One of the best things about the winter holidays is the snacks! We love to fill our bellies with delicious holiday treats. While we enjoy delectables, we can’t forget our airborne friends in the neighborhood, who like to snack just as much as we do!

Winter time can prove a little rough for our feathered friends, but you can help with this DIY bird feeder wreath!

What You’ll Need 

3 blocks of rendered suet (easily found in most garden centers), 9 cups birdseed, ½  cup of peanut butter, dried fruits and berries, large pot, bundt pan, and some string. 

The Ins and Outs

Begin by melting the suet in the large pot. Avoid turning the heat on too high and then stir consistently to be sure the suet doesn’t boil! When the suet has melted, mix in the half cup of peanut butter, and maybe even treat yourself to spoonful of that creamy treat! When the mixture is thoroughly combined, add in the bird seed and continue stirring. For the next step, you might require a kitchen assistant! Being sure to monitor the temperature of the mixture in the large pot, spray the inside of the bundt pan and create a layer with the dried fruits and berries. This is where you can practice your artistry. Place the berries and fruit intentionally in a pattern based on colors, and your wreath won’t just be functional; it will be pleasing to the eye as well! Finally, pour the mixture from the pot into the bundt pan. Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator to cool and harden completely. While you wait, go ahead and cut the string and stake a good spot for hanging the wreath! When the wreath is completely hardened in the pan, carefully turn it over. A small bump on the bottom of the pan should allow the wreath to pop out perfectly!!

Hanging Out 

Your new bird feeder wreath is now ready for hanging! Tie the string around the wreath and head outside to hang it! If you want to get creative, you can use some festive ribbon, or for a “floating” feeder, fishing line is also a great option! It’s best to hang the wreath at least 3 feet from the window. This will prevent birds from colliding with your window, a win for all involved! It may take a few days for “chirp” to get around, but as soon as the birds get wind of your friendly feeder, they’ll be frequenting your window. You’ll love the colorful feathers flocking to your window, but just remember, a bird feeder wreath made with suet is only a craft for cold weather. You’d like to say no thank you to rendered suet in the summer! For a summer friendly bird seed wreath, you can replace the suet with a packet of gelatin, 3 tablespoons of corn syrup, ¾ cup of flour, and ½ cup of warm water. The recipe is a bit more complicated, but if you’re up for a challenge, the sky’s the limit! 

Birds of a Feather 

If you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot some of winter’s most beautiful birds just outside your window! A northern cardinal, a bluejay, or the white-throated sparrow might just stop by for a snack! And don’t forget, one of these feeders is the perfect gift for the bird watching friend in your life!