The Wreath I Didn’t Want to Let Go Of

Every fall I make a handful of wreaths that I’m proud of. And then, every once in a while, I make one I fall in love with — the kind where I keep finding excuses to walk back out to the workshop just to look at it one more time. This year, that wreath is this one.

I knew I wanted something soft this year — not the punchy orange-and-red fall you see everywhere, but something a little more heirloom, a little more “grandmother’s garden in October.” So I started with a base of blush, cream, and antique-gold maple leaves, the kind that look like they’ve been fading gently on the vine for weeks rather than screaming “pumpkin spice.” Layered underneath, sage-green foliage and rusty little fern sprigs give it depth without fighting for attention.

Then came the berries — deep, wine-burgundy clusters tucked in close to the leaves, giving the whole thing a little weight and richness. And finally, the piece that ties it all together: a wide burgundy ribbon, hand-tied into a full, loose bow with long, trailing tails that spill almost to the bottom of the wreath. I let those tails move — no stiff, symmetrical loops here. I wanted it to feel like something you’d find growing wild, not something stamped out of a mold.

I hung this one on the old oak in the yard to photograph it, and honestly, it might be my favorite styling shot I’ve taken all year. Something about the bark, the dappled light, the grass going a little golden in the background — it just felt right for this piece. It’s rustic without being rough, elegant without being fussy. It’s fall the way I actually experience it here at the ranch: warm, a little worn-in, and full of texture.

I loved this design so much that I’m keeping one for my own front door this year — which almost never happens. Usually everything I make goes straight to the shop, but this one earned a spot at my house too.

The good news is I made a few, and there are still a couple left in the shop if you’d like one for your own door:

👉 Autumn Fall Burgundy Foliage Wreath

If you’ve been looking for a fall wreath that leans elegant and antique rather than bright and bold, I think this might be the one. And if you make one yours, I’d love to see it on your door too.

Until next time, Ronnie Kay