How to Make Grave Blankets & Wreaths

Overview

Grave blankets and wreaths are used to honor loved ones who have passed away. Many families place them graveside as Thanksgiving signals the beginning of the holiday season---and leave them in place until signs of spring appear. In the Midwest and Northeast, grave blankets and wreaths are about the only ways to decorate a gravesite when winter weather prohibits fresh floral arrangements.

Grave Blankets

Step 1

Put on lightweight leather garden gloves to protect your hands. Cut chicken wire 1 foot smaller in length and width than the finished size you want for the grave blanket. A 2-by-4 foot piece of chicken wire will form the foundation for a 3-by-5 foot grave blanket.

Step 2

Weave evergreen branches through the chicken wire, starting in the center and securing with floral wire as you work. As you near the edges, be sure branches face the edges to form an attractive border all around. Examine closely for any bare spots and fill in with additional branches.

Step 3

Affix a large bow made with outdoor ribbon and ornaments to the grave blanket with floral wire or a hot glue gun. Pine cones and clusters of holly berries make natural ornaments.

Step 4

Cut six to eight stakes out of wire coat hangers. Use them to anchor the grave blanket when you are ready to install it.

Grave Weaths

Step 1

Bend two wire coat hangers into circular shapes.

Step 2

Place wire coat hanger together and cover them with floral tape.

Step 3

Take two to three pieces of evergreens and attach them to the wreath frame by wrapping stems with floral wire.

Step 4

Continue adding two to three pieces of evergreen at a time, securing with floral wire until the circle is complete.

Step 5

Affix a bow fashioned from outdoor ribbon and ornaments, using floral wire or a hot glue gun.