on the size of your wreath. Dessert or saucer-sized plates can be used for smaller wreaths, while full-size plates can be used on a larger base. Use the design rule of 3-5-7 to choose the number of plates to circle the wreath with room for a bow. An odd number of decorations looks more natural than an even number and makes the bow the focal point of the wreath.

Next, choose the paper to cover the plates. The theme of your wreath can be a rustic, farmhouse pastoral color scheme, or simply a favorite fabric, wrapping paper, or other paper that you've been saving. You can even use patterned paper napkins to cover the plates. Use a thin layer of paper with Mod Podge or another craft glue applied to the plate to affix the paper. An even application of glue makes it easier to smooth out the paper for an even finish. TikTok user julieswreathboutique used disposable paper napkins to make her wreath. She separates the layers of each decorative napkin, overlapping them to cover each plate. Cover the plate evenly with glue and paper, and secure the ends of the paper around the sides of the plate. Cut any excess paper off or tuck it behind the plate and glue it down. 

The wreath itself can be repurposed or built out with a wreath wire frame or grapevine wreath with green foliage or flowers. Because you're working with disposable plates rather than fine china, the plates can be glued or pinned directly to the wreath. You can tape or glue a string or piece of thin wire to the back of each plate and use it to affix it to the wreath. Space the plates evenly, then secure them to the wreath base. Add greenery between them, then fluff it up to conceal the spaces between the plates.

A bow at the top, bottom, or asymmetrically on the side tops off your DIY design. You can buy a bow or learn how to tie the perfect wire ribbon bow to make this craft truly one of a kind. Your bow can match the main color of the plates or pick up on an accent color. Hang your wreath and enjoy — you don't have to worry about it breaking every time someone closes the door.