DIY Christmas Garland Ideas

Use garland in unexpected ways, such as winding it along a tabletop as a centerpiece. Place a runner underneath to ground the décor and keep scratches off the table. Choose a monochromatic color scheme for a simple, lovely display. If you want more color and texture, look for garland with multicolored ornaments, bows, berries or pine cones. Pre-lit garland brings a beautiful seasonal sparkle to the table.

Don’t neglect your staircase during the holidays. Whether it’s a staircase inside or outside, a banister or railing draped in gorgeous greenery sets an elegant scene full of holiday charm. It’s a beautiful and classic way to spread the Christmas spirit around your home.

Getting the holiday look you want requires the right mix of bold statements and small details. Coordinate garland with other Christmas décor, and run the garland over fireplace mantels and interior entryways to bathe the room in holiday color. Adornments like pinecones and berries and ornaments in various color schemes can complement different holiday themes for a cohesive look.

If you're up for it, you can create your own by adding ornaments, Christmas picks and other adornments to a plain garland. Or opt for pre-decorated garland so all you have to do is hang it up.

Hanging festive garland over a front doorway and along porch railings projects the warmth and joy of the season to guests approaching your home and those just passing by. It also ties together the look of other outdoor decorations, like matching wreaths. Pre-lit garland is always a great choice for outdoor decorating, allowing your home to be admired during the day and night.

Evergreen boughs covered in a dusting of snow is a picture of serenity and a classic representation of the season. For winter charm regardless of the weather, opt for flocked garland to mimic the look of snow. Pair the snow-kissed branches with traditional ornaments and classic white lights to draw out the warmth and nostalgia of the season.

With the holidays comes lots of cooking and baking, so why not give your kitchen a touch of Christmas charm?  Cabinet tops, range hoods and kitchen island countertops are perfect places to drape garland. Add to the look with small wreaths on cabinet fronts and even a Christmas tree, if space allows.

Flowers and other greenery are stunning alternatives to fir and holly and still add to your home’s festive flair for the season. For something different, try magnolia leaves or poinsettias. These garlands still give you the reds and greens for traditional holiday color while allowing you to switch from the typical pine boughs commonly used for Christmas decorating.

Try garlands like bead garland and string garland for an out-of-the-box element that’s just as festive. Use either of these along with evergreen garland draped along mantels or staircases or use it to embellish your Christmas tree. From red and green options and wooden beads to garland designed to look like peppermint candies and gumdrops, these strands create a look that adds to your home’s holiday appeal.

Wherever you decide to display your garland, make sure you secure it well, so it stays in place all season. Here are a few ways to attach garland that won’t cause damage.

Zip Ties - Use zip ties to attach festive garland to stair railings and banisters. Green zip ties are the obvious choice to blend in, and don’t forget to snip the ends to disguise them among the branches.

Command Hooks – Command hooks are a great way to secure garland around a doorway or archway, and they won’t leave any damage to your walls. Keep in mind that garland can be heavy, so choose larger hooks that can support more weight.

Ribbon – This attachment method is two-for-one: ribbons keep the garland in place while adding an extra decorative touch to the greenery. Choose a ribbon color that matches the overall theme of your décor to keep things cohesive.