How to Make a Santa Candy Cane Wreath Using an Evergreen Base

By Lori Jacobs | November 4, 2025 |

Introduction

If you love classic red-and-white Christmas décor, this Santa Candy Cane Wreath will be your new favorite holiday project. Using an evergreen base, festive deco mesh, and bright candy-striped ribbons, this wreath gives you a full, merry design that looks professionally made, but it’s easy enough for anyone to create at home. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through each step and share insider tips on how to get that “designer” fullness and shape that perfectly frames a Santa centerpiece.

Supply List

You’ll need the following materials:

24-inch Evergreen Wreath Base
Red and White Deco Mesh (10” wide) — cut into 20-inch strips
Santa Centerpiece or Plush Santa Decoration (Theresa’s Wreath Addiction RN Santa or similar)
Red and White Ribbon Rolls (wired, 2.5-inch or 1.5-inch width preferred) — cut into 13-inch ribbon tails
Pipe Cleaners or Chenille Stems (red or green)
Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Ruler or Measuring Mat
Zip Ties (optional) for securing Santa
Small Ornaments or Snowflake Embellishments (optional for accents)
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by spreading out the evergreen branches of your 24-inch wreath base. You don’t have to spend too much time fluffing it perfectly since it will be mostly covered with mesh. The goal is to make sure the branches aren’t lying flat so they can hold your mesh securely.

💡 Pro Tip: Evergreen bases are wonderful to stock up on after Christmas: they’re affordable and work for wreaths year-round.

Step 2: Cut and Shape Your Mesh

Cut your red and white deco mesh into 20-inch strips. To help fit your Santa centerpiece, shape your wreath base into an oval (similar to a racetrack). This helps frame longer decorations, such as Santa figures, giving them a better proportion within the wreath.

Take each piece of mesh and create “messy ruffles.” To do this:

Lay the mesh flat on your work surface.
Pinch and gather it through the center with your fingers until it’s bunched up.
Tuck in any frayed edges underneath to keep the ends neat.

Attach the gathered center of each mesh piece to the wreath using the evergreen branches or pipe cleaners. Continue this process around the outer ring, spacing the ruffles evenly.

Step 3: Layer the Mesh

After finishing one row, fill in between and slightly below the first row with additional mesh ruffles. This gives you a fuller, more balanced look and ensures no evergreen shows through.

Work your way around until the wreath feels lush and complete. You should have a rich mix of red and white that frames your Santa centerpiece beautifully.

Step 4: Add Ribbon Tails

Now it’s time to add your ribbon layers for color and texture.

Cut both your red and candy-striped ribbons into 13-inch strips.
Dovetail the ends by folding each ribbon in half lengthwise and cutting diagonally toward the fold.
Layer one red ribbon and one candy-striped ribbon together.
Pinch the center to form a “V” shape and attach it into the wreath ties, spacing them evenly around the mesh.

Work around the entire wreath, alternating directions so the ribbons fan out and create a circular burst.

💡 Design Tip: The red and white combination gives your wreath a Candy Cane Christmas vibe; simple, bright, and cheerful!

Step 5: Attach the Santa Centerpiece

Your Santa decoration is the focal point of the wreath. Position him slightly off-center or directly in the middle, depending on your preference.

To secure Santa:

Flip the wreath over to access the back.
Use pipe cleaners or zip ties to attach Santa’s built-in ties or loops to the evergreen frame.
Make sure the figure is snug and won’t tilt forward.

Check from the front to ensure he’s positioned upright, and adjust as needed.

Step 6: Add the Second Ribbon Layer

For extra depth, add a second layer of ribbon tails. Cut and attach additional pieces in between the first layer, allowing them to extend outward slightly. This gives your wreath that designer “double-ring” look with layered dimension.

You can also add small embellishments, such as Hobby Lobby snowflakes, candy ornaments, or mini red balls, by gluing them near the ribbon ends. These details make your design sparkle and feel complete.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once your Santa is secured and all ribbons are fluffed, take a step back and look at the wreath from every angle. Adjust ribbons or mesh if anything looks uneven.

If you’d like to hang it outdoors, consider adding a weather sealant spray for extra protection.

Your final wreath should look full, balanced, and bursting with festive cheer, perfect for doors, mantels, or even over a fireplace.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Candy Cane Wreath is a joyful addition to any holiday décor. By combining red-and-white mesh, coordinating ribbon tails, and a charming Santa centerpiece, you get a professional look without the complexity.

Evergreen bases are an underrated gem for wreath makers; they’re sturdy, reusable, and make it easy to build depth with mesh and ribbon. Whether you hang it on your front door or gift it to a loved one, this handmade wreath spreads holiday cheer in true Hard Working Mom style!