It’s that magical time of year again when the air is crisp, the scent of pine fills the room, and festive decorations bring joy to every corner of your home. Christmas garland is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use Christmas decorations that can elevate your holiday decor. Whether you’re a seasoned home decor enthusiast or new to holiday decorating, garlands offer endless possibilities to add a touch of Christmas charm to your living space.
This post will show you how to creatively decorate with Christmas garland in various areas of your home, for the holiday season. We’ll explore how to adorn your mantel, entryway, tables, windows, stairway, exterior doors, and more. You’ll discover tips on using pre-lit garland for added sparkle, utilizing command hooks for easy installation, and incorporating festive elements like ribbons, ball ornaments, and pine cones for that extra festive touch. Let’s get started on decking the halls!
Decorating your Mantel with Garland
The fireplace mantel is often the focal point of any living room, making it a prime location for showcasing your Christmas garland. Start by choosing a pre-lit garland to effortlessly add a warm glow to your mantelpiece. The twinkling lights will create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for cozy winter evenings.
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I love how real this King Nobel Fir Collection by King of Christmas looks. The mini lights are the perfect amount of glow. I am sharing the few different areas in my home where I have used this 4 piece garland set.
To secure your garland, use command hooks or garland hangers. They are easy to remove and won’t damage your mantel surface. Get creative with your garland by adding ribbons, bows, wooden beads, and orange slices, for a more traditional look. Change it up with a more dramatic effect by using silver ornaments, crystals, and tinsel. I like to use items that will last beyond Christmas and into winter like snowflakes and pine cones. This way I can still have the warm cozy feel well beyond the Christmas season.
The key to a beautifully decorated mantel is balance. Your end needs a high focal point, which is the windows and wreath on this mantel. Followed by placing items that make your eye naturally flow down. With these simple steps, your mantel will become the centerpiece of your holiday decor, drawing admiration from all who enter your home.
Adding Garland to an Entryway or Wall Shelf
Your home’s entryway sets the tone for guests as they arrive, making it an ideal spot to display your festive garland. Consider draping a garland along a wall shelf or around your entryway mirror. This will add warmth and cheer to your entrance, greeting visitors with a festive flair.
I used the same 4-piece garland set at my back door entryway. A pre-lit garland is a fantastic choice for the entryway as well. It adds an inviting glow, especially during evening gatherings. I use a timer that automatically turns on and off the garland. Secure the garland with floral wire or zip ties for a secure fit that can withstand those high-traffic areas.
For an extra festive touch, incorporate ornaments or bulbs that reflect light and add sparkle. Ribbon can also be used to tie the garland into your overall holiday color scheme. Another option is adding family photos or small Christmas cards clipped onto the garland, creating a personalized welcome for your guests. Remember, the entryway is the first impression of your home, so make it count by infusing it with holiday spirit.
Using Christmas Garland for the perfect Tablescape
Tables are more than just functional pieces of furniture; they can be transformed into stunning displays with the right decorations. Use garland to create a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table, entryway table, or serving buffet. It’s an excellent way to bring the holiday spirit to where family and friends gather.
Start with a narrow garland that runs along the length of the table. Pre-lit options are not always feasible to use on a dining table, as you have to deal with the cord dropping off the table in order to plug it in. I was able to easily run mine off the end of the table and attach it to the leg in order to hide the extension cord. It works for the everyday display, however I would not use it when we have guests and use the table for dining.
Once your garland is in position, consider adding decorative elements such as gold candlesticks, serving bowls filled with ornaments, dried fruits, and pine cones. You can also weave in ribbon in complementary colors to tie the look together. Place candle holders at intervals along the garland for a sophisticated touch, ensuring they are safe and secure.
Remember, simplicity often speaks volumes. I like to keep our dining table simple as we currently use it every day to eat dinner. A well-decorated table with a garland can make your holiday meals feel extra special, creating cherished memories with loved ones.
Draping Garland Over Mirrors and Windows
Mirrors are another favorite place to drape Christmas garland. Mirrors can be a surprising yet effective place to display Christmas garlands. The reflective surface enhances the twinkling lights and decorative elements, making the garland seem even more magical.
I typically like to use a wreath in the center of the mirror and drape the garland around the outside. I ran out of time to display the King Noble Garland set on my entryway mirror. However, Rosie from LiterallyRose gave me permission to share the Yorkshire Fir Set she used on her mirror and it is stunning.
She used a few simple bows on the mini trees, the wreath as well as the garland.
Windows also provides a unique opportunity to showcase your garland both inside and outside your home. By draping garland over windows, you add a festive element that’s visible to passersby while enhancing the coziness indoors.
Start by measuring the width of your window and selecting a garland that fits the space. A pre-lit garland is ideal for windows as it illuminates your home from within. Use command hooks to secure the garland above the window frame, or wrap around a decorative curtain rod, allowing the garland to naturally drape along the sides.
Consider adding artificial snow spray on the windows to give the appearance of a frosty winter wonderland. This setup not only adds beauty to your home but also shares your holiday cheer with the world outside.
Also don’t forget you can also add the artificial garland around door frames in those rooms that need some Christmas cheer.
Using Garland for Stairway and Banisters
Stairways and banisters offer a dramatic canvas for holiday decorating. A tastefully adorned staircase banister can make a grand statement and elevate the festive atmosphere of your entire home.
Begin by selecting a faux pine garland that complements your home’s interior design. For staircases, longer garlands work best as they can be wrapped around banisters or draped elegantly along the railing. You may even need to use 2 separate pieces. Use zip ties or floral wire to secure the garland at regular intervals, ensuring it stays in place as family members move up and down the stairs.
Adding lights to your stairway garland creates a magical glow that enhances the holiday ambiance. Consider weaving ribbon, berry stems, magnolia leaves, or tinsel through the garland for added texture. Stair railings and banisters are a great place to hang small stockings placing them at intervals along the banister.
Decorating stairways requires attention to detail, so take your time ensuring the garland is evenly spaced and secure. The result will be a stunning visual centerpiece that welcomes guests and family members with style.
Festive Exterior Doors
Don’t forget about your home’s exterior! Decorating the front door with green garland is a classic way to spread holiday cheer to neighbors and visitors. It’s like rolling out a festive welcome mat for everyone who drives by or comes to your door.
Choose a weather-resistant garland to withstand the elements. Pre-lit garlands work well here, providing a warm glow to greet guests during evening visits. Secure the garland around the doorframe using nails placed along the exterior doorframe. If your home has vinyl siding, use outdoor command hooks that are designed for outdoor durability.
I like to keep the outdoor garland simple by just adding a few elements like ribbons, faux eucalyptus, bows, bells, or even a festive matching wreath in the center of the door. Another way to add natural elements to the outside decor is by using fresh greenery and red berries. Your guest will think it is a real garland. This creates a cohesive look that ties in with your overall holiday theme. The front door is often the first impression of your holiday decor, so make it a memorable one.
Conclusion
Decorating with Christmas garland offers endless possibilities to transform your home into a festive haven. Whether adorning your mantel, entryway, table, windows, stairway, exterior doors, or mirrors, garland adds warmth, charm, and a touch of magic to your holiday decor.
Remember to incorporate personal touches like ribbons, ornaments, and festive scents to make your garland truly unique. With pre-lit options available, adding sparkle and glow has never been easier.
Now that you’re armed with these creative ideas, it’s time to get started on decking your halls. Gather your supplies, put on some holiday music, and enjoy the process of creating a winter wonderland in your own home.
DeDe Bailey
DeDe Bailey is the artistic mastermind behind Designed Décor and The Puzzle Table. With a rich background in home décor retail, she has transformed her website into a platform driven by a profound passion for helping individuals craft spaces they adore. As a self-taught furniture painting artist and thrift decorator, she loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to beautify their homes through furniture painting and thrifting. When she isn’t sharing her wisdom on the Designed Décor blog, DeDe is occupied with showcasing her ingenious jigsaw puzzle table design and expanding her short-term rental located in NE Ohio.
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Sarah Addison says
Christmas garlands add such a festive touch to any space! They’re so versatile, whether draped along the mantel, wrapped around the staircase, or placed on a dining table. The best part is how they instantly make a home feel cozier and more inviting for the holiday season.