Do you struggle with getting the right look for your holiday garland? Well, I got some tips and techniques for you today to help you achieve a beautifully styled garland. Garlands can be draped in so many ways and places, injecting instant festive holiday vibes to any space. Come on in and lets talk about how to layer and style a holiday garland like a pro.
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Inspiration Behind the Garland Tutorial
My daughter recently helped me hang the garland over the living room picture window which frames our traditional, family Christmas Tree. We did a lot over Thanksgiving break while she was home from college, and I physically could not do all the things. She wanted to do the garland for me to relieve my stress so I walked her through the process. First of all she did an amazing job (she’s much more patient than I am). Two, she learned how to hang a garland like a pro. Three, I believe we might have created a new tradition. Since I taught my daughter, I thought I would share the process with you too.
This garland use to hang on our stair banister in our previous home, and I absolutely loved it. When we moved to our current home, which is a California ranch style home, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the garland since we didn’t have stairs anymore. Although, we wanted a ranch style home, I was sad we didn’t have a banister to decorate for Christmas. I quickly found the perfect spot for the garland over the picture window, and it has hung there every year since. Fast forward to today, and I am so grateful we have a ranch home. Stairs would be challenging and tricky for me to navigate now, and I feel like someone watched over me in this regard.
How To Layer and Style the Perfect Holiday Garland
To create a full and interesting garland design the magic lays in all the different layers. The layers should contrast each other enough to differentiate themselves, but at the same time compliment each other to blend in harmony. You can use the techniques I share here with any type of style or design aesthetic you prefer. The mechanics are the same regardless of the actual pieces and elements you choose.
Skeleton Garland
A foundation sets the stage for the garland display. For this project I actually use a super basic and inexpensive garland, which I embellish and bring to life with added elements and baubles. The trick is to fluff the garland so it’s full and ready to incorporate all the other pieces.
Since the location for the particular garland is on the picture window we have the window treatment hardware to help us in hanging it on each side plus a small nail in the middle of the molding anchors the center. I recommend the 3 or 5 pound Command hooks if you are hanging it on your mantel or over a doorway. I shared this technique in my recent mantel styling post.
I know there are many garland hanging specific gadgets in the market place, but I prefer to use command hooks. The hooks are super versatile. They can be removed after the holiday season and used again and again for other projects. I use them all the time during the year for seasonal wreaths, baskets and more.
Sparkly Lights
The lights is where the magic begins. Strands of Christmas lights are woven carefully throughout the foundation garland, adding sparkle and shine to the garland display.
The lights were woven to the garland once and always stay there. We store them like that and are ready to go every season when we take them out of the storage bin. This makes the process much easier and enjoyable. I do recommend testing the lights first before you start hanging the garland for the season. In the almost twenty years we have been living here I think I changed a strand of lights once.
Filler Greenery
Additional greenery brings the foundation garland to life. For this particular project I use two assorted holiday stems. One style is all greenery and the others are rustic berries. Besides floral stems, you can use seasonal picks or even layer another garland like I did on the mantle styling. For picks and stems, add them to the garland starting in the middle and facing out, which makes the branches always point inwards.
I bought the floral picks a gazillion years ago; like I said this garland use to hang in our old home. I purchased the floral picks from a local craft and seasonal store. Imagine a mom & pop Michaels or Hobby Lobby if you will. It was an amazing store, but it has gone out of business (the owners retired), and I miss it dearly. They had the best floral section and fabulous seasonal decor. It was also my go to when the kids were younger and would mentioned a school project, which was due the next day at 4pm…. but I digress. The point is, I included similar options in the shopping section for your convenience.
Decorative Accents
The decorative pieces is where you can really personalize the project. Include motifs that you enjoy for the season, putting your personal design stamp on the display. I included bells and dried orange slices this year, which are both on repeat around here for the holidays.
Other years I have included ornaments and icicles. Other options I’ve considered are old fashioned tinsel, stars, and snowflakes. The possibilities are truly endless and it’s the perfect opportunity to make the garland all yours.
Bows and Ribbons
Of course, nothing is really complete without a finishing bow. The fact that bows are on trend this year is just an added bonus. We included velvet bows on each corner, which tie into the mantel styling.
I considered including small bows all the way across the garland, which would be super pretty and fun; maybe next year. You can also include a big statement bow on each corner which would be super dramatic and elegant. Another idea would be to weave festive ribbon throughout the garland. Hmmm… another idea for next year. Speaking of statement bows, I have a project in the works with a big bow and mailbox styling coming your way. soon.
Decorating Pro Tip: By layering decor using different textures, colors and shapes adds interest, depth and movement to any styling.
Tips & Tricks for Styling & Layering a Holiday Garland
Although the actual base garland is not a glamorous piece, it creates the perfect foundation for all the Christmas goodness layered on top. All the layers add richness and fullness, achieving a fabulous display to enjoy all season long. You don’t have to spend on an expensive garland to achieve a stylish look.
When planning and designing the layers include different colors, shapes, textures, etc., which create depth, movement and interest across the garland styling. It goes without saying to use motifs and elements which speak to you and make you happy, regardless of trends or what your BFF is doing. Make it yours, take a seat and enjoy the Christmas magic.
If you want or need more garland styling tips you can see how I hung the mantel garland in this post {How to Decorate a Christmas Mantel with Neutral Brown Tones}. The steps are basically the same, but the elements are different creating a different feel.
The only thing not included on the mantel styling are lights. There isn’t an accessible plug, but fairy lights are always an option. I just read an article which recommended including an electrical outlet near a fireplace for this exact purpose. It’s food for thought if you are designing a new or renovating an old fire place.
Side Note: I apologize for the quality on some of the photographs in this post. The lighting is challenging in front of the large picture window, whether natural during the day or artificial at night.
Closing Thoughts
Much of Christmas is up, including both trees, mantel styling, foyer decor, and many projects, but there’s still much to do. I have a craft and another Christmas styling coming your way later in the week. I hope this garland tutorial helps or inspires you in some way for your own seasonal decor.
We all need to help and support each other during this nutty time of year. I did quite a bit of shopping on cyber Monday, but still have much more to do. Plus Christmas cards to design and tabletops and menus to organize and the list goes on. How is your holiday season going? Crazy, right? Remember to breathe and enjoy the holidays. It goes by quickly and it’s time to rejoice and revel in the reason for the season. Thanks for being here friends, I appreciate you.
Shopping the Perfect Garland Look
- Basic Green Garland
- Decorative Cedar Garland
- Artificial Pine Branches
- Faux Cédar Branches
- White Berry Stems
- Berry Pine Picks
- Brass Bell Garland
- Light Brown Velvet Bows
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Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
Charles Schulz