Dried Herb Wreath for the Kitchen: How to Make One
A wreath of dried kitchen herbs is a simple, pretty craft. The key is to dry the herbs fully first and to hang the wreath where it is safe from heat, children and pets.
A wreath of dried herbs brings a bit of the garden into the kitchen, and it is easy to make with sprigs you already grow or buy.
Before you start, it is worth knowing where the real risks are. A dried wreath can catch fire, it can grow mold if it was not dry enough, and some herbs are harmful to pets. None of that is hard to manage, and this guide shows how.
Dry the herbs first
Illinois Extension describes the traditional method. Gently wash the herbs, dry them thoroughly on paper towels and remove any dead or damaged material. Tie them in loose bunches so air can circulate around each one, and hang them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of the sun. Drying can take up to a month.
Tray drying suits short-stemmed herbs and single leaves, so for a wreath it is better to use longer sprigs of about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) that you can dry in bunches. Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano are good, sturdy choices.
Dried Herb Wreath
You need
- wire or grapevine wreath ring, about 25 cm (10 inches) across1
- fully dried herb sprigs, 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) long, such as rosemary, thyme, sage and oreganoabout 30
- thin floral wire3 m (10 feet)
- twine or ribbon for the hanging loop40 cm (16 inches)
- pair of scissors or wire cutters1
Method
- Dry your herb sprigs in loose bunches until they are completely dry, as described above.
- Make small bundles of 3 to 4 sprigs and wire each bundle together near the cut ends.
- Wire the first bundle to the ring, wrapping the wire around the stems two or three times.
- Place the next bundle so its leaves cover the stems of the first, all pointing the same way, and wire it on.
- Keep going around the ring. Tuck the last bundle under the leaves of the first and secure it.
- Tie the twine to the back of the ring as a loop, check that everything is firm, and hang the wreath away from heat.
Tips
- Mix leaf shapes and colors, such as gray-green sage with fine thyme and stiff rosemary, for a fuller look.
- Fresh sprigs bend more easily than dry ones, but they hold moisture. If you wire them on fresh, hang the wreath somewhere warm and airy until it is completely dry, and check for any musty smell.
- Keep a separate pot of herbs for cooking. Do not use herbs from a wreath for food.
What the evidence says
There is very little research on herb wreaths themselves, so this guide relies on what reliable sources say about drying herbs, fire safety and mold. Do not expect a wreath to purify the air or do anything for your health. It is a decoration.
Mold matters because Mayo Clinic explains that in people with a mold allergy, mold spores can cause symptoms such as coughing and itchy eyes, and if the allergy is linked to asthma, exposure can restrict breathing. That is why the herbs must be completely dry before they go on the wreath. If you ever see fuzzy or dark patches or smell a musty odor, throw the wreath away.
Hang it where it is safe
Oklahoma State University Extension notes that dried decorations can easily catch fire and that all decorations should be kept away from open flames, fireplaces, vents, radiators and other heat sources. In a kitchen that means not above the cooktop, oven or toaster, and never near a candle.
The same source warns parents to watch for decorations with small pieces or ones that look like food. A wreath of culinary herbs can look edible, so hang it out of reach of small children. Pets need thought too. The ASPCA lists oregano, one of the herbs in this wreath, as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with mild vomiting and diarrhea as signs. If you have pets, hang the wreath well out of their reach, and look up every herb you plan to use in the ASPCA plant list.
Questions people ask
How long does a dried herb wreath last?
The sources we checked give no reliable figure. Check it regularly, and replace it when it looks dusty, faded or fragile, or if it ever smells musty.
Can I hang it above the stove?
It is better not to. Dried decorations can easily catch fire and should be kept away from open flames, vents and other heat sources, so choose a spot well away from the cooktop and oven.
How long should I dry the herbs before making the wreath?
Illinois Extension says air drying in loose bunches in a warm, dry, ventilated place out of the sun can take up to a month. Wait until the herbs are completely dry.
Sources
- Preserving (Herbs) — Illinois Extension, University of Illinois
- Avoiding fall, winter and holiday decorating hazards — Oklahoma State University Extension
- Mold allergy: Symptoms and causes — Mayo Clinic
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Oregano — ASPCA
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
