Advent wreaths have been around forever, but there’s no rule saying yours has to look exactly like the one from your childhood church. Whether you’re keeping the tradition alive or starting it for the first time, here are some ideas for making your advent wreath feel personal and fit your space.
The Traditional Route (But Make It Yours)
The classic setup is three purple candles, one pink candle, and sometimes a white one for Christmas. Purple represents preparation and penance, pink (lit on the third Sunday) represents joy, and white symbolizes Christ. If this tradition resonates with you, you can still put your own spin on it by choosing different candle styles – pillars, tapers, or even those textured beeswax candles that have been everywhere lately.
Modern Minimalist
Go for four white or cream candles in the same size and style. Clean, simple, and works with any décor. You can mark the third candle with a ribbon or different holder if you want to keep that Gaudete Sunday tradition without the color contrast. This looks especially good with eucalyptus or olive branches instead of traditional evergreens.
Jewel Tone Twist
Deep emerald green, sapphire blue, burgundy, and gold candles create a rich, luxurious look. These colors feel festive and elegant without being specifically tied to traditional liturgical meanings. Great if you’re doing this more as a seasonal countdown than a religious observance.
All White Everything
Four matching white candles create a serene, Scandinavian-inspired look. Simple and timeless. You can add the visual interest through your greenery, berries, or the wreath base itself. This is my go-to when I want something that feels calm and cozy rather than visually busy.
Warm Neutrals
Cream, beige, terracotta, and soft brown candles give earthy, natural vibes. This palette works beautifully with dried elements like pampas grass, wheat, or dried orange slices mixed into your wreath base. Very cottagecore and warm.
Bold and Bright
If your style is more vibrant, try hot pink, orange, red, and yellow. Unexpected but fun, and it definitely makes a statement. Pair with fresh flowers or colorful ornaments in your wreath. This works especially well if you’re celebrating with kids and want something cheerful and exciting.
Ombré Effect
Choose four candles in graduating shades of the same color – like light pink to deep burgundy, or pale blue to navy. It creates a beautiful visual progression that mirrors the building anticipation of the season.
Mixed Metallics
Gold, silver, copper, and bronze metallic candles (or regular candles in metallic holders) add glamour and catch the light beautifully. Pair with a simple evergreen base so the candles really shine.
What About Candle Sizes?
Traditionally, all four candles are the same height, but you can play with this. Some people do progressively taller candles, or use different widths. Taper candles in holders give a formal, elegant feel. Pillar candles feel more substantial and modern. Tea lights in glass holders work if you’re tight on space or want something safer.
Beyond the Candles
Your wreath base matters too. Traditional evergreen branches are classic and smell amazing. But you can also use grapevine wreaths, wire forms wrapped in ribbon, or even a simple tray or wooden board with your candles arranged on it. Add pinecones, berries, ornaments, cinnamon sticks, dried fruit, or whatever fits your aesthetic.
Making It Meaningful
The best part about an advent wreath is the ritual of lighting candles week by week. Whether you do it alone as a moment of reflection, with your partner over dinner, or with family as part of a bigger tradition, that weekly marker helps you slow down during what’s usually a hectic season.
Some people read a poem or passage each week, some just light the candles and sit with them for a bit, some incorporate it into a meal. There’s no wrong way to do it.
Safety Note
Always put your wreath on a heat-safe surface, keep candles away from anything flammable, and never leave them burning unattended. Fresh greenery dries out over the month, so keep an eye on it and maybe mist it occasionally.
I’d love to know what you’re doing with your advent wreath this year! Are you going traditional or trying something new?