Make a Beautiful Modern Advent Wreath in 5 easy minutes!

Making an advent wreath for modern Christmas decor is simple with this quick DIY using items you already have in the house.

Well hi there!!  There’s definitely a chill in the air now so it’s more fun to put together a quick holiday DIY.  We’ve always had advent wreaths in the churches we attend but I’ve never put one in our home until now. 

It’s a great reminder for the kids and us to remember why we celebrate Christmas.  So turn on some Christmas music and make yourself a hot beverage and I’ll show you how to make a modern eclectic homemade advent wreath.

DIY Modern Advent Wreath

If you are new here, we are a military family living overseas. This is our second Christmas in a traditional Japanese rental house in Iwakuni, Japan. I have loved learning about the Japanese culture and experiencing it in our house while I still infuse our personal decorating style in a renter-friendly and cost-effective way.

Here’s what you need for a minimalist homemade advent wreath:

• 4 miniature candles in the same color family or traditional advent colors, 3 pink and 1 purple (grab from the dollar store if you don’t have them!)
• 1 white pillar candle
• A small tray, plate, or basket
• Faux greenery repurposed from what you have
• (optional) Egg cups or other small dishes that can hold the miniature candles

The days are coming, ’declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.  –Jeremiah 33:14-16  hope candle

How to make a minimalist modern advent wreath:

• Use faux greenery (traditionally evergreens) to form a wreath shape in your tray. I used faux fern garland with a few fake succulents I had in my floral stash. They originally came from the Japanese dollar store (100 Yen Store).
• Prop up four mini candles by placing them in decorative egg cups or other small dish.  Alternatively you can set them in candle holders are directly on the tray.
• If they end up being the same height as your white pillar candle, use a small dish to elevate the center candle. I used a small planter dish for mine.

In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.  –Isaiah 40:3-5  peace candle

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.  -Isaiah 9:6-7  joy candle

And that’s it!   A DIY advent wreath in 5 minutes.  My kind of holiday decor!  Aren’t the blues and greens pretty? The minimalist look is perfect for our current living situation.

‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.   -Luke 2:10-14   peace candle

I’m really excited to make this a yearly family tradition!

Check out a more traditional DIY advent wreath I made with an evergreen wreath, candle holder, and velvet ribbon!

Q&A DIY Advent Wreaths

How do you make a homemade Advent wreath? Add evergreen stems to a wreath form laying flat on a surface until it is completely covered. Secure stems in place with hot glue. Place four candle pads evenly spaced around the wreath. Decorate with gold stars, dried floral, or other themes if you wish. Place a candle on each candle pad and display the advent wreath where your entire family can enjoy it.

How do you make a dollar store Advent wreath? Find necessary items at your local dollar store. Many offer a small grapevine or styrofoam wreath form, craft hot glue gun or craft glue, moss, evergreen stems, and other seasonal floral to decorate the wreath. Don’t forget 4 tea, miniature, pillar, or taper candles and holders. You can also purchase a decorated wreath if available and add candles.

What is the correct order of Advent candles? Light a purple candle the first Sunday of Advent, the second one on the next Sunday, and the third on the following Sunday. Light all three pink and one purple candle on the final Sunday of Advent. Light a white candle in the center on Christmas Eve.

What is the meaning of the Advent wreath? Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreens like pine and holly which symbolize eternal life or God’s unending love. It is believed that the holly leaves represent Jesus’ crown of thorns and little red berries symbolize drops of blood. The Advent wreath is used as a time of preparation leading up to the birth of Jesus with four candles representing hope, love, joy, and peace, lit in that order.

Read more about the meaning of the Advent wreath and find a cute paper Advent wreath craft.

Take a look at our Christmas home tour this year for modern Christmas decorating ideas!

Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, DIYs, decorating tips, room tours, and home inspiration. I’ll see you over there!

Have you made any holiday DIYs this season? Head over to the winter holidays, DIYs, and decor page for more articles and resources!

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