Looking for a simple way to make your wreath cuter? Transform your Christmas wreath with a plaid scarf and this simple wreath hack.
// red and black buffalo check scarf //
Are you sitting down?
I have the best five-minute Christmas wreath hack.
The other day I unpacked my Christmas boxes and discovered a treasure trove of unused scarves left over from a party from last year.
I thought about using them for our annual caroling party.
I thought about monogramming them and giving them as gifts.
I thought about saving them in case the local snowmen need a new accessory for their outfits.
And then?
I came up with this idea that—at the risk of stating the obvious–is TOTALLY BRILLIANT.
It’s easy and simple and I am literally wondering why I’ve never thought of this before.
Then five minutes later?
My scarf looks like this.
// red and black buffalo check scarf //
I tied it into a bow and hung it on a wreath.
I know, right.
SO SIMPLE.
And so inexpensive. Have you priced wide ribbon before? It is super pricy and finding anything wider than 6″ wide is so cost-prohibitive that you wouldn’t have any money left over for peppermint hot chocolate.
But why use a ribbon?
When a scarf is such a better choice and holds its shape so much better than a ribbon.
Here’s how I made this bow.
Simple 5-Minute Wreath Hack
Step 1: Start with the middle
For this project, you want to make sure to choose a lightweight scarf—not a heavy scarf. If you use a heavier scarf, it’s so much harder to tie the bow.
You can see almost the identical scarf I used here.
Fold the scarf in half.
You want to find the middle so when you tie the bow the scarf ends are slightly off-center.
Take the middle of the scarf to start to tie to the bow.
// red and black buffalo check scarf //
2. Loop and tie
Create a large loop on one side. Then tie the rest of the bow like how you tie the bow on your shoes.
Just a simple, regular bow.
Adjust the sides of the bow until they are even. If you start tying the bow in the middle, the ends of the scarf with hang perfectly. Once you have the sides of the bow even, then tighten the center to make sure the bow holds its shape.
3. Fluff and pull the sides of the bow
Take each of the sides of the scarf bow and pull them apart.
The amazing thing about using a scarf in place of a ribbon is that it holds its shape perfectly.
The sides of the bow of the scarf stay open and fluffy after you adjust them on the wreath.
// red and black buffalo check scarf //
4. Attach the bow to the wreath
To attach the bow to the wreath, I wound one of the leaves of the wreath through the center of the bow.
Then I tucked the bow into the wreath.
The fringed edges of the scarf make the perfect ends of the bow.
And now?
// red and black buffalo check scarf //
The wreath on my door looks like this.
But wait.
There’s more.
Remember when I said I had a stack of scarves? Why stop at one bow when you can create so many more bow projects for Christmas?
Here are some other ideas for your scarf bows:
- hang on the ends of the garland on the mantel
- attach to the corners of a hutch
- wire the bow to a large basket
- add to the front of urns on the porch
- add to ends of a doorway garland
Isn’t it wonderful to live in a world where a scarf can transform itself in minutes?
Happy early Christmas. 🙂
// shop the scarves here //
I put togehter some other options for scarves if you are using different colors on your front porch.
You can see them all here.
You can see almost the identical scarf I used here.
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post








Brilliantly creative! That is beautiful!
Very cute! Great idea!
I love this idea! I’m a person who loves scarves, so this project will be so much fun! Thanks, Debbie
Oooh girl! This gives me a great idea for an Easter wreath! Thanks!
You ar right…..this is a brilliant idea!! I have tons of scarves, love them, put them on, and in about 5 minutes I’m sweating like a race horse at the finish line. Now I can enjoy my scarves without getting ridiculously hot. Thanks for being a genius.
Absolutely adorable! It says welcome all who enter here! Its Christmas in this house. It makes me want to grab a cup of cocoa and sit by the fire listening to Christmas music!
Great idea and makes a beautiful bow, thanks.
My deer head statue in the living room gets to wear my scarf for Christmas!
KariAnne - you’re always thinkin’ and we love it. Thank you!!
Genius!! Love it…now to find where mine are stored…
Brilliant AND beautiful!!!! It really doesn’t get better than that!🎄
The frosted wreath with the plaid scarf is so Ralph Lauren! I hope it’s on your front door. Happy Holidays!
KariAnne, you've done it again!! Thank you for sharing. Now I feel the urge to start decorating! :)