How to Make a Rectangular Rustic Fall Wreath

This simple and sophisticated wreath brings a natural element to holiday decor. Its versatility allows you to hang it on a door or use it flat on a table as a centerpiece.
Rectangular fall wreath over side table

Make a Rectangular Rustic Wreath

Add an earthy touch indoors or out with this twist on a traditional round fall wreath. Dried mushrooms, moss, seed pods and grasses form the base while russet fresh or faux pears add a pop of fall color. Learn how to make your own.

Materials Needed:

  • rectangular-shaped floral foam
  • ruler
  • marker
  • serrated knife
  • one bag light reindeer moss
  • one bag mixed moss
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • dried mushrooms and flowers
  • fresh or artificial pears, apples or gourds
  • pinecones and/or seed pods
  • florist wire
  • florist spikes
  • hemp twine
  • wire cutters
  • scissors

Measure and Cut Foam

Use ruler to measure foam to desired size and mark with permanent marker (Image 1). This wreath measures 18 inches by 12 inches with each side measuring 3 inches wide. Use large serrated knife to cut floral foam on marked lines (Image 2). Tip: This is a messy process that is best done outside.

Insert Dried Mushrooms

Use wire cutters to clip dried mushroom wire stems to approximately three inches long (Image 1). Insert stems into floral foam to secure into place (Image 2). Tip: If dried mushrooms aren't available, any large, flat dried floral can be used.

Add Dried Flowers

Trim dried flowers to desired length (approximately 5 to 7 inches is ideal) and bundle by wrapping stems with 15-inch length of florist wire (Image 1). Tuck flower in desired location, wrap florist wire around wreath form and twist ends together to secure in place (Image 2). Some flowers may have strong enough stems to stick directly into foam. Tuck flowers all around mushrooms until wreath looks full. Foam on sides and under flowers will be visible at this point (Image 3). Tip: Use three varieties of dried flowers, all in the same color family, to provide texture and prevent the wreath from looking too busy.

Glue Moss

Apply hot glue with glue gun to sections of bare foam and immediately place bunches of moss onto still-hot glue. Repeat this process anywhere foam or wire is visible. Mix reindeer moss with other varieties for added texture and visual interest.

Gluing moss to a wreath

Glue Moss

Apply hot glue with glue gun to sections of bare foam and immediately place bunches of moss onto still-hot glue. Repeat this process anywhere foam or wire is visible. Mix reindeer moss with other varieties for added texture and visual interest.

Insert Fruit

Push floral skewer into fruit and insert into wreath where desired (Images 1 and 2). It is best to use very firm fruit and replace as they ripen. Work in odd numbers when incorporating large elements into wreath. Tip: Since fresh fruit will make the wreath heavy, it is best to use this wreath in a stationary place. For use on a front door, use artificial fruit.

Add Finishing Touches

Once main elements of wreath are affixed, use hot glue to fill in sparse areas with clumps of moss, small pinecones or seed pods (Images 1-3).

Tie On Twine

Cut a length of twine approximately 20 inches long. Thread twine underneath large elements of wreath and knot where both halves meet. Make sure twine is centered, so wreath will hang straight. Use twine to hang wreath. Tip: Using neutral colors and natural elements makes this wreath versatile. Add oranges, pomegranate and silver bells during winter; eggs, small artificial birds and pastel ribbon in spring; and use seashells in summer.

Threading a support twine under a fall wreath

Tie On Twine

Cut a length of twine approximately 20 inches long. Thread twine underneath large elements of wreath and knot where both halves meet. Make sure twine is centered, so wreath will hang straight. Use twine to hang wreath. Tip: Using neutral colors and natural elements makes this wreath versatile. Add oranges, pomegranate and silver bells during winter; eggs, small artificial birds and pastel ribbon in spring; and use seashells in summer.

Next Up

49 Printable (and Free!) Thanksgiving Templates

Download and print our free Thanksgiving invitations, place cards, kids' crafts, banners, menu cards, decor, games and more.

How to Make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Wreaths don't have to be full and fluffy to be beautiful. Try making this simple, modern take on the traditional holiday wreath with preserved or freshly cut magnolia leaves.

Fresh Fall Decorating: Make a Ribbon Rose Wreath

Craft a cheery touch of fall for your front door with a moss-covered wreath form and autumnal ribbon roses. 

How to Create a Fall Leaf Lampshade

Give an ordinary lampshade autumnal appeal by stenciling it with fall leaves. This project is an easy and inexpensive way to give a subtle nod to the changing seasons.

Jute-Covered Monogram Wreath

Personalize your door for fall with this gorgeous DIY craft-store wreath.

Make a Mini Pumpkin Wreath for Fall

Instead of making a wreath with bulky plastic gourds, try using putka pods, which are natural dried seed pods that look exactly like tiny pumpkins. This wreath makes an elegant fall statement that can be displayed year after year.

Make an Autumnal Apple Topiary Centerpiece

Put fall's bounty on display by making a topiary out of fresh pears or apples as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or buffet.

Easy-to-Craft Fall Leaf Centerpiece

Looking for an inexpensive, seasonal centerpiece that will last through the fall? All you need is some patterned scrapbook paper, twine, glitter spray and a few branches from your backyard.

Thanksgiving Place Card and Party Favor

How about a little pheasant to go with your turkey this Thanksgiving? These cute fellas are easy to make and act as both a place card and party favor your guests can take with them.

How-to: DIY Painted Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Turn magnolia leaves into cool door decor with this project from HGTV Magazine.

More from:

Thanksgiving Ideas

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.